U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are playing a dangerous game of brinkmanship.

North Korea got the world&rsquo;s attention &ndash; and Trump&rsquo;s &ndash; when it <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-missile-icbm-pentagon-trump-not-seen-before-a7825541.html">successfully launched</a> an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time on July 4. In response, the United Nations <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-imposes-new-sanctions-on-north-korea-following-missile-tests/2017/08/05/dc382962-7a29-11e7-8f39-eeb7d3a2d304_story.html">approved new economic sanctions</a> against North Korea which, predictably, inspired a bellicose response from the rogue regime.

Trump <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/08/08/north-korea-trump-ratchet-up-tension-with-threats-fire-hours-apart.html">threatened</a> that further provocations will be met with &ldquo;fire and fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.&rdquo;

In response, North Korea issued a threat of its own &ndash; <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-korea-says-seriously-considering-plan-strike-guam-222757124.html">missile strikes</a> on the U.S. territory of Guam.

With tensions escalating, it is important to be realistic about how we can get out of this mess.

In short, any non-military solution will rely on China choosing to apply its massive economic leverage over the North Korean regime. This is a point that Trump clearly recognizes. In July, he tweeted that Chinese trade with North Korea &ldquo;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/882560030884716544">rose 40 per cent in the first quarter</a>,&rdquo; highlighting China&rsquo;s reluctance to punish North Korea for its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

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Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/882560030884716544">5 July 2017</a></blockquote>
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While the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/07/05/the-messy-data-behind-chinas-growing-trade-with-north-korea/?utm_term=.41435ab3f758">poor quality of the data</a> hinders a detailed analysis, Trump&rsquo;s overall sentiment is correct. China has increased its trade with North Korea in recent years and done little to forestall North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions besides backing the most recent round of U.N. sanctions. China&rsquo;s foremost objective seems to be promoting greater stability from its volatile neighbor.

Yet a quick look at the data, however murky, shows just how much leverage China has if it wishes to use it.

In general, exports from one country to another <a href="http://www.cepii.fr/pdf_pub/wp/2013/wp2013-27.pdf" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">can be mostly explained</a> by the distance between them and the sizes of their markets, a pattern that holds for China and North Korea.

Geographically, they share a long border, which makes China a natural, though not inevitable, partner for trade. As a case in point, North Korea also shares a long border with South Korea, but these countries have almost no trade between them. In addition, North Korea shares a small border with Russia, with whom it has little, though ever-increasing, trade, as I discuss below.

China&rsquo;s large market, proximity and &ndash; most importantly &ndash; willingness to trade with North Korea has led to a situation in which North Korea has become highly dependent on trade with what has become its primary patron. <a href="http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/prk/">About half</a> of North Korean exports and imports go directly to and from China and most of the rest of its trade is handled indirectly by Chinese middlemen.

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North Korea&rsquo;s dependence on its neighbor has grown hand-in-hand with China&rsquo;s increasing economic dominance of East Asia, which gained momentum 15 years ago when China <a href="https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/china_e.htm">joined the World Trade Organization</a>. Since then, both Chinese gross domestic product, as well as its annual trade with North Korea, have increased nearly tenfold, to around <a href="http://data.worldbank.org/country/china">US$11 trillion</a> and <a href="http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/prk/">$6 billion</a>, respectively.

North Korea <a href="http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/visualize/tree_map/hs92/export/chn/prk/show/2015/">imports nearly everything</a> from China, from rubber tires to refined petroleum to pears, with no single category dominating. Meanwhile, <a href="http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/visualize/tree_map/hs92/import/chn/prk/show/2015/">coal constitutes about 40 per cent</a> of North Korean exports to China, followed by &ldquo;non-knit men&rsquo;s coats.&rdquo;

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Time to use that leverage?

However, recent events &ndash; such as the use of front companies by Chinese firms to <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear-usa-idUSKCN11W1SL">evade sanctions</a> imposed on North Korea and China&rsquo;s <a href="http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/01/05/2017010501412.html">reluctance to cut off</a> energy supplies to the country &ndash; have led to some uncertainty about the extent to which China is willing to use this economic leverage to rein in North Korea&rsquo;s military ambitions.

On one hand, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/world/asia/north-korea-china-coal-imports-suspended.html">China claims</a> that coal imports from North Korea have recently been stopped as part of an effort to punish the regime for recent missile tests and the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/20/asia/kim-jong-nam-death-timeline/index.html">suspected assassination of Kim Jong-nam</a>, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-makes-kim-jong-un-tick-77143">Kim Jong Un</a>. If true, this would be an important signal of China&rsquo;s willingness to support U.S. concerns about the missile program as it would represent a loss of <a href="http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/prk/">about a third</a> ($930 million) of North Korea&rsquo;s import revenue.

However, there is evidence that coal shipments in fact <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/07/05/trump_tried_to_make_china_to_do_his_bidding_against_north_korea_and_is_shocked.html">never ceased</a>. And, in any case, China <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/07/05/the-messy-data-behind-chinas-growing-trade-with-north-korea/?utm_term=.41435ab3f758">may have dramatically increased</a> its imports of iron ore from North Korea to offset the lost coal revenues.

This is consistent with the idea that China carefully considers the resources and revenue that are available to the North Korean regime at any moment, and uses trade as a lever to control them. In this way, China walks a fine line between providing too many resources, and thus allowing the regime to prosper, and not enough resources, such that North Korea is in danger of collapsing. Ultimately, trade may be used as a lever to do some light scolding, but China&rsquo;s overwhelming concern is preventing North Korea&rsquo;s collapse.

Further evidence that China has tight control over the North Korean economy comes from <a href="https://c4ads.org/reports/">a recent report</a> from <a href="https://c4ads.org">C4ADS</a>. The research group found close, and often common, ownership ties between most of the major Chinese companies who do business with North Korea. This suggests that trade with North Korea is highly centralized and thus easily controlled.

Russia: North Korea&rsquo;s other &lsquo;friend&rsquo;

China is not the only country that North Korea trades with, though the others currently pale in comparison. Other top export destinations include India ($97.8 million), Pakistan ($43.1 million) and Burkina Faso ($32.8 million). In terms of imports, India ($108 million), Russia ($78.3 million) and Thailand ($73.8 million) currently sell the most to North Korea.

Russia, in particular, may soon complicate <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nikki-haley-says-u-s-will-propose-tougher-sanctions-against-north-korea/">U.S. efforts to isolate the regime</a>. While still small, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/05/russia-boosts-trade-north-korea-china-cuts/102389824/">Russian trade with North Korea increased</a> 73 per cent over the first two months of 2017 compared with the same period of the previous year.

But whereas China is legitimately worried that an economic crisis in North Korea could lead to a flood of refugees or all-out war, Russia likely sees engagement with North Korea in much simpler terms, namely as an additional way to gain geopolitical advantage relative to the U.S.

A way out?

Nearly all experts agree that there is no easy way to &ldquo;solve&rdquo; the North Korea problem. However, one plausible approach is to encourage South Korea and Japan to begin to develop nuclear weapons programs of their own and to only discontinue these programs if China takes meaningful steps to use its trade with North Korea to reign in the regime.

Threatening to introduce new nuclear powers to the world is clearly risky, however stable and peaceful South Korea and Japan currently are. But China is highly averse to having these economic and political rivals acquire nuclear capabilities, as it would threaten China&rsquo;s ongoing pursuit of regional control. In short, this is a sensitive pressure point that could be used to sway the Chinese leadership.

One way or another, China must become convinced that the costs of propping up the North Korean regime through trade are higher than the costs of an increased probability that the regime will collapse.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/china-is-the-key-to-avoiding-nuclear-fire-and-fury-in-north-korea-82257">original article</a>.

China has increased its trade with North Korea in recent years and done little to forestall North Korea?s nuclear ambitions.

U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are playing a dangerous game of brinkmanship. North Korea got the world’s attention – and Trump’s – when it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time on July 4. In response, the United Nations approved new economic sanctions against North Korea which, predictably, inspired a bellicose response from the rogue regime. Trump threatened that further provocations will be met with “fire and fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.” In response, North Korea issued a threat of its own – missile strikes on the U.S. territory of Guam. With tensions escalating, it is important to be realistic about how we can get out of this mess. In short, any non-military solution will rely on China choosing to apply its massive economic leverage over the North Korean regime. This is a point that Trump clearly recognizes. In July, he tweeted that Chinese trade with North Korea “rose 40 per cent in the first quarter,” highlighting China’s reluctance to punish North Korea for its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 5 July 2017 × While the poor quality of the data hinders a detailed analysis, Trump’s overall sentiment is correct. China has increased its trade with North Korea in recent years and done little to forestall North Korea’s nuclear ambitions besides backing the most recent round of U.N. sanctions. China’s foremost objective seems to be promoting greater stability from its volatile neighbor. Yet a quick look at the data, however murky, shows just how much leverage China has if it wishes to use it. In general, exports from one country to another can be mostly explained by the distance between them and the sizes of their markets, a pattern that holds for China and North Korea. Geographically, they share a long border, which makes China a natural, though not inevitable, partner for trade. As a case in point, North Korea also shares a long border with South Korea, but these countries have almost no trade between them. In addition, North Korea shares a small border with Russia, with whom it has little, though ever-increasing, trade, as I discuss below. China’s large market, proximity and – most importantly – willingness to trade with North Korea has led to a situation in which North Korea has become highly dependent on trade with what has become its primary patron. About half of North Korean exports and imports go directly to and from China and most of the rest of its trade is handled indirectly by Chinese middlemen. North Korea’s dependence on its neighbor has grown hand-in-hand with China’s increasing economic dominance of East Asia, which gained momentum 15 years ago when China joined the World Trade Organization. Since then, both Chinese gross domestic product, as well as its annual trade with North Korea, have increased nearly tenfold, to around US$11 trillion and $6 billion, respectively. North Korea imports nearly everything from China, from rubber tires to refined petroleum to pears, with no single category dominating. Meanwhile, coal constitutes about 40 per cent of North Korean exports to China, followed by “non-knit men’s coats.” Time to use that leverage? However, recent events – such as the use of front companies by Chinese firms to evade sanctions imposed on North Korea and China’s reluctance to cut off energy supplies to the country – have led to some uncertainty about the extent to which China is willing to use this economic leverage to rein in North Korea’s military ambitions. On one hand, China claims that coal imports from North Korea have recently been stopped as part of an effort to punish the regime for recent missile tests and the suspected assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. If true, this would be an important signal of China’s willingness to support U.S. concerns about the missile program as it would represent a loss of about a third ($930 million) of North Korea’s import revenue. However, there is evidence that coal shipments in fact never ceased. And, in any case, China may have dramatically increased its imports of iron ore from North Korea to offset the lost coal revenues. This is consistent with the idea that China carefully considers the resources and revenue that are available to the North Korean regime at any moment, and uses trade as a lever to control them. In this way, China walks a fine line between providing too many resources, and thus allowing the regime to prosper, and not enough resources, such that North Korea is in danger of collapsing. Ultimately, trade may be used as a lever to do some light scolding, but China’s overwhelming concern is preventing North Korea’s collapse. Further evidence that China has tight control over the North Korean economy comes from a recent report from C4ADS. The research group found close, and often common, ownership ties between most of the major Chinese companies who do business with North Korea. This suggests that trade with North Korea is highly centralized and thus easily controlled. Russia: North Korea’s other ‘friend’ China is not the only country that North Korea trades with, though the others currently pale in comparison. Other top export destinations include India ($97.8 million), Pakistan ($43.1 million) and Burkina Faso ($32.8 million). In terms of imports, India ($108 million), Russia ($78.3 million) and Thailand ($73.8 million) currently sell the most to North Korea. Russia, in particular, may soon complicate U.S. efforts to isolate the regime. While still small, Russian trade with North Korea increased 73 per cent over the first two months of 2017 compared with the same period of the previous year. But whereas China is legitimately worried that an economic crisis in North Korea could lead to a flood of refugees or all-out war, Russia likely sees engagement with North Korea in much simpler terms, namely as an additional way to gain geopolitical advantage relative to the U.S. A way out? Nearly all experts agree that there is no easy way to “solve” the North Korea problem. However, one plausible approach is to encourage South Korea and Japan to begin to develop nuclear weapons programs of their own and to only discontinue these programs if China takes meaningful steps to use its trade with North Korea to reign in the regime. Threatening to introduce new nuclear powers to the world is clearly risky, however stable and peaceful South Korea and Japan currently are. But China is highly averse to having these economic and political rivals acquire nuclear capabilities, as it would threaten China’s ongoing pursuit of regional control. In short, this is a sensitive pressure point that could be used to sway the Chinese leadership. One way or another, China must become convinced that the costs of propping up the North Korean regime through trade are higher than the costs of an increased probability that the regime will collapse. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

China is the key to avoiding nuclear 'fire and fury' in North Korea

The United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, but only on the understanding that it can never be a nuclear power, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department days after Pyongyang tested its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Tillerson reiterated that Washington sought to persuade North Korea to give up its missile and nuclear weapons programs through peaceful pressure.

&quot;We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel,&quot; Tillerson said.

&quot;We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them.&quot;

However, &quot;a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the (U.S.) homeland,&quot; he said.

North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and U.S. officials said the latest test had shown it may now be able to reach most of the country.

Tillerson repeated calls for North Korea&#39;s neighbour and ally China, which has urged a resumption of talks with Pyongyang, to use its influence to create the conditions for &quot;productive dialogue.&quot;

He said other options were &quot;not particularly attractive.&quot;

President Donald Trump&#39;s administration has said all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones. However, given the potential for massive casualties from North Korean retaliation in allied South Korea and Japan and among U.S. troops there, it has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution.

Earlier on Tuesday, a leading Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, said Trump had told him he was willing to go to war with North Korea &quot;if they continued to try to hit America with an ICBM.&quot;

&quot;He&#39;s told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically,&quot; he said on NBC&#39;s &quot;Today Show.&quot;

&quot;There is a military option: To destroy North Korea&#39;s programme and North Korea itself,&quot; Graham said. &quot;I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top.&quot;

Asked about Graham&#39;s remarks, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders reiterated that the administration was &quot;keeping all options on the table.&quot;

'We are not your enemy... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond,' Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said

The United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, but only on the understanding that it can never be a nuclear power, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at the State Department days after Pyongyang tested its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Tillerson reiterated that Washington sought to persuade North Korea to give up its missile and nuclear weapons programs through peaceful pressure. "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," Tillerson said. "We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." However, "a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the (U.S.) homeland," he said. North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and U.S. officials said the latest test had shown it may now be able to reach most of the country. Tillerson repeated calls for North Korea's neighbour and ally China, which has urged a resumption of talks with Pyongyang, to use its influence to create the conditions for "productive dialogue." He said other options were "not particularly attractive." President Donald Trump's administration has said all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones. However, given the potential for massive casualties from North Korean retaliation in allied South Korea and Japan and among U.S. troops there, it has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. Earlier on Tuesday, a leading Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, said Trump had told him he was willing to go to war with North Korea "if they continued to try to hit America with an ICBM." "He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically," he said on NBC's "Today Show." "There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's programme and North Korea itself," Graham said. "I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top." Asked about Graham's remarks, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders reiterated that the administration was "keeping all options on the table."

US to North Korea: Let's talk, 'at some point'

A Republican senator said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has told him he would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile.

Influential lawmaker Lindsey Graham, a foreign policy hawk, told NBC&#39;s Today Show: &quot;There is a military option: To destroy North Korea&#39;s program and North Korea itself.&quot;

Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that his country could now strike any target in the United States after carrying out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test.

World powers have been trying to stifle Pyongyang&#39;s weapons program through United Nations-backed sanctions, but have failed to daunt the regime and Washington is growing frustrated.

Graham said that if diplomacy, and in particular pressure from the North&#39;s neighbor China, fails to halt the program then the United States will have no choice but to take devastating military action.

&quot;They&#39;ve kicked the can down the road for 20 years. There will be a war with North Korea over the missile program if they continue to try to hit America with an ICBM,&quot; he said, describing his discussions with Trump.&nbsp;

&quot;He&#39;s told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically.&nbsp;

&quot;I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top.&quot;

Influential lawmaker Lindsey Graham, a foreign policy hawk said that Donald Trump has told him he would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile

A Republican senator said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has told him he would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile. Influential lawmaker Lindsey Graham, a foreign policy hawk, told NBC's Today Show: "There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself." Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that his country could now strike any target in the United States after carrying out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test. World powers have been trying to stifle Pyongyang's weapons program through United Nations-backed sanctions, but have failed to daunt the regime and Washington is growing frustrated. Graham said that if diplomacy, and in particular pressure from the North's neighbor China, fails to halt the program then the United States will have no choice but to take devastating military action. "They've kicked the can down the road for 20 years. There will be a war with North Korea over the missile program if they continue to try to hit America with an ICBM," he said, describing his discussions with Trump. "He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically. "I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top."

US senator says Trump ready for war with North Korea

The US envoy to the United Nations said Sunday said there was &quot;no point&quot; in holding a likely fruitless emergency Security Council session on North Korea&#39;s latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

Warning that a weak additional council resolution would be &quot;worse than nothing&quot; in light of the North&#39;s repeated violations, Nikki Haley also urged China, Japan and South Korea to tighten the screws on Pyongyang.

Speculation had been rife that Washington would seek an emergency session of the Security Council, but Haley shot down such suggestions, stating simply: &quot;That is mistaken.&quot;

&quot;There is no point in having an emergency session if it produces nothing of consequence,&quot; Haley said in a statement, noting that the North violates &quot;with impunity&quot; the numerous Security Council resolutions to which it is subjected.

&quot;An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value.

&quot;In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him,&quot; Haley added.

Current UN resolutions bar North Korea from developing any ballistic missile-related and nuclear technology, but Pyongyang has defiantly pressed on with its military programs.

Under Kim Jong-Un&#39;s leadership, North Korea has accelerated its drive towards a credible nuclear strike capability, in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of UN sanctions. The US Senate passed new bipartisan sanctions on Pyongyang Friday.

In all, six sets of UN sanctions have been imposed on North Korea since it first tested an atomic device in 2006, but two resolutions adopted last year significantly toughened the sanctions regime.

&quot;China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step. The time for talk is over,&quot; Haley said.

In an earlier tweet, she pressed China to &quot;act&quot; and Japan and South Korea to increase &quot;pressure,&quot; stressing that the North Korean issue requires an international solution.

'There is no point in having an emergency session if it produces nothing of consequence,' US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said in a statement

The US envoy to the United Nations said Sunday said there was "no point" in holding a likely fruitless emergency Security Council session on North Korea's latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile Warning that a weak additional council resolution would be "worse than nothing" in light of the North's repeated violations, Nikki Haley also urged China, Japan and South Korea to tighten the screws on Pyongyang. Speculation had been rife that Washington would seek an emergency session of the Security Council, but Haley shot down such suggestions, stating simply: "That is mistaken." "There is no point in having an emergency session if it produces nothing of consequence," Haley said in a statement, noting that the North violates "with impunity" the numerous Security Council resolutions to which it is subjected. "An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value. "In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him," Haley added. Current UN resolutions bar North Korea from developing any ballistic missile-related and nuclear technology, but Pyongyang has defiantly pressed on with its military programs. Under Kim Jong-Un's leadership, North Korea has accelerated its drive towards a credible nuclear strike capability, in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of UN sanctions. The US Senate passed new bipartisan sanctions on Pyongyang Friday. In all, six sets of UN sanctions have been imposed on North Korea since it first tested an atomic device in 2006, but two resolutions adopted last year significantly toughened the sanctions regime. "China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step. The time for talk is over," Haley said. In an earlier tweet, she pressed China to "act" and Japan and South Korea to increase "pressure," stressing that the North Korean issue requires an international solution.

'No point' in urgent UN meeting after North Korea missile launch: US

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday&#39;s ICBM test had made &quot;the world a more dangerous place&quot;.

But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days.

&quot;Make no mistake, North Korea&#39;s launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation,&quot; Haley warned.

Hailey added that Pyongyang&#39;s actions were &quot;quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution&quot;.

In response to North Korea&rsquo;s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday.

&quot;The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies,&quot; Haley said.

&quot;One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction.&quot;

Hailey said the US&rsquo; focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions.

But everyone didn&rsquo;t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that &ldquo;sanctions will not resolve the issue&rdquo;.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing&#39;s alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea&#39;s missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. &nbsp;

&quot;China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard,&quot; Liu said.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea said Tuesday's ICBM test had made 'the world a more dangerous place'

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises. At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday's ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place". But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days. "Make no mistake, North Korea's launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation," Haley warned. Hailey added that Pyongyang's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution". In response to North Korea’s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday. "The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies," Haley said. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction." Hailey said the US’ focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions. But everyone didn’t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that “sanctions will not resolve the issue”. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing's alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. "China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Liu said.

Will use military force on North Korea if we must: US

US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart held talks Thursday on how to halt North Korea&#39;s nuclear drive, but remained at odds over whether to isolate or engage the Pyongyang regime.

Trump welcomed the newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In to the White House for a formal dinner that preceded the heavier lifting that was to come later in the evening during talks on what to do about their ongoing standoff with the North.

&quot;We&#39;re going to have tremendous discussions tonight,&quot; Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon.

Members of Trump&#39;s cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room. &nbsp;

&quot;I know you&#39;ve been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and we&rsquo;ll be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening,&quot; Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang&#39;s main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line.

But speaking on board his flight to the United States Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

&quot;Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is&nbsp;a complete nuclear dismantlement,&quot; he added.

The visit is the first since Moon&#39;s resounding election victory just a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

The day commenced Thursday with Moon being received by congressional leaders.&nbsp;

Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing &quot;strong&quot; bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out.

&quot;We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea,&quot; Ryan told Moon.

The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, &quot;we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one.&quot;

Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker.

Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday.

Washington, South Korea&#39;s security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon&#39;s inauguration.&nbsp;

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility.

Washington and Seoul &quot;share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programs,&quot; a senior US administration official said.

&quot;That is the hard challenge that we have been wrestling with for a couple of decades now.&quot;

Trump seeks to heap economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang &quot;in order to change their calculus,&quot; the official said.&nbsp;

&quot;Right now we see no evidence that they are seeking to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons or ballistic missile technology.&quot;

Also expected to be high on the agenda is a controversial US missile defense system that has been installed in South Korea to guard against missile threats from the North.

Though parts of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are already in place, Moon suspended further deployment following a furious campaign of economic sanctions and diplomatic protests by Beijing.&nbsp;

The newly-elected South Korean President was at the White House on Thursday to attend a formal dinner with Trump

US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart held talks Thursday on how to halt North Korea's nuclear drive, but remained at odds over whether to isolate or engage the Pyongyang regime. Trump welcomed the newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In to the White House for a formal dinner that preceded the heavier lifting that was to come later in the evening during talks on what to do about their ongoing standoff with the North. "We're going to have tremendous discussions tonight," Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon. Members of Trump's cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room. "I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and we’ll be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump said. Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program. The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang's main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line. But speaking on board his flight to the United States Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports. "Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze," he said. "A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement," he added. The visit is the first since Moon's resounding election victory just a few weeks ago. The day commenced Thursday with Moon being received by congressional leaders. Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing "strong" bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out. "We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea," Ryan told Moon. The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one." Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker. Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday. Washington, South Korea's security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon's inauguration. Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States. Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility. Washington and Seoul "share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said. "That is the hard challenge that we have been wrestling with for a couple of decades now." Trump seeks to heap economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang "in order to change their calculus," the official said. "Right now we see no evidence that they are seeking to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons or ballistic missile technology." Also expected to be high on the agenda is a controversial US missile defense system that has been installed in South Korea to guard against missile threats from the North. Though parts of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are already in place, Moon suspended further deployment following a furious campaign of economic sanctions and diplomatic protests by Beijing.

Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-In hold talks on North Korea policy

US officials have said North Korea has test-fired another rocket.&nbsp;

The officials told Reuters they believed the test could be part of Pyongyang&#39;s programme to develop an inter-continental ballistic missile.&nbsp;

North Korea however did not publicise details of the test; it is usually quick to do so with successful ones.&nbsp;

One US official told Reuters the test may have taken place in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

South Korea too did not have any details of the reported test, and declined to comment.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has tested a flurry of rockets in the recent past, sending tensions with the US -- which has been trying to discourage its missile programme -- ratcheting up.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has warned that a &quot;major, major conflict&quot; with North Korea could arise because of its weapons programme. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

North Korea however did not publicise details of the test; it is usually quick to do so with successful ones

US officials have said North Korea has test-fired another rocket. The officials told Reuters they believed the test could be part of Pyongyang's programme to develop an inter-continental ballistic missile. North Korea however did not publicise details of the test; it is usually quick to do so with successful ones. One US official told Reuters the test may have taken place in the last 24 hours. South Korea too did not have any details of the reported test, and declined to comment. Pyongyang has tested a flurry of rockets in the recent past, sending tensions with the US -- which has been trying to discourage its missile programme -- ratcheting up. US President Donald Trump has warned that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea could arise because of its weapons programme.

North Korea test-fires another rocket: US officials

Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman landed in Beijing Saturday after a visit to North Korea, describing the escapade as a &quot;real good trip&quot;.&nbsp;

Sporting a baseball cap, sunglasses, green nail polish and a black t-shirt emblazoned with the logo of sponsor PotCoin -- a cryptocurrency for the legal cannabis industry -- Rodman declined to comment further as he was swarmed at the Beijing airport by journalists.&nbsp;

He had arrived in North Korea on Tuesday, saying that he wanted to &quot;open the door&quot; to the regime and claiming that US President Donald Trump would be pleased with his mission.&nbsp;

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&quot;Dennis is working hard for both countries, trying to, you know, mend the tension as much as possible,&quot; his assistant, who accompanied him and asked to be called &quot;Vo,&quot; told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;With sports that&#39;s what happens, right? Sports unite, sports and music unite,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

While in North Korea, Rodman was shown in video and photos presenting the isolated country&#39;s sports minister Kim Il Guk with off-the-wall gifts that included a copy of Trump&#39;s book &quot;The Art of the Deal&quot;, soap, two autographed jerseys and a copy of &quot;Where&#39;s Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection.&quot;&nbsp;

Trump was Rodman&#39;s boss when he appeared on the &quot;Celebrity Apprentice&quot; reality TV show.

This is at least the fifth trip to North Korea for the heavily pierced and tattooed former basketball star.

In 2014 he attracted a deluge of criticism after being filmed in the country singing happy birthday to his &quot;friend for life&quot;, leader Kim Jong-Un.

Rodman has met Kim on some but not all of his previous trips, and it remains unclear if he met with the leader this time.&nbsp;

This latest visit comes amid high tensions between Washington and Pyongyang following a series of missile tests by the North, which have triggered tightened UN sanctions.

Rodman has previously described his visits, including one in 2013 with the Harlem Globetrotters, as &quot;basketball diplomacy&quot; but has been roundly criticised for failing to raise human rights issues.

His trip this time coincided with North Korea&#39;s release of a comatose US student, 22-year-old Otto Warmbier of Cincinnati, who was incarcerated in March 2016 for stealing a political poster from a hotel.

US officials repeatedly said Rodman was travelling to North Korea as a private citizen, despite speculation he was working as an unofficial emissary for Trump.

In the US, Fred Warmbier echoed Washington&#39;s denials that Rodman&#39;s visit to Pyongyang had anything to do with the sudden release of his sick son.

American doctors treating the University of Virginia student have cast doubt on North Korean claims that the young man contracted botulism during his detention, saying Warmbier is unresponsive and has experienced extensive tissue loss in all regions of his brain.

The North is currently holding three other US citizens.&nbsp;

'Dennis is working hard for both countries, trying to, you know, mend the tension as much as possible,' his assistant said

Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman landed in Beijing Saturday after a visit to North Korea, describing the escapade as a "real good trip". Sporting a baseball cap, sunglasses, green nail polish and a black t-shirt emblazoned with the logo of sponsor PotCoin -- a cryptocurrency for the legal cannabis industry -- Rodman declined to comment further as he was swarmed at the Beijing airport by journalists. He had arrived in North Korea on Tuesday, saying that he wanted to "open the door" to the regime and claiming that US President Donald Trump would be pleased with his mission. While in North Korea, Rodman was shown in video and photos presenting the isolated country's sports minister Kim Il Guk with off-the-wall gifts that included a copy of Trump's book 'The Art of the Deal', soap, two autographed jerseys and a copy of 'Where's Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection' × "Dennis is working hard for both countries, trying to, you know, mend the tension as much as possible," his assistant, who accompanied him and asked to be called "Vo," told reporters. "With sports that's what happens, right? Sports unite, sports and music unite," he added. While in North Korea, Rodman was shown in video and photos presenting the isolated country's sports minister Kim Il Guk with off-the-wall gifts that included a copy of Trump's book "The Art of the Deal", soap, two autographed jerseys and a copy of "Where's Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection." Trump was Rodman's boss when he appeared on the "Celebrity Apprentice" reality TV show. This is at least the fifth trip to North Korea for the heavily pierced and tattooed former basketball star. In 2014 he attracted a deluge of criticism after being filmed in the country singing happy birthday to his "friend for life", leader Kim Jong-Un. Rodman has met Kim on some but not all of his previous trips, and it remains unclear if he met with the leader this time. This latest visit comes amid high tensions between Washington and Pyongyang following a series of missile tests by the North, which have triggered tightened UN sanctions. Rodman has previously described his visits, including one in 2013 with the Harlem Globetrotters, as "basketball diplomacy" but has been roundly criticised for failing to raise human rights issues. His trip this time coincided with North Korea's release of a comatose US student, 22-year-old Otto Warmbier of Cincinnati, who was incarcerated in March 2016 for stealing a political poster from a hotel. US officials repeatedly said Rodman was travelling to North Korea as a private citizen, despite speculation he was working as an unofficial emissary for Trump. In the US, Fred Warmbier echoed Washington's denials that Rodman's visit to Pyongyang had anything to do with the sudden release of his sick son. American doctors treating the University of Virginia student have cast doubt on North Korean claims that the young man contracted botulism during his detention, saying Warmbier is unresponsive and has experienced extensive tissue loss in all regions of his brain. The North is currently holding three other US citizens.

Rodman returns from 'real good trip' to North Korea

The UN Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea&#39;s latest ballistic missile test and vowed strong measures, including sanctions, to derail Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear weapons programme.

North Korea&#39;s long-term bid to develop a credible nuclear attack threat to the US mainland saw it launch Sunday what appeared to be its longest-range missile yet.

Pyongyang said the new weapon, called the Hwasong-12, was capable of carrying a &quot;heavy nuclear warhead&quot;.

In a unanimous statement backed by the North&#39;s main ally China, the council on Monday vowed to punish Pyongyang&#39;s &quot;highly destabilizing behavior&quot; and demanded a halt to any further nuclear or missile tests.

Pyongyang carried out two atomic tests last year, and has accelerated its missile launch programme, despite tough UN sanctions aimed at denying leader Kim Jong-Un the hard currency needed to fund his weapons ambitions.

&quot;There&#39;s a lot of sanctions left that we can start to do, whether it&#39;s with oil, whether it&#39;s with energy, whether it&#39;s with their maritime ships, exports,&quot; US Ambassador Nikki Haley told ABC television&#39;s &quot;This Week&quot;.

&quot;We can do a lot of different things that we haven&#39;t done yet. So our options are there.&quot;

The United States is in talks with China, Pyongyang&#39;s main trading partner,on a possible new sanctions resolution and the Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door emergency meeting starting around 2000 GMT Tuesday.

&nbsp;&#39;A substantial advance&#39;

Kim personally oversaw Sunday&#39;s test, the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) said, and pictures by state media showed him gazing at the missile in a hangar before the launch.

The missile was launched on an unusually high trajectory, before splashing down in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

Analysts said the test suggested an actual range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) or more if flown for maximum distance.

&quot;This is the longest-range missile North Korea has ever tested,&quot; Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in the US told AFP.

On the respected 38 North website, aerospace engineering specialist John Schilling said it appeared to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile that could &quot;reliably strike the US base at Guam&quot; in the Pacific, 3,400 kilometres away.

&quot;More importantly,&quot; he added, it &quot;may represent a substantial advance to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)&quot;.

The North has made no secret of its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States, &nbsp;something President Donald Trump has vowed &quot;won&#39;t happen&quot;.

KCNA cited Kim as saying the North would never succumb to what it called the &quot;highly ridiculous&quot; US strategy of &quot;militarily browbeating only weak countries and nations which have no nukes&quot;.

&quot;If the US dares opt for a military provocation against the DPRK, we are ready to counter it,&quot; it said.

&#39;Reckless provocation&#39;

In April Pyongyang put dozens of missiles on show at a giant military parade through the capital, including one that appeared to be the type launched on Sunday.

There are doubts whether the North can miniaturise a nuclear weapon sufficiently to fit it onto a missile nose cone, and no proof it has mastered the re-entry technology needed to ensure it survives returning into Earth&#39;s atmosphere.

Sunday&#39;s test came less than a week after South Korea elected a new president, Moon Jae-In, who advocates reconciliation with Pyongyang and had expressed a willingness to visit the North to ease tensions.

But Moon slammed the latest launch as a &quot;reckless provocation&quot; and said dialogue would be possible &quot;only if the North changes its attitude&quot;.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the test was dangerous, but warned against attempts to &quot;intimidate&quot; Pyongyang.

Pyongyang could find itself the target of further global censure after security researchers reported Monday signs of a potential North Korean link to cyberattacks that have wreaked havoc on computer networks around the world.

In the first clues of the origin of the massive ransomware attacks, Google researcher Neel Mehta posted computer code that showed similarities between the &quot;WannaCry&quot; malware and a vast hacking effort widely attributed to Pyongyang.

Other experts quickly jumped on this as sign, although not conclusive, that North Korea may have been behind the outbreak.

(AFP)

North Korea on Sunday tested what appeared to be its longest-range ballistic missile yet

The UN Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile test and vowed strong measures, including sanctions, to derail Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. North Korea's long-term bid to develop a credible nuclear attack threat to the US mainland saw it launch Sunday what appeared to be its longest-range missile yet. Pyongyang said the new weapon, called the Hwasong-12, was capable of carrying a "heavy nuclear warhead". In a unanimous statement backed by the North's main ally China, the council on Monday vowed to punish Pyongyang's "highly destabilizing behavior" and demanded a halt to any further nuclear or missile tests. Pyongyang carried out two atomic tests last year, and has accelerated its missile launch programme, despite tough UN sanctions aimed at denying leader Kim Jong-Un the hard currency needed to fund his weapons ambitions. "There's a lot of sanctions left that we can start to do, whether it's with oil, whether it's with energy, whether it's with their maritime ships, exports," US Ambassador Nikki Haley told ABC television's "This Week". "We can do a lot of different things that we haven't done yet. So our options are there." The United States is in talks with China, Pyongyang's main trading partner,on a possible new sanctions resolution and the Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door emergency meeting starting around 2000 GMT Tuesday. 'A substantial advance' Kim personally oversaw Sunday's test, the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) said, and pictures by state media showed him gazing at the missile in a hangar before the launch. The missile was launched on an unusually high trajectory, before splashing down in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Analysts said the test suggested an actual range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) or more if flown for maximum distance. "This is the longest-range missile North Korea has ever tested," Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in the US told AFP. On the respected 38 North website, aerospace engineering specialist John Schilling said it appeared to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile that could "reliably strike the US base at Guam" in the Pacific, 3,400 kilometres away. "More importantly," he added, it "may represent a substantial advance to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)". The North has made no secret of its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States, something President Donald Trump has vowed "won't happen". KCNA cited Kim as saying the North would never succumb to what it called the "highly ridiculous" US strategy of "militarily browbeating only weak countries and nations which have no nukes". "If the US dares opt for a military provocation against the DPRK, we are ready to counter it," it said. 'Reckless provocation' In April Pyongyang put dozens of missiles on show at a giant military parade through the capital, including one that appeared to be the type launched on Sunday. There are doubts whether the North can miniaturise a nuclear weapon sufficiently to fit it onto a missile nose cone, and no proof it has mastered the re-entry technology needed to ensure it survives returning into Earth's atmosphere. Sunday's test came less than a week after South Korea elected a new president, Moon Jae-In, who advocates reconciliation with Pyongyang and had expressed a willingness to visit the North to ease tensions. But Moon slammed the latest launch as a "reckless provocation" and said dialogue would be possible "only if the North changes its attitude". Russian President Vladimir Putin said the test was dangerous, but warned against attempts to "intimidate" Pyongyang. Pyongyang could find itself the target of further global censure after security researchers reported Monday signs of a potential North Korean link to cyberattacks that have wreaked havoc on computer networks around the world. In the first clues of the origin of the massive ransomware attacks, Google researcher Neel Mehta posted computer code that showed similarities between the "WannaCry" malware and a vast hacking effort widely attributed to Pyongyang. Other experts quickly jumped on this as sign, although not conclusive, that North Korea may have been behind the outbreak. (AFP)

UN Security Council vows sanctions over North Korea missile test

US President Donald Trump is calling for tougher sanctions on North Korea following its latest ballistic missile test.

&quot;Let this latest provocation serve as a call for all nations to implement far stronger sanctions against North Korea,&quot; the White House said in a brief statement.

The missile impacted &quot;so close to Russian soil -&ndash; in fact, closer to Russia than to Japan -&ndash; the president cannot imagine that Russia is pleased.&quot;

North Korea &quot;has been a flagrant menace for far too long,&quot; the statement read. &quot;South Korea and Japan have been watching this situation closely with us.&quot;

The statement emphasises that the United States &quot;maintains our ironclad commitment to stand with our allies in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea.&quot;&nbsp;

(AFP)

'Let this latest provocation serve as a call for all nations to implement far stronger sanctions against North Korea,' the White House said in a brief statement

US President Donald Trump is calling for tougher sanctions on North Korea following its latest ballistic missile test. "Let this latest provocation serve as a call for all nations to implement far stronger sanctions against North Korea," the White House said in a brief statement. The missile impacted "so close to Russian soil -– in fact, closer to Russia than to Japan -– the president cannot imagine that Russia is pleased." North Korea "has been a flagrant menace for far too long," the statement read. "South Korea and Japan have been watching this situation closely with us." The statement emphasises that the United States "maintains our ironclad commitment to stand with our allies in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea." (AFP)

Trump calls for stronger sanctions on North Korea after missile test

North Korea fired a ballistic missile Sunday in an apparent bid to test the South&#39;s new liberal president and the US which have both signalled an interest in negotiations to ease months of tensions.

The missile flew more than 700 kilometres (435 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan, South Korea&#39;s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The US Pacific Command said it did not appear to be an intercontinental ballistic missile.

New South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, slammed the test as a &quot;reckless provocation&quot; after holding an emergency meeting with national security advisors.

He said the government strongly condemned this &quot;grave challenge to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula and the international community,&quot; his spokesman Yoon Young-Chan said.

Moon, unlike his conservative predecessors, advocates reconciliation with Pyongyang but warned Sunday that dialogue would be possible &quot;only if the North changes its behaviour&quot;.

Moon had said in his inauguration speech that he was willing to visit Pyongyang &quot;in the right circumstances&quot; to defuse tensions on the peninsula, with Pyongyang and Washington exchanging hostile rhetoric.

&quot;The North is apparently trying to test Moon and see how his North Korea policy as well as policy coordination between the South and the US will take shape,&quot; said Yang Moo-Jin, professor at the University of North Korea Studies in Seoul.

&#39;Seeking leverage&#39; 
The launch was also aimed at &quot;maximising the North&#39;s political leverage&quot; ahead of possible negotiations with the US, as Pyongyang and Washington both recently signalled they were open to talks, he added.

&quot;The North wants to show before negotiations that their precious, powerful weapon is not something they would give up so easily,&quot; Yang said.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against the North but recently appears to have softened his stance, saying he would be &quot;honoured&quot; to meet the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong-Un under the right conditions.

Choe Son-Hui, a senior official at the North&#39;s foreign ministry handling its US policy, also said Saturday the North would be willing to hold talks with the US if the conditions are right.&nbsp;

Washington has been looking to China for help in reining in Kim and the missile test is likely to embarrass Beijing, which is hosting a summit Sunday to promote its ambitious global trade infrastructure project.

China, the isolated North&#39;s sole major ally and economic lifeline, has been reluctant to exert pressure to upset the status quo in Pyongyang and risk an influx of refugees from its neighbour.

&#39;Fast progress&#39; 
The latest test was also the North&#39;s first launch since a controversial US missile defence system deployed in the South became operational on May 2 and follows a failed April 29 ballistic missile test.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slammed the latest missile launch as &quot;totally unacceptable&quot; and a &quot;grave threat&quot; to Tokyo.

&quot;We strongly protest against North Korea,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The North has staged two atomic tests and dozens of missile launches since the start of last year in its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the US mainland.

Most experts have doubted that the North has developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with that range.

But many say the isolated nation has made a great progress in its nuclear and missile capabilities since Kim took power after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in 2011.

Yang said Sunday&#39;s launch showed &quot;fast progress&quot; in Pyongyang&#39;s missile capability.&nbsp;

The missile was fired from a site near the northwestern city of Kusong. A previous test at the same site in February sent a missile 500 kilometres, far less than Sunday&#39;s launch.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The missile flew more than 700 kilometres before landing in the Sea of Japan, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said

North Korea fired a ballistic missile Sunday in an apparent bid to test the South's new liberal president and the US which have both signalled an interest in negotiations to ease months of tensions. The missile flew more than 700 kilometres (435 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The US Pacific Command said it did not appear to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. New South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, slammed the test as a "reckless provocation" after holding an emergency meeting with national security advisors. He said the government strongly condemned this "grave challenge to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula and the international community," his spokesman Yoon Young-Chan said. Moon, unlike his conservative predecessors, advocates reconciliation with Pyongyang but warned Sunday that dialogue would be possible "only if the North changes its behaviour". Moon had said in his inauguration speech that he was willing to visit Pyongyang "in the right circumstances" to defuse tensions on the peninsula, with Pyongyang and Washington exchanging hostile rhetoric. "The North is apparently trying to test Moon and see how his North Korea policy as well as policy coordination between the South and the US will take shape," said Yang Moo-Jin, professor at the University of North Korea Studies in Seoul. 'Seeking leverage' The launch was also aimed at "maximising the North's political leverage" ahead of possible negotiations with the US, as Pyongyang and Washington both recently signalled they were open to talks, he added. "The North wants to show before negotiations that their precious, powerful weapon is not something they would give up so easily," Yang said. US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against the North but recently appears to have softened his stance, saying he would be "honoured" to meet the North's leader Kim Jong-Un under the right conditions. Choe Son-Hui, a senior official at the North's foreign ministry handling its US policy, also said Saturday the North would be willing to hold talks with the US if the conditions are right. Washington has been looking to China for help in reining in Kim and the missile test is likely to embarrass Beijing, which is hosting a summit Sunday to promote its ambitious global trade infrastructure project. China, the isolated North's sole major ally and economic lifeline, has been reluctant to exert pressure to upset the status quo in Pyongyang and risk an influx of refugees from its neighbour. 'Fast progress' The latest test was also the North's first launch since a controversial US missile defence system deployed in the South became operational on May 2 and follows a failed April 29 ballistic missile test. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slammed the latest missile launch as "totally unacceptable" and a "grave threat" to Tokyo. "We strongly protest against North Korea," he said. The North has staged two atomic tests and dozens of missile launches since the start of last year in its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the US mainland. Most experts have doubted that the North has developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with that range. But many say the isolated nation has made a great progress in its nuclear and missile capabilities since Kim took power after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in 2011. Yang said Sunday's launch showed "fast progress" in Pyongyang's missile capability. The missile was fired from a site near the northwestern city of Kusong. A previous test at the same site in February sent a missile 500 kilometres, far less than Sunday's launch. (AFP)

North Korea fires another missile

North Korea on Friday accused the&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;and Seoul&#39;s intelligence services of conspiring to assassinate the isolated country&#39;s leader Kim Jong-Un with a biochemical weapon, amid heightened tensions in the region.

In a statement the powerful ministry of state security, said it had foiled a &quot;vicious plot&quot; by a &quot;hideous terrorists&#39; group&quot; to attack the North&#39;s &quot;supreme leadership&quot;.

The accusations come with the US and North trading threats over the latter&#39;s nuclear and missile programmes, and as Washington considers whether to re-designate Pyongyang as a state sponsor of terrorism.

That follows the killing of Kim&#39;s estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam by two women using the banned nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur international airport.&nbsp;

Both Malaysia and South Korea have blamed the North for the assassination, which retorts that the accusations are an attempt to smear it.

The security ministry statement, carried on the North&#39;s official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), said the&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;and the South&#39;s intelligence had suborned, bribed and blackmailed a North Korean citizen named only as Kim to carry out the attack.

Possible locations included the mausoleum where Kim Jong-Un&#39;s father and grandfather -- the North&#39;s founder -- lie in state, or a military parade.

Such an operation would be extremely difficult to prepare and carry out successfully. The North&#39;s leader is surrounded by tight security at all times, and Pyongyang maintains a gigantic surveillance system over its own population that is ingrained at every level of society, where open dissent is unknown.

The&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;told its agent, named Kim, it had access to radioactive and &quot;nano poisonous&quot; substances whose lethal results would appear only after six to 12 months, the statement said.

Kim -- described as &quot;human scum&quot; -- received payments totalling at least $740,000 and was given satellite transceivers and other materials and equipment, it said.

He had multiple contacts with South Korean intelligence personnel, and an accomplice who had a Chinese-sounding name, Xu Guanghai of the Qingdao Nazca Trade Co.

Checks on China&#39;s National Enterprise Credit Information system show that a company of that name was formed on March 7 this year, with a Xu Guanghai named as its legal representative, and business areas including &quot;chemical products&quot;.

No details were given in the ministry statement of how the supposed plot was uncovered, or of Kim&#39;s fate. But in a potential sign of an internal purge, it said that the ministry will &quot;ferret out and mercilessly destroy the terrorists&quot;.&nbsp;

&#39;Empire of evil&#39;

The lurid accusations come with Pyongyang and Washington at loggerheads over the North&#39;s banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of United Nations Security Council sanctions.

Pyongyang, which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against invasion, has carried out a series of missile launches and threatened a sixth atomic test, while the administration of new US President Donald Trump has said that military action was an &quot;option on the table&quot; -- raising fears of a spiralling conflict.

The alleged plot was a &quot;hideous crime&quot; the security ministry said, and tantamount to &quot;the declaration of a war&quot;.&nbsp;

The statement came hours after the US House of Representatives in Washington voted to broaden US sanctions against the North.

The measure, which now heads for the Senate, also gave the Trump administration 90 days to determine whether Pyongyang should be re-designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, after it was removed from the list in 2008.

The North Korean statement described the US as a state sponsor of terrorism itself, and an &quot;empire of evil&quot;.

Analysts said the accusations could be a pre-emptive attempt to try to dissuade Washington from any attempt at a surgical strike on its leadership, as suggested by some commentators.

The North believes the US and South are seeking to assassinate Kim, said Professor Koh Yu-Hwan of Dongguk University.

It was &quot;unimaginable that individuals can get close enough to Kim to harm him in light of supertight security there&quot;, he told AFP.

But the allegation was also &quot;aimed at keeping its people on their toes and strengthening its grip on them&quot;, and intended &quot;to distance itself from the assassination of Jong-Nam who was killed by a chemical weapon&quot;.

North Korean commandos infiltrated Seoul in January 1968 in a failed attempt to assassinate its then leader Park Chung-Hee. Bullet holes are still visible on a tree above the presidential Blue House.

(AFP)

According to North Korean officials, the?CIA?told its agent, named Kim, it had access to radioactive and "nano poisonous" substances whose lethal results would appear only after six to 12 months

North Korea on Friday accused the CIA and Seoul's intelligence services of conspiring to assassinate the isolated country's leader Kim Jong-Un with a biochemical weapon, amid heightened tensions in the region. In a statement the powerful ministry of state security, said it had foiled a "vicious plot" by a "hideous terrorists' group" to attack the North's "supreme leadership". The accusations come with the US and North trading threats over the latter's nuclear and missile programmes, and as Washington considers whether to re-designate Pyongyang as a state sponsor of terrorism. That follows the killing of Kim's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam by two women using the banned nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur international airport. Both Malaysia and South Korea have blamed the North for the assassination, which retorts that the accusations are an attempt to smear it. The security ministry statement, carried on the North's official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), said the CIA and the South's intelligence had suborned, bribed and blackmailed a North Korean citizen named only as Kim to carry out the attack. Possible locations included the mausoleum where Kim Jong-Un's father and grandfather -- the North's founder -- lie in state, or a military parade. Such an operation would be extremely difficult to prepare and carry out successfully. The North's leader is surrounded by tight security at all times, and Pyongyang maintains a gigantic surveillance system over its own population that is ingrained at every level of society, where open dissent is unknown. The CIA told its agent, named Kim, it had access to radioactive and "nano poisonous" substances whose lethal results would appear only after six to 12 months, the statement said. Kim -- described as "human scum" -- received payments totalling at least $740,000 and was given satellite transceivers and other materials and equipment, it said. He had multiple contacts with South Korean intelligence personnel, and an accomplice who had a Chinese-sounding name, Xu Guanghai of the Qingdao Nazca Trade Co. Checks on China's National Enterprise Credit Information system show that a company of that name was formed on March 7 this year, with a Xu Guanghai named as its legal representative, and business areas including "chemical products". No details were given in the ministry statement of how the supposed plot was uncovered, or of Kim's fate. But in a potential sign of an internal purge, it said that the ministry will "ferret out and mercilessly destroy the terrorists". 'Empire of evil' The lurid accusations come with Pyongyang and Washington at loggerheads over the North's banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of United Nations Security Council sanctions. Pyongyang, which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against invasion, has carried out a series of missile launches and threatened a sixth atomic test, while the administration of new US President Donald Trump has said that military action was an "option on the table" -- raising fears of a spiralling conflict. The alleged plot was a "hideous crime" the security ministry said, and tantamount to "the declaration of a war". The statement came hours after the US House of Representatives in Washington voted to broaden US sanctions against the North. The measure, which now heads for the Senate, also gave the Trump administration 90 days to determine whether Pyongyang should be re-designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, after it was removed from the list in 2008. The North Korean statement described the US as a state sponsor of terrorism itself, and an "empire of evil". Analysts said the accusations could be a pre-emptive attempt to try to dissuade Washington from any attempt at a surgical strike on its leadership, as suggested by some commentators. The North believes the US and South are seeking to assassinate Kim, said Professor Koh Yu-Hwan of Dongguk University. It was "unimaginable that individuals can get close enough to Kim to harm him in light of supertight security there", he told AFP. But the allegation was also "aimed at keeping its people on their toes and strengthening its grip on them", and intended "to distance itself from the assassination of Jong-Nam who was killed by a chemical weapon". North Korean commandos infiltrated Seoul in January 1968 in a failed attempt to assassinate its then leader Park Chung-Hee. Bullet holes are still visible on a tree above the presidential Blue House. (AFP)

North Korea accuses CIA, Seoul of plot to assassinate Kim Jong-Un

US President Donald Trump said he would be &quot;honored&quot; to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un under the right conditions, dialing back threats of military action against the regime Monday. 
 
As Pyongyang threatens to carry out a sixth nuclear test that would further enflame tensions on the Korean peninsula, Trump appeared to offer the prospect of a diplomatic off-ramp. 
 
&quot;If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him I would, absolutely. I would be honored to do it,&quot; Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg. 
 
&quot;If it`s under the, again, under the right circumstances. But I would do that,&quot; Trump said. 
 
In recent weeks Trump has threatened and berated the regime, fearing it may be months away from marrying nuclear and long range missile technology --- making a strike against the western United States possible.&nbsp; 
 
Trump&#39;s&nbsp;main gambit has been to encourage China to use its leverage to pressure Pyongyang -- a strategy that has failed to produce results in the past. 
 
The Republican president has also said he is ready to act alone in the stand-off, however -- and on Monday signaled that this could involve face-to-face talks with Kim, who has yet to meet a foreign leader since taking power. 
 
In the latest rhetoric to fuel jitters across the region, North Korea warned Monday that it was prepared to carry out a nuclear test &quot;at any time and at any location&quot; set by its leadership. 
 
The regime will continue bolstering its &quot;preemptive nuclear attack&quot; capabilities unless Washington scraps its hostile policies, a spokesman for the North`s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run KCNA news agency. 
 
&quot;The DPRK&#39;s measures for bolstering the nuclear force to the maximum will be taken in a consecutive and successive way at any moment and any place decided by its supreme leadership,&quot; the spokesman added, apparently referring to a sixth nuclear test and using the North`s official name, the Democratic Republic of Korea.The North has carried out five nuclear tests in the last 11 years and is widely believed to be making progress toward its dream of building a missile capable of delivering a warhead to the continental United States. 
 
It raises the tone of its warnings every spring, when Washington and Seoul carry out joint exercises it condemns as rehearsals for invasion. But this time fears of conflict have been fueled by a cycle of threats from both sides. 
 
The joint drills have just ended, but naval exercises are continuing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) with a US strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. 
 
CIA director Mike Pompeo was in South Korea on Monday, the US embassy in Seoul confirmed, following reports of an unannounced visit as tensions mount on the peninsula. 
 
Pompeo`s visit coincided with news that the controversial US missile defense system known as THAAD -- whose deployment has angered China -- is now operational in South Korea. 
 
&quot;It has reached initial intercept capability,&quot; a US defense official told AFP on condition of anonymity.Seoul regularly warns that Pyongyang can carry out a test whenever it decides to do so. 
 
Pyongyang`s latest attempted show of force was a failed missile test on Saturday that came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pressed the UN Security Council to raise pressure on the North. 
 
Trump on Sunday repeated his determination to resolve the threat posed by North Korea, warning in a CBS interview: &quot;We cannot let what`s been going on for a long period of years continue.&quot; 
 
But the US leader also offered some backhanded praise for Kim, saying he had faced a formidable challenge in taking over the country at a reported age of 27 after his father`s death in 2011. 
 
&quot;He`s dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others. And at a very young age, he was able to assume power,&quot; Trump said on CBS`s &quot;Face the Nation.&quot; 
 
&quot;So obviously, he`s a pretty smart cookie,&quot; he said. 
 
That comment left the White House struggling to downplay Trump&#39;s&nbsp;apparent admiration. 
 
&quot;His point was he assumed power at a young age when his father passed away and there`s a lot of potential threats that could have come his way and he`s obviously managed to lead a country forward,&quot; said Press Secretary Sean Spicer. 
 
(AFP)

Rolling back threats of a military escalation, the US president said he would meet the North Korean leader if 'appropriate'

US President Donald Trump said he would be "honored" to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un under the right conditions, dialing back threats of military action against the regime Monday. As Pyongyang threatens to carry out a sixth nuclear test that would further enflame tensions on the Korean peninsula, Trump appeared to offer the prospect of a diplomatic off-ramp. "If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him I would, absolutely. I would be honored to do it," Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg. "If it`s under the, again, under the right circumstances. But I would do that," Trump said. In recent weeks Trump has threatened and berated the regime, fearing it may be months away from marrying nuclear and long range missile technology --- making a strike against the western United States possible. Trump's main gambit has been to encourage China to use its leverage to pressure Pyongyang -- a strategy that has failed to produce results in the past. The Republican president has also said he is ready to act alone in the stand-off, however -- and on Monday signaled that this could involve face-to-face talks with Kim, who has yet to meet a foreign leader since taking power. In the latest rhetoric to fuel jitters across the region, North Korea warned Monday that it was prepared to carry out a nuclear test "at any time and at any location" set by its leadership. The regime will continue bolstering its "preemptive nuclear attack" capabilities unless Washington scraps its hostile policies, a spokesman for the North`s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run KCNA news agency. "The DPRK's measures for bolstering the nuclear force to the maximum will be taken in a consecutive and successive way at any moment and any place decided by its supreme leadership," the spokesman added, apparently referring to a sixth nuclear test and using the North`s official name, the Democratic Republic of Korea.The North has carried out five nuclear tests in the last 11 years and is widely believed to be making progress toward its dream of building a missile capable of delivering a warhead to the continental United States. It raises the tone of its warnings every spring, when Washington and Seoul carry out joint exercises it condemns as rehearsals for invasion. But this time fears of conflict have been fueled by a cycle of threats from both sides. The joint drills have just ended, but naval exercises are continuing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) with a US strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. CIA director Mike Pompeo was in South Korea on Monday, the US embassy in Seoul confirmed, following reports of an unannounced visit as tensions mount on the peninsula. Pompeo`s visit coincided with news that the controversial US missile defense system known as THAAD -- whose deployment has angered China -- is now operational in South Korea. "It has reached initial intercept capability," a US defense official told AFP on condition of anonymity.Seoul regularly warns that Pyongyang can carry out a test whenever it decides to do so. Pyongyang`s latest attempted show of force was a failed missile test on Saturday that came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pressed the UN Security Council to raise pressure on the North. Trump on Sunday repeated his determination to resolve the threat posed by North Korea, warning in a CBS interview: "We cannot let what`s been going on for a long period of years continue." But the US leader also offered some backhanded praise for Kim, saying he had faced a formidable challenge in taking over the country at a reported age of 27 after his father`s death in 2011. "He`s dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others. And at a very young age, he was able to assume power," Trump said on CBS`s "Face the Nation." "So obviously, he`s a pretty smart cookie," he said. That comment left the White House struggling to downplay Trump's apparent admiration. "His point was he assumed power at a young age when his father passed away and there`s a lot of potential threats that could have come his way and he`s obviously managed to lead a country forward," said Press Secretary Sean Spicer. (AFP)

Would be 'honoured' to meet North Korea's Kim Jong-Un, says Trump

South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test -- and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

The massive &quot;Foal Eagle&quot; drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.

Another annual joint exercise known as &quot;Key Resolve&quot; ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang&#39;s claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.

Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible &quot;major conflict&quot; while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live-fire military exercise.

The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies&#39; capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week.

Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area.

China is &quot;putting pressure&quot; on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television network&#39;s &quot;Face the Nation&quot; programme.

If North Korea carries out another nuclear test &quot;I would not be happy,&quot; he said.

&quot;And I can tell you also, I don&#39;t believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either,&quot; Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Saturday.

Asked if &quot;not happy&quot; signified &quot;military action,&quot; Trump answered: &quot;I don&#39;t know. I mean, we&#39;ll see.&quot;

&#39;Catastrophic consequences&#39;&nbsp;

Pyongyang&#39;s show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of &quot;catastrophic consequences&quot; if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.

Military options for dealing with the North were still &quot;on the table&quot;, Tillerson said.

China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the North&#39;s nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to &quot;bigger disasters&quot;.

Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.

&quot;There are plenty of mediators in the world who are putting themselves forward. Norway, for example which is ready to help,&quot; he said.

The tensions have also triggered some friction between Seoul and Washington, with Trump suggesting in a recent interview that the South should pay for the $1.0-billion dollar THAAD anti-missile system that the US is deploying on its ally&#39;s territory.

But on Sunday South Korea said US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster had spoken by phone with his counterpart in Seoul and both sides had reaffirmed that Washington would bear the cost of the THAAD deployment, as initially agreed.

Trump&#39;s interview remarks &quot;were made in a general context, reflecting the American public&#39;s hopes for (defense) cost sharing,&quot; McMaster was quoted as saying by the South&#39;s presidential office.

The two countries have had a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, and more than 28,000 US troops are stationed in the South.

Beijing has been infuriated by the THAAD deployment, which it says upsets the regional security balance.

(AFP)

Tensions have deepened in the region as the North is reportedly preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test

South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test -- and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response. The massive "Foal Eagle" drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops. Another annual joint exercise known as "Key Resolve" ended last month. Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang's claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion. Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile. US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible "major conflict" while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live-fire military exercise. The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies' capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week. Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area. China is "putting pressure" on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" programme. If North Korea carries out another nuclear test "I would not be happy," he said. "And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Saturday. Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see." 'Catastrophic consequences' Pyongyang's show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme. Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson said. China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the North's nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to "bigger disasters". Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea. "There are plenty of mediators in the world who are putting themselves forward. Norway, for example which is ready to help," he said. The tensions have also triggered some friction between Seoul and Washington, with Trump suggesting in a recent interview that the South should pay for the $1.0-billion dollar THAAD anti-missile system that the US is deploying on its ally's territory. But on Sunday South Korea said US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster had spoken by phone with his counterpart in Seoul and both sides had reaffirmed that Washington would bear the cost of the THAAD deployment, as initially agreed. Trump's interview remarks "were made in a general context, reflecting the American public's hopes for (defense) cost sharing," McMaster was quoted as saying by the South's presidential office. The two countries have had a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, and more than 28,000 US troops are stationed in the South. Beijing has been infuriated by the THAAD deployment, which it says upsets the regional security balance. (AFP)

US, South Korea continue joint naval drills amid Pyongyang threats

US President Donald Trump took time out on Easter Sunday to deliver a terse message to North Korea: &quot;Got to behave.&quot;

Trump made the remark to a CNN reporter after kicking off the 139th annual Easter egg roll with First Lady Melania Trump.

Earlier in the day, the country&#39;s vice president Mike Pence warned&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Monday not to test Donald Trump&#39;s resolve, declaring that &quot;all options are on the table&quot; in curbing its missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

Defying international pressure, the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Sunday test-fired another missile as fears grow that it may be preparing for its sixth atomic weapons test.

&quot;We hope to achieve this objective (the&nbsp;North&#39;s denuclearisation) through peaceful means but all options are on the table,&quot; Pence told a press conference in the South Korean capital after his trip to the tense border with the&nbsp;North.

&quot;Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan.

&quot;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;would do well not to test his resolve, or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region,&quot; Pence said at the press conference with South&nbsp;Korea&#39;s Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn.

Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks, as a series of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more bellicose warnings from Trump&#39;s administration.

The new and inexperienced US president has indicated he will not allow&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the western United States.

Pence declared that the era of US &quot;strategic patience&quot; in dealing with the&nbsp;North&nbsp;was over, after more than two decades.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;&quot;answered our overtures with wilful deception, broken promises and nuclear and missile tests&quot;, he said.

The US, which stations 28,500 troops in South&nbsp;Korea, would &quot;defeat any attack and we will meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective response&quot;.

Pence&#39;s trip earlier Monday to the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas -- one of the most heavily fortified frontiers on the planet -- underscored Washington&#39;s changing policy towards the isolated state.

The visit came after a huge military parade Saturday during which&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;showcased apparent intercontinental ballistic missiles, and as a US carrier group converges on the Korean peninsula.

It also came the day after&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&#39;s latest launch -- which failed when the missile blew up seconds after blast-off.

Speaking at the village of Panmunjom inside the DMZ, Pence said America&#39;s relationship with South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;was &quot;ironclad and immutable&quot;.

Tensions&nbsp;

Pyongyang insists it needs a powerful arsenal -- including atomic weapons -- to protect itself from what it says is the ever-present threat of US invasion.

A top White House foreign policy adviser on Sunday became the latest Trump official to warn that while diplomatic pressure was preferable, US military action is very much on the table.

Pence urged the international community to join US and regional demands for an end to the&nbsp;North&#39;s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

&quot;It is heartening to see China commit to these actions. But the United States is troubled by China&#39;s economic retaliation against South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;for taking appropriate steps to defend itself,&quot; he said, referring to the US THAAD missile defence system.

The system being installed in South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is designed to shoot down missiles from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;or elsewhere. But China furiously objects to its deployment, saying it could spy on its own defence installations, and has taken apparent retaliatory action against South Korean firms operating in its country.

Pence said he and Trump &quot;have great confidence that China will properly deal with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&quot;.

&quot;But as President Trump made clear just a few short days ago, if China is unable to deal with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, the United States and our allies will.&quot;

This is Pence&#39;s first visit to South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;-- part of an Asia swing that will also include stops in Japan, Indonesia and Australia -- and although it was conceived months ago, could hardly come at a time of higher tension.

(AFP)

Earlier in the day, Vice President Mike Pence said 'all options are on the table' to nullify North's nuclear programme

US President Donald Trump took time out on Easter Sunday to deliver a terse message to North Korea: "Got to behave." Trump made the remark to a CNN reporter after kicking off the 139th annual Easter egg roll with First Lady Melania Trump. Earlier in the day, the country's vice president Mike Pence warned North Korea Monday not to test Donald Trump's resolve, declaring that "all options are on the table" in curbing its missile and nuclear weapons programmes. Defying international pressure, the North Sunday test-fired another missile as fears grow that it may be preparing for its sixth atomic weapons test. "We hope to achieve this objective (the North's denuclearisation) through peaceful means but all options are on the table," Pence told a press conference in the South Korean capital after his trip to the tense border with the North. "Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan. "North Korea would do well not to test his resolve, or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said at the press conference with South Korea's Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn. Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks, as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more bellicose warnings from Trump's administration. The new and inexperienced US president has indicated he will not allow North Korea to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the western United States. Pence declared that the era of US "strategic patience" in dealing with the North was over, after more than two decades. North Korea "answered our overtures with wilful deception, broken promises and nuclear and missile tests", he said. The US, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, would "defeat any attack and we will meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective response". Pence's trip earlier Monday to the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas -- one of the most heavily fortified frontiers on the planet -- underscored Washington's changing policy towards the isolated state. The visit came after a huge military parade Saturday during which North Korea showcased apparent intercontinental ballistic missiles, and as a US carrier group converges on the Korean peninsula. It also came the day after North Korea's latest launch -- which failed when the missile blew up seconds after blast-off. Speaking at the village of Panmunjom inside the DMZ, Pence said America's relationship with South Korea was "ironclad and immutable". Tensions Pyongyang insists it needs a powerful arsenal -- including atomic weapons -- to protect itself from what it says is the ever-present threat of US invasion. A top White House foreign policy adviser on Sunday became the latest Trump official to warn that while diplomatic pressure was preferable, US military action is very much on the table. Pence urged the international community to join US and regional demands for an end to the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. "It is heartening to see China commit to these actions. But the United States is troubled by China's economic retaliation against South Korea for taking appropriate steps to defend itself," he said, referring to the US THAAD missile defence system. The system being installed in South Korea is designed to shoot down missiles from North Korea or elsewhere. But China furiously objects to its deployment, saying it could spy on its own defence installations, and has taken apparent retaliatory action against South Korean firms operating in its country. Pence said he and Trump "have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea". "But as President Trump made clear just a few short days ago, if China is unable to deal with North Korea, the United States and our allies will." This is Pence's first visit to South Korea -- part of an Asia swing that will also include stops in Japan, Indonesia and Australia -- and although it was conceived months ago, could hardly come at a time of higher tension. (AFP)

Trump's message to North Korea: 'Got to behave'

The United States, its allies and China are working together on a range of responses to North Korea&#39;s latest attempted ballistic missile test, US President Donald Trump&#39;s national security adviser said on Sunday, citing what he called an international consensus to act.

&quot;We are working together with our allies and partners and with the Chinese leadership to develop a range of options,&quot; national security adviser H R&nbsp;McMaster said on ABC&#39;s &quot;This Week&quot; program.

&quot;This latest missile test just fits into a pattern of provocative and destabilising and threatening behaviour on the part of the North Korean regime,&quot; McMaster said.

He said the president has asked the national security council to integrate the efforts of the Defense and State departments and US intelligence agencies to develop options if &quot;this pattern of behaviour continues and if the North Korean Regime refuses to denuclearise.&quot;

&quot;There is an international consensus now, including the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation that just cannot continue,&quot; McMaster said.

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The North Korean missile &quot;blew up almost immediately&quot; after its test launch on Sunday, the US Pacific Command said.

Hours later US Vice President Mike Pence landed in South Korea for talks on the North&#39;s increasingly defiant arms programme. His visit comes a day after North Korea held a grand military parade in its capital city of Pyongyang, marking the birth anniversary of the state founder. What appeared to be new long-range ballistic missiles were on display in the parade.

Tensions have been steadily rising as Trump takes a hard rhetorical line with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has rebuffed admonitions from China and proceeded with nuclear and missile programs seen by Washington as a direct threat.

Trump on Sunday acknowledged that the softer line he has taken on China&#39;s management of its currency was linked to China&#39;s help on the North Korea issue.

&quot;Why would I call China a currency manipulator when they are working with us on the North Korean problem? We will see what happens!&quot; Trump said on Twitter. Trump has backed away from a campaign promise to label China in that way.

South Korea said the North&#39;s latest show of force &quot;threatened the whole world&quot;.

But a US foreign policy adviser travelling with Pence on Air Force Two sought to defuse some of the tension, saying the test of what was believed to be a medium-range missile had come as no surprise.

&quot;We had good intelligence before the launch and good intelligence after the launch,&quot; the adviser told reporters on condition of anonymity.

&quot;It&#39;s a failed test. It follows another failed test. So really no need to reinforce their failure. We don&#39;t need to expend any resources against that.&quot;The adviser said the missile&#39;s flight lasted four or five seconds.

Pence, addressing an Easter service with American troops in South Korea, said the US commitment to South Korea was unwavering.

&quot;Let me assure you under President Trump&#39;s leadership, our resolve has never been stronger. Our commitment to this historic alliance with the courageous people of South Korea has never been stronger.&quot;

Pence was beginning a 10-day trip to Asia in what his aides said was a sign of US commitment to its ally in the face of rising tension.

The US nuclear-powered Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group is also heading to the region.&nbsp;

China, which Trump has urged to do more to rein in North Korea, has spoken out against its weapons tests and has supported UN sanctions. It has repeatedly called for talks while appearing increasingly frustrated with the North.

China banned imports of North Korean coal on February 26, cutting off its most important export. China&#39;s customs department issued an order on April 7 telling traders to return North Korean coal cargoes, said trading sources with knowledge of the order.

&nbsp;

Tensions Rise

Trump&#39;s decision to order a cruise missile strike on a Syrian airfield this month, in response to what he said was Syria&#39;s use of chemical weapons, raised questions about his plans for reclusive North Korea.

Pyongyang has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions, and regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States.

&quot;The president has made clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime with nuclear weapons,&quot; McMaster told ABC.

But McMaster, who was speaking from Kabul, Afghanistan, acknowledged the likelihood of North Korean retaliation if Washington uses military force in an attempt to stop its weapons programs.

&quot;What (is) particularly difficult about -- about dealing with this regime, is that it is unpredictable,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully,&quot; he said.

South Korea, which hosts 28,500 US troops and holds a presidential election on May 9, warned of punitive action if the Sunday launch led to further provocation.

&quot;North Korea showing a variety of offensive missiles at yesterday&#39;s military parade and daring to fire a ballistic missile today is a show of force that threatens the whole world,&quot; South Korea&#39;s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed and would launch a missile that can strike the mainland United States but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the same region this month, ahead of a summit between the United States and China in Florida to discuss the North&#39;s arms program.

But that missile, which US officials said appeared to be a liquid-fuelled, extended-range Scud, only flew about 60 km (40 miles), a fraction of its range, before spinning out of control.

Tension had escalated sharply amid concern the North may conduct a sixth nuclear test or a ballistic missile test around Saturday&#39;s 105th anniversary of the birth of founding father Kim Il Sung, what it calls the &quot;Day of the Sun&quot;.

China&#39;s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson exchanged views on the &quot;situation on the Korean peninsula&quot; by phone on Sunday, China&#39;s official Xinhua News Agency said. Yang said the two sides should maintain dialogue.

&nbsp;

Flower Show

In Pyongyang, there was a festive atmosphere at a flower show, with families out, taking pictures with North Korean-made smart phones. There was no mention of the test failure by the KCNA state news agency.

Company worker Rim Chung Ryol, 30, said he had not heard of the test. &quot;If it is a failure, then failure is the mother of success,&quot; he told Reuters.

Factory worker Ri Gul Chol, 37, also had not heard about the missile test. &quot;But whatever Kim Jong Un decides and instructs will succeed and all the citizens will support him,&quot; he said.

(Reuters)

'We are working together... to develop a range of options,' the US national security adviser said

The United States, its allies and China are working together on a range of responses to North Korea's latest attempted ballistic missile test, US President Donald Trump's national security adviser said on Sunday, citing what he called an international consensus to act. "We are working together with our allies and partners and with the Chinese leadership to develop a range of options," national security adviser H R McMaster said on ABC's "This Week" program. "This latest missile test just fits into a pattern of provocative and destabilising and threatening behaviour on the part of the North Korean regime," McMaster said. He said the president has asked the national security council to integrate the efforts of the Defense and State departments and US intelligence agencies to develop options if "this pattern of behaviour continues and if the North Korean Regime refuses to denuclearise." "There is an international consensus now, including the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation that just cannot continue," McMaster said. McMaster said Trump has asked the national security council to integrate the efforts of the Defense and State departments and US intelligence agencies to develop options if 'this pattern of behavior continues and if the North Korean Regime refuses to denuclearise' × The North Korean missile "blew up almost immediately" after its test launch on Sunday, the US Pacific Command said. Hours later US Vice President Mike Pence landed in South Korea for talks on the North's increasingly defiant arms programme. His visit comes a day after North Korea held a grand military parade in its capital city of Pyongyang, marking the birth anniversary of the state founder. What appeared to be new long-range ballistic missiles were on display in the parade. Tensions have been steadily rising as Trump takes a hard rhetorical line with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has rebuffed admonitions from China and proceeded with nuclear and missile programs seen by Washington as a direct threat. Trump on Sunday acknowledged that the softer line he has taken on China's management of its currency was linked to China's help on the North Korea issue. "Why would I call China a currency manipulator when they are working with us on the North Korean problem? We will see what happens!" Trump said on Twitter. Trump has backed away from a campaign promise to label China in that way. South Korea said the North's latest show of force "threatened the whole world". But a US foreign policy adviser travelling with Pence on Air Force Two sought to defuse some of the tension, saying the test of what was believed to be a medium-range missile had come as no surprise. "We had good intelligence before the launch and good intelligence after the launch," the adviser told reporters on condition of anonymity. "It's a failed test. It follows another failed test. So really no need to reinforce their failure. We don't need to expend any resources against that."The adviser said the missile's flight lasted four or five seconds. Pence, addressing an Easter service with American troops in South Korea, said the US commitment to South Korea was unwavering. "Let me assure you under President Trump's leadership, our resolve has never been stronger. Our commitment to this historic alliance with the courageous people of South Korea has never been stronger." Pence was beginning a 10-day trip to Asia in what his aides said was a sign of US commitment to its ally in the face of rising tension. The US nuclear-powered Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group is also heading to the region. China, which Trump has urged to do more to rein in North Korea, has spoken out against its weapons tests and has supported UN sanctions. It has repeatedly called for talks while appearing increasingly frustrated with the North. China banned imports of North Korean coal on February 26, cutting off its most important export. China's customs department issued an order on April 7 telling traders to return North Korean coal cargoes, said trading sources with knowledge of the order. Tensions Rise Trump's decision to order a cruise missile strike on a Syrian airfield this month, in response to what he said was Syria's use of chemical weapons, raised questions about his plans for reclusive North Korea. Pyongyang has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions, and regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States. "The president has made clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime with nuclear weapons," McMaster told ABC. But McMaster, who was speaking from Kabul, Afghanistan, acknowledged the likelihood of North Korean retaliation if Washington uses military force in an attempt to stop its weapons programs. "What (is) particularly difficult about -- about dealing with this regime, is that it is unpredictable," he said. "It's time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully," he said. South Korea, which hosts 28,500 US troops and holds a presidential election on May 9, warned of punitive action if the Sunday launch led to further provocation. "North Korea showing a variety of offensive missiles at yesterday's military parade and daring to fire a ballistic missile today is a show of force that threatens the whole world," South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed and would launch a missile that can strike the mainland United States but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead. North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the same region this month, ahead of a summit between the United States and China in Florida to discuss the North's arms program. But that missile, which US officials said appeared to be a liquid-fuelled, extended-range Scud, only flew about 60 km (40 miles), a fraction of its range, before spinning out of control. Tension had escalated sharply amid concern the North may conduct a sixth nuclear test or a ballistic missile test around Saturday's 105th anniversary of the birth of founding father Kim Il Sung, what it calls the "Day of the Sun". China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson exchanged views on the "situation on the Korean peninsula" by phone on Sunday, China's official Xinhua News Agency said. Yang said the two sides should maintain dialogue. Flower Show In Pyongyang, there was a festive atmosphere at a flower show, with families out, taking pictures with North Korean-made smart phones. There was no mention of the test failure by the KCNA state news agency. Company worker Rim Chung Ryol, 30, said he had not heard of the test. "If it is a failure, then failure is the mother of success," he told Reuters. Factory worker Ri Gul Chol, 37, also had not heard about the missile test. "But whatever Kim Jong Un decides and instructs will succeed and all the citizens will support him," he said. (Reuters)

US, allies & China mulling responses to North Korea missile tests: McMaster

Satellite photos show North Korea&#39;s nuclear base prepared and ready for a new test, something that would add to the rising tension in the peninsula, according to specialist website 38North dedicated to North Korea Thursday.

The photos of North Korea&#39;s Punggye-ri nuclear test site taken on Wednesday and analyzed Thursday show continued activity around the North Portal (where earlier tests were conducted), new activity in the Main Administrative Area, and a few personnel around the site&#39;s Command Center.

The analysis indicates that the volume of water that has been drained during the past weeks to keep the north gallery tunnel dry, has reduced in the last 10 days.

No changes were observed in the spoil pile, so the excavation process might already be complete at the base located in Kilju County (Northeast).

Experts have warned of continued activity in Punggye-ri for weeks and fear North Korea may soon carry out its sixth nuclear test, especially as important events are approaching with the country celebrating the fifth anniversary of Kim Jong-un&#39;s transition to power.

In addition, the hermit state will also commemorate the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Kim Il-sung, on Saturday and the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People&#39;s Army on April 25.

These celebrations coincide with increased tension in the peninsula after the United States responded to the most recent North Korean missile launch by sending a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the peninsula.

Following the US President Donald Trump&#39;s arrival at the White House in January, Washington said it would change its strategy to end North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons program.

The US&#39; recent offensive with cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase, apparently intended to warn Pyongyang, and Washington&#39;s reference of studying the prospect of a preemptive strike on North Korea also added to the mounting tension.

Trump again urged his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a telephone conversation on Wednesday to increase the pressure on the Stalinist regime, so that the US does not have to resort to making tough decisions in this regard.

(EFE)

Experts have warned of continued activity in Punggye-ri for weeks and fear North Korea may soon carry out its sixth nuclear test

Satellite photos show North Korea's nuclear base prepared and ready for a new test, something that would add to the rising tension in the peninsula, according to specialist website 38North dedicated to North Korea Thursday. The photos of North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site taken on Wednesday and analyzed Thursday show continued activity around the North Portal (where earlier tests were conducted), new activity in the Main Administrative Area, and a few personnel around the site's Command Center. The analysis indicates that the volume of water that has been drained during the past weeks to keep the north gallery tunnel dry, has reduced in the last 10 days. No changes were observed in the spoil pile, so the excavation process might already be complete at the base located in Kilju County (Northeast). Experts have warned of continued activity in Punggye-ri for weeks and fear North Korea may soon carry out its sixth nuclear test, especially as important events are approaching with the country celebrating the fifth anniversary of Kim Jong-un's transition to power. In addition, the hermit state will also commemorate the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Kim Il-sung, on Saturday and the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army on April 25. These celebrations coincide with increased tension in the peninsula after the United States responded to the most recent North Korean missile launch by sending a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the peninsula. Following the US President Donald Trump's arrival at the White House in January, Washington said it would change its strategy to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The US' recent offensive with cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase, apparently intended to warn Pyongyang, and Washington's reference of studying the prospect of a preemptive strike on North Korea also added to the mounting tension. Trump again urged his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a telephone conversation on Wednesday to increase the pressure on the Stalinist regime, so that the US does not have to resort to making tough decisions in this regard. (EFE)

New satellite images show North Korea ready for another nuclear test

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has overseen a special forces commando operation, state media said Thursday, as tensions soar with Washington over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump has sent a naval &quot;armada&quot; to the Korean peninsula in a show of force, accompanied by a warning that Washington is ready to take on North Korea alone if necessary.

The North has since said it is ready for &quot;war&quot; with the US, while speculation is mounting that it might conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark the 105th birthday anniversary of founder Kim Il-Sung on Saturday.

The reclusive state has long been on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five atomic tests, two of them last year.

On Thursday, the North&#39;s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim watched from an observation post as special forces dropped from light transport planes &quot;like hail&quot; and &quot;mercilessly blew up enemy targets&quot;.

With a broad smile on his face, Kim praised his troops for their precision, saying &quot;the bullets seemed to have their own eyes&quot;, KCNA said, without identifying when the operation was held.

&quot;The contest proved once again that our Korean People&#39;s Army... will show a real taste of gun shot and real taste of war to the reckless invaders,&quot; it said.

China , the North&#39;s sole major ally, has urged the US president to take a peaceful approach to resolving the North Korean tensions.

The sabre-rattling has unnerved China, which is losing patience with Pyongyang but whose priority remains preventing any instability on its doorstep.

Seoul and Washington are currently conducting joint military drills, an annual exercise which is seen by the North as a practice for war.

(AFP)

Trump has sent a naval "armada" to the Korean peninsula in a show of force, accompanied by a warning that US is ready to take on North Korea alone if necessary

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has overseen a special forces commando operation, state media said Thursday, as tensions soar with Washington over Pyongyang's nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump has sent a naval "armada" to the Korean peninsula in a show of force, accompanied by a warning that Washington is ready to take on North Korea alone if necessary. The North has since said it is ready for "war" with the US, while speculation is mounting that it might conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark the 105th birthday anniversary of founder Kim Il-Sung on Saturday. The reclusive state has long been on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five atomic tests, two of them last year. On Thursday, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim watched from an observation post as special forces dropped from light transport planes "like hail" and "mercilessly blew up enemy targets". With a broad smile on his face, Kim praised his troops for their precision, saying "the bullets seemed to have their own eyes", KCNA said, without identifying when the operation was held. "The contest proved once again that our Korean People's Army... will show a real taste of gun shot and real taste of war to the reckless invaders," it said. China , the North's sole major ally, has urged the US president to take a peaceful approach to resolving the North Korean tensions. The sabre-rattling has unnerved China, which is losing patience with Pyongyang but whose priority remains preventing any instability on its doorstep. Seoul and Washington are currently conducting joint military drills, an annual exercise which is seen by the North as a practice for war. (AFP)

North Korea leader oversees special forces operation as tensions soar

Malaysia summoned the North Korean ambassador on Monday for a dressing-down over Pyongyang&#39;s attack on its investigation into the assassination of leader Kim Jong-Un&#39;s brother, deepening a diplomatic row.

Five North Koreans are in the frame for last week&#39;s airport killing, drawing a furious response from Pyongyang which has accused Kuala Lumpur of conspiring with &quot;hostile forces&quot; to damage its reputation.

Malaysia recalled its envoy to Pyongyang and also summoned the North Korean ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, who was told his accusation was &quot;baseless&quot;, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

&quot;The ministry emphasised that as the death occurred on Malaysian soil under mysterious circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian government to conduct an investigation to identify the cause of death,&quot; it said.

The row erupted when Malaysian police rejected North Korean diplomats&#39; demands to hand over the body of Kim Jong-Nam after he was apparently poisoned at Kuala Lumpur&#39;s international airport.

Ambassador Kang Chol last week told reporters outside the morgue where Jong-Nam&#39;s body is being held that Malaysia was being pressured by South Korea in a bid to defame its northern neighbour.&nbsp;

Seoul has pointed the finger of blame for the attack at the North, citing a &quot;standing order&quot; from Kim Jong-Un to kill his elder sibling and a failed assassination bid in 2012 after he criticised the regime.

&quot;The Malaysian government takes very seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish its reputation,&quot; the statement said, after the ambassador&#39;s meeting with Deputy Secretary General for Bilateral Affairs Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.

The Malaysian ambassador in Pyongyang has also been recalled to Kuala Lumpur for consultations, the statement said.

Police said Sunday they believed five North Koreans were involved in the killing, with four having fled the country on the day of the murder.

Officers have already arrested one North Korean living in Kuala Lumpur, an Indonesian woman and her Malaysian boyfriend, as well as a Vietnamese woman.

Three more North Koreans were wanted for questioning, police said.

The drama erupted last week as Jong-Nam prepared to board a plane to Macau, where he has been living in recent years. Malaysian police say the 45-year-old was jumped by two women who squirted liquid in his face.

Jong-Nam suffered a seizure and died before arriving at hospital.&nbsp;

Warning: Footage contains violence:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zjfm_XOxLOs" width="560"></iframe>

He was once thought to be the natural successor to his father, the then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il.

But after Jong-Il&#39;s death in 2011 the succession went instead to his younger half-brother Kim Jong-Un.

Reports of purges and executions have emerged from the current regime as Jong-Un tries to strengthen his grip on power in the face of international pressure over his nuclear and missile programmes.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Malaysia is upset that Pyongyang has attacked them for carrying out a probe into the death of Kim Jong-Un's half-brother

Malaysia summoned the North Korean ambassador on Monday for a dressing-down over Pyongyang's attack on its investigation into the assassination of leader Kim Jong-Un's brother, deepening a diplomatic row. Five North Koreans are in the frame for last week's airport killing, drawing a furious response from Pyongyang which has accused Kuala Lumpur of conspiring with "hostile forces" to damage its reputation. Malaysia recalled its envoy to Pyongyang and also summoned the North Korean ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, who was told his accusation was "baseless", the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The ministry emphasised that as the death occurred on Malaysian soil under mysterious circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian government to conduct an investigation to identify the cause of death," it said. The row erupted when Malaysian police rejected North Korean diplomats' demands to hand over the body of Kim Jong-Nam after he was apparently poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's international airport. Ambassador Kang Chol last week told reporters outside the morgue where Jong-Nam's body is being held that Malaysia was being pressured by South Korea in a bid to defame its northern neighbour. Seoul has pointed the finger of blame for the attack at the North, citing a "standing order" from Kim Jong-Un to kill his elder sibling and a failed assassination bid in 2012 after he criticised the regime. "The Malaysian government takes very seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish its reputation," the statement said, after the ambassador's meeting with Deputy Secretary General for Bilateral Affairs Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin. The Malaysian ambassador in Pyongyang has also been recalled to Kuala Lumpur for consultations, the statement said. Police said Sunday they believed five North Koreans were involved in the killing, with four having fled the country on the day of the murder. Officers have already arrested one North Korean living in Kuala Lumpur, an Indonesian woman and her Malaysian boyfriend, as well as a Vietnamese woman. Three more North Koreans were wanted for questioning, police said. The drama erupted last week as Jong-Nam prepared to board a plane to Macau, where he has been living in recent years. Malaysian police say the 45-year-old was jumped by two women who squirted liquid in his face. Jong-Nam suffered a seizure and died before arriving at hospital. Warning: Footage contains violence: He was once thought to be the natural successor to his father, the then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. But after Jong-Il's death in 2011 the succession went instead to his younger half-brother Kim Jong-Un. Reports of purges and executions have emerged from the current regime as Jong-Un tries to strengthen his grip on power in the face of international pressure over his nuclear and missile programmes. (AFP)

Malaysia summons North Korea envoy as rift deepens over airport death

Malaysian police investigating the assassination of the half-brother of North Korea&#39;s leader reportedly said Thursday they have detained a second woman in connection with the killing.

A 28-year-old woman, who was carrying a Vietnamese passport, was arrested the previous day after reports said two female assassins sprayed toxins in the victim&#39;s face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The first woman is due to appear in court on Thursday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed the detention of the second woman to Malaysia&#39;s Bernama news agency without providing further details, adding that an official statement will be issued later Thursday,&nbsp;

Selangor state police chief Abdul Samah Mat told AFP earlier that officers were looking for several suspects.

The two women struck on Monday as Kim Jong-Nam was readying to board a flight to Macau where he has spent many years in exile, South Korea&#39;s spy chief Lee Byung-Ho has said, pointing the finger of blame at the North.

(AFP)

The other suspect, a 28-year-old woman, is due to appear in court on Thursday. She was arrested the previous day

Malaysian police investigating the assassination of the half-brother of North Korea's leader reportedly said Thursday they have detained a second woman in connection with the killing. A 28-year-old woman, who was carrying a Vietnamese passport, was arrested the previous day after reports said two female assassins sprayed toxins in the victim's face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The first woman is due to appear in court on Thursday. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed the detention of the second woman to Malaysia's Bernama news agency without providing further details, adding that an official statement will be issued later Thursday, Selangor state police chief Abdul Samah Mat told AFP earlier that officers were looking for several suspects. The two women struck on Monday as Kim Jong-Nam was readying to board a flight to Macau where he has spent many years in exile, South Korea's spy chief Lee Byung-Ho has said, pointing the finger of blame at the North. (AFP)

Second woman suspected of killing North Korean leader's half-brother detained

A woman believed to have killed&nbsp;Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been detained by the Malaysian police.

Nam died on Monday on his way to the hospital from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, according to Malaysian police.

Lawmakers in Seoul said South Korea&rsquo;s spy agency suspects two female North Korean agents assassinated him.

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<h5>Malaysian police said Kim Jong Nam died on Monday on his way to the hospital from Kuala Lumpur International Airport</h5>
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The woman was carrying a Vietnamese passport at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where she was arrested, Malaysia&#39;s police chief said, AFP reported.

The police chief said the arrested woman had a Vietnamese passport in the name of Doan Thi Huong born on May 31, 1988.

The suspect was &quot;positively identifed from the CCTV footage at the airport and was alone at the the time of arrest,&quot; Khalid added. &nbsp;

South Korean intelligence believed Kim Jong Nam was poisoned, Reuters had reported on Tuesday (February 14).

Lawmakers said the spy agency told them that the young, unpredictable North Korean leader had issued a &quot;standing order&quot; for his half-brother&#39;s assassination and that there had been a failed attempt in 2012.

Joongang Ilbo, a South Korean newspaper, quoted an unidentified intelligence official as saying that Kim was &ldquo;stung by a poisoned needle&rdquo; and &ldquo;died right at that spot&rdquo;.

According to the spy agency, Kim Jong Nam had been living with his second wife in the Chinese territory of Macau, under Beijing&#39;s protection, the lawmakers said.&nbsp;

A Malaysian police source who had seen closed-circuit TV footage from the airport said a woman was involved in the attack.

&quot;So far from the CCTV we can confirm it&#39;s a woman,&quot; the source said.

&quot;If the murder of Kim Jong Nam was confirmed to be committed by the North Korean regime, that would clearly depict the brutality and inhumanity of the Kim Jong Un regime,&quot; South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said.

Several years ago, Kim Jong Nam was mentioned in local media to be a potential successor to his father, according to Joongang Ilbo. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

South Korean intelligence believes Kim Jong Nam was poisoned by two female hitwomen

A woman believed to have killed Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been detained by the Malaysian police. Nam died on Monday on his way to the hospital from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, according to Malaysian police. Lawmakers in Seoul said South Korea’s spy agency suspects two female North Korean agents assassinated him. Malaysian police said Kim Jong Nam died on Monday on his way to the hospital from Kuala Lumpur International Airport × The woman was carrying a Vietnamese passport at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where she was arrested, Malaysia's police chief said, AFP reported. The police chief said the arrested woman had a Vietnamese passport in the name of Doan Thi Huong born on May 31, 1988. The suspect was "positively identifed from the CCTV footage at the airport and was alone at the the time of arrest," Khalid added. South Korean intelligence believed Kim Jong Nam was poisoned, Reuters had reported on Tuesday (February 14). Lawmakers said the spy agency told them that the young, unpredictable North Korean leader had issued a "standing order" for his half-brother's assassination and that there had been a failed attempt in 2012. Joongang Ilbo, a South Korean newspaper, quoted an unidentified intelligence official as saying that Kim was “stung by a poisoned needle” and “died right at that spot”. According to the spy agency, Kim Jong Nam had been living with his second wife in the Chinese territory of Macau, under Beijing's protection, the lawmakers said. A Malaysian police source who had seen closed-circuit TV footage from the airport said a woman was involved in the attack. "So far from the CCTV we can confirm it's a woman," the source said. "If the murder of Kim Jong Nam was confirmed to be committed by the North Korean regime, that would clearly depict the brutality and inhumanity of the Kim Jong Un regime," South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said. Several years ago, Kim Jong Nam was mentioned in local media to be a potential successor to his father, according to Joongang Ilbo. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Suspected assassin of North Korea leader's half-brother detained in Malaysia

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have been killed in Malaysia, a South Korean government source said on Tuesday.

Kim Jong Nam, the older half-brother of the North Korean leader, was known to be based mostly outside of his home country.

Police in Malaysia told Reuters on Tuesday an unidentified North Korean man had died en route to hospital from Kuala Lumpur airport on Monday. Abdul Aziz Ali, police chief for the Sepang district, said the man&#39;s identity had not been verified.

An employee in the emergency ward of Putrajaya hospital said a deceased Korean there was born in 1970 and surnamed Kim.

South Korea&#39;s TV Chosun, a cable television network, said that Kim was poisoned at Kuala Lumpur airport by two women believed to be North Korean operatives, who were at large, citing multiple South Korean government sources.

The South Korean government source who spoke to Reuters did not immediately provide further details.

South Korea&#39;s foreign ministry said it could not confirm the reports, and the country&#39;s intelligence agency could not immediately be reached for comment.

In 2001, Kim Jong Nam was caught at an airport in Japan travelling on a fake passport, saying he had wanted visit Tokyo Disneyland.

(Reuters)

Although the government has given no details of the death, a media report said Kim Jong Nam was poisoned by two North Korea operatives

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have been killed in Malaysia, a South Korean government source said on Tuesday. Kim Jong Nam, the older half-brother of the North Korean leader, was known to be based mostly outside of his home country. Police in Malaysia told Reuters on Tuesday an unidentified North Korean man had died en route to hospital from Kuala Lumpur airport on Monday. Abdul Aziz Ali, police chief for the Sepang district, said the man's identity had not been verified. An employee in the emergency ward of Putrajaya hospital said a deceased Korean there was born in 1970 and surnamed Kim. South Korea's TV Chosun, a cable television network, said that Kim was poisoned at Kuala Lumpur airport by two women believed to be North Korean operatives, who were at large, citing multiple South Korean government sources. The South Korean government source who spoke to Reuters did not immediately provide further details. South Korea's foreign ministry said it could not confirm the reports, and the country's intelligence agency could not immediately be reached for comment. In 2001, Kim Jong Nam was caught at an airport in Japan travelling on a fake passport, saying he had wanted visit Tokyo Disneyland. (Reuters)

North Korea leader Kim's half-brother likely killed in Malaysia

The United States has sharply condemned a North Korean plan to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile and warned Pyongyang against &quot;provocative actions&quot;.

The toughly worded US statement on Sunday called on &quot;all states&quot; to show the North that any unlawful actions would have &quot;consequences&quot;.

It was issued by the Pentagon at a sensitive time -- just weeks before President Barack Obama is due to hand power over to his successor, Donald Trump.

The statement came hours after Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, said his country was close to testing such a missile, which would be capable of reaching American shores.

&quot;We are in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile,&quot; Kim said in a televised New Year&#39;s speech, pointing to a string of nuclear and missile tests last year.

He said Pyongyang was now a &quot;military power of the East that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy&quot;.

The Pentagon statement noted that &quot;multiple UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibit North Korea&#39;s launches using ballistic missile technology&quot;.

It urged Pyongyang to &quot;refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric that threaten international peace and stability&quot;.

The statement reaffirmed Washington&#39;s &quot;ironclad commitment&quot; to defend its allies, using &quot;the full spectrum of US extended deterrence capabilities&quot;.

Pyongyang has never successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and analysts are divided over how close it is to doing so.

But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over as leader from his father Kim Jong-Il, who died in December 2011.

(AFP)

The Pentagon statement noted that "multiple UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibit North Korea's launches using ballistic missile technology"

The United States has sharply condemned a North Korean plan to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile and warned Pyongyang against "provocative actions". The toughly worded US statement on Sunday called on "all states" to show the North that any unlawful actions would have "consequences". It was issued by the Pentagon at a sensitive time -- just weeks before President Barack Obama is due to hand power over to his successor, Donald Trump. The statement came hours after Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, said his country was close to testing such a missile, which would be capable of reaching American shores. "We are in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile," Kim said in a televised New Year's speech, pointing to a string of nuclear and missile tests last year. He said Pyongyang was now a "military power of the East that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy". The Pentagon statement noted that "multiple UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibit North Korea's launches using ballistic missile technology". It urged Pyongyang to "refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric that threaten international peace and stability". The statement reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment" to defend its allies, using "the full spectrum of US extended deterrence capabilities". Pyongyang has never successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and analysts are divided over how close it is to doing so. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over as leader from his father Kim Jong-Il, who died in December 2011. (AFP)

US warns North Korea against ballistic missile launch

Dismissing all international warnings to end its nuclear programme, North Korea has carried out another successful test for a high-power rocket engine.&nbsp; 
 
North Korea&#39;s state media reported that Tuesday&#39;s ground test of a new rocket engine to launch satellites was conducted under leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s supervision. 
 
KCNA said the engine would give the country &quot;sufficient carrier capability for launching various kinds of satellites, including Earth observation satellite at a world level&quot;. 
 
It is the latest in a rapid succession of missile-tests conducted by the isolated state this year and could further advance Pyongyang&#39;s weapons programme.&nbsp; 
 
After the test, Kim Jong-Un called on scientists &quot;to round off the preparations for launching the satellite as soon as possible.&quot; 
The North indicated it may soon launch another long-range rocket.&nbsp; 
 
North Korea insisted it will continue its nuclear programme despite the five sets of United Nations sanctions against it.&nbsp; 
 
In February, it launched a satellite testing its long-range ballistic missile technology. 
 
Earlier this month, it had successfully conducted its most powerful nuclear test mounting a warhead on a missile.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
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After a successful ground test, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un asked scientists to round off preparations for the satellite launch

Dismissing all international warnings to end its nuclear programme, North Korea has carried out another successful test for a high-power rocket engine. North Korea's state media reported that Tuesday's ground test of a new rocket engine to launch satellites was conducted under leader Kim Jong Un's supervision. KCNA said the engine would give the country "sufficient carrier capability for launching various kinds of satellites, including Earth observation satellite at a world level". It is the latest in a rapid succession of missile-tests conducted by the isolated state this year and could further advance Pyongyang's weapons programme. After the test, Kim Jong-Un called on scientists "to round off the preparations for launching the satellite as soon as possible." The North indicated it may soon launch another long-range rocket. North Korea insisted it will continue its nuclear programme despite the five sets of United Nations sanctions against it. In February, it launched a satellite testing its long-range ballistic missile technology. Earlier this month, it had successfully conducted its most powerful nuclear test mounting a warhead on a missile. (WION with inputs from agencies)

North Korea conducts ground test of new rocket engine, disregards international warnings

North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date on Friday. The test, estimated at 10 kilotons, sparked international shockwaves. 
 
The North howeves says its weapons programme is only a defence against US nuclear &ldquo;blackmail&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
 
South Korea meanwhile said the nuclear threat from the North was growing fast and called for tough new sanctions from the UN Security Council to force it to change tack. 
 
&quot;It is believed that the North&#39;s nuclear capability is becoming more advanced to a considerable level, and at a faster pace,&quot; Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se told senior ministry officials, calling for &quot;more and stronger sanctions&quot;. 
 
During a closed-door meeting on Friday, the council strongly condemned the test and agreed to begin drafting a new resolution under Article 41 of the UN charter, which provides for sanctions. 
 
&quot;The members of the Security Council will begin to work immediately on appropriate measures under Article 41 in a Security Council resolution,&quot; New Zealand&#39;s ambassador Gerard van Bohemen told reporters. 
 
The blast at the Punggye-ri nuclear site was condemned by several countries including the South, US, Russia and China. 
 
In Seoul, dozens of protesters burned an effigy of the North&#39;s dictator Kim Jong-Un and called for &quot;strong retaliation&quot;, including pre-emptive attacks on the North&#39;s nuclear complex. 
 
&quot;Eliminate Kim Jong-Un!&quot; and &quot;Destroy North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons!&quot; the elderly activists shouted. 
 
But, North Korea has said it will not submit to US &quot;nuclear blackmail&quot;. 
 
The North&rsquo;s ruling party newspaper &nbsp;criticised South Korean President Park Geun-Hye over her condemnation of the North&#39;s ballistic missile tests and called her a &ldquo;dirty prostitute&rdquo; for working with US forces. 
 
&quot;Gone are the days never to return when the US could make a unilateral nuclear blackmail against the DPRK,&quot; said Rodong Sinmun, using the country&#39;s official name. 
 
&quot;The US is exasperated by the strong military steps being taken by the DPRK in a phased way.&quot; 
North Korea has been subject to sanctions since 2006 but the country has, nevertheless, continued to develop its nuclear programme. 
 
After its fourth test in March, sanctions were toughened to include North Korea&#39;s mineral trade and stricter banking restrictions. 
 
However, this did not stop the isolated communist state from conducting a further 21 ballistic missile launches. 
 
The Security Council met on Friday at the request of Japan, South Korea and the United States.&nbsp; 
 
(WION, with inputs from AFP)

The country conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date on Friday, sparking international shockwaves

North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date on Friday. The test, estimated at 10 kilotons, sparked international shockwaves. The North howeves says its weapons programme is only a defence against US nuclear “blackmail”. South Korea meanwhile said the nuclear threat from the North was growing fast and called for tough new sanctions from the UN Security Council to force it to change tack. "It is believed that the North's nuclear capability is becoming more advanced to a considerable level, and at a faster pace," Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se told senior ministry officials, calling for "more and stronger sanctions". During a closed-door meeting on Friday, the council strongly condemned the test and agreed to begin drafting a new resolution under Article 41 of the UN charter, which provides for sanctions. "The members of the Security Council will begin to work immediately on appropriate measures under Article 41 in a Security Council resolution," New Zealand's ambassador Gerard van Bohemen told reporters. The blast at the Punggye-ri nuclear site was condemned by several countries including the South, US, Russia and China. In Seoul, dozens of protesters burned an effigy of the North's dictator Kim Jong-Un and called for "strong retaliation", including pre-emptive attacks on the North's nuclear complex. "Eliminate Kim Jong-Un!" and "Destroy North Korea's nuclear weapons!" the elderly activists shouted. But, North Korea has said it will not submit to US "nuclear blackmail". The North’s ruling party newspaper criticised South Korean President Park Geun-Hye over her condemnation of the North's ballistic missile tests and called her a “dirty prostitute” for working with US forces. "Gone are the days never to return when the US could make a unilateral nuclear blackmail against the DPRK," said Rodong Sinmun, using the country's official name. "The US is exasperated by the strong military steps being taken by the DPRK in a phased way." North Korea has been subject to sanctions since 2006 but the country has, nevertheless, continued to develop its nuclear programme. After its fourth test in March, sanctions were toughened to include North Korea's mineral trade and stricter banking restrictions. However, this did not stop the isolated communist state from conducting a further 21 ballistic missile launches. The Security Council met on Friday at the request of Japan, South Korea and the United States. (WION, with inputs from AFP)

North Korea justifies nukes, says they are defence against US 'blackmail'

North Korea has reportedly forbidden people from making sarcastic comments about the authoritarian leader Kim Jong-un in everyday conversations.&nbsp; 
 
Indirect criticism of his totalitarian regime has been also banned, according to media reports.&nbsp; 
 
The warning that &ldquo;critics will not be forgiven&rdquo; was issued in a series of mass meetings held by functionaries across the city.&nbsp; 
 
The caution was also issued in neighbouring Yangang province, The Independent reported.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;One state security official personally organised a meeting to alert local residents to potential &lsquo;hostile actions&rsquo; by internal rebellious elements,&rdquo; a source in Jagang Province told Radio Free Asia&#39;s Korean service, according to report.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;The main point of the lecture was &lsquo;Keep your mouths shut.&rsquo;&rdquo; 
 
Expressions like &ldquo;This is America&#39;s fault&rdquo; and &ldquo;A fool who can&#39;t see the outside world&rdquo; (for Jong-un) that are seemingly doing rounds in the country would be unacceptable, officials told people at the meeting.&nbsp; 
 
(WION) 
&nbsp;

Indirect criticism of Jong-un's totalitarian regime has also been banned, media reports said today

North Korea has reportedly forbidden people from making sarcastic comments about the authoritarian leader Kim Jong-un in everyday conversations. Indirect criticism of his totalitarian regime has been also banned, according to media reports. The warning that “critics will not be forgiven” was issued in a series of mass meetings held by functionaries across the city. The caution was also issued in neighbouring Yangang province, The Independent reported. “One state security official personally organised a meeting to alert local residents to potential ‘hostile actions’ by internal rebellious elements,” a source in Jagang Province told Radio Free Asia's Korean service, according to report. “The main point of the lecture was ‘Keep your mouths shut.’” Expressions like “This is America's fault” and “A fool who can't see the outside world” (for Jong-un) that are seemingly doing rounds in the country would be unacceptable, officials told people at the meeting. (WION)

North Korea 'bans' sarcastic comments on leader Kim Jong-un: Reports

<div style="text-align: justify;">South Korean unification ministry spokesperson Jeong Joon-Hee today announced at a regular briefing that North Korea&#39;s vice premier for education Kim Yong-Jin had been executed. 
 
His fault: a disrespectful sitting position during a session of North Korean parliament held by the country&#39;s dictator Kim Jong-Un. 
 
&quot;Kim Yong-Jin was denounced for his bad sitting posture when he was sitting below the rostrum,&quot; and then underwent an interrogation that revealed his other crimes, an anonymous source within the South Korean unification ministry told AFP. 
 
The vice premier was executed by a firing squad in July as &quot;an anti-party, anti-revolutionary agitator&quot;, added the anonymous source. 
 
According to the South Korean unification ministry, two other officials came under Kim Jon-Un&#39;s scanner and have been sent for &#39;re-education&#39; sessions. 
 
One of them is Kim Yong-Chol, a top official in charge of inter-Korean affairs and espionage activities who is believed to be the mastermind behind the North Korean cyber attacks against the South. 
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<h5>High-profile executions are not new to dictator Kim Jong-Un. Since the beginning of his regime, in 2011, he is believed to have ordered the elimination of many senior politicians.</h5>
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Kim Yong-Chol was banished to an agricultural farm in July for a month for his &quot;arrogance&quot; and &quot;abuse of power,&quot; informed the South Korean Unification Ministry official. 
 
What happened during this period is not clear.&nbsp; 
 
He has now been reinstated, but he might be forced to prove his loyalties&nbsp;towards North Korea through actions against South Korea. 
 
&quot;Therefore, we are keeping a close tab on the North&quot;, said the South Korean official. 
 
High-profile executions are not new to dictator Kim Jong-Un. Since the beginning of his regime, in 2011, he is believed to have ordered the elimination of many senior politicians. 
 
According to South Korea&#39;s Yonhap news agency, the number of party officials executed is close to a hundred. &nbsp; 
 
Analysts say that it is an attempt to keep full control over the country&#39;s institutions. 
 
All these news must be taken with a pinch of salt, or maybe two. North Korea is a silent country, it never replies officially to the many accusations regularly moved against it. There are no free journalists and the country&#39;s media is completely in the hands of the government, making it almost impossible to verify facts on the spot and gather first-hand news. 
 
Such is the difficulty in getting exact news that the mass-selling South Korean media &#39;JoongAng Ilbo&#39;, for instance, identified the education vice premier by a different name when first reporting the news.&nbsp; 
 
Information regarding North Korea mainly reaches public domain through South Korean intelligence reports, a country that has every political and strategic interest in portraying the neighbouring country as a sort of &ldquo;hell on earth&rdquo;. 
 
International media and agencies often grope in the dark, relying on anonymous sources, mainly South Korean. 
 
This makes North Korean news coverage prone to mistakes, like the recent case of Gen&nbsp;Ri Yong Gil. South Korean intelligence claimed that he had been executed earlier this year, but he appeared pretty much alive during a congress event held in North Korea&#39; s capital city of Pyongyang in May. 
 
What is probably more verifiable is the recent series of high-profile individuals who left North Korea. 
 
South Korea&#39;s Yonhap news agency claimed that &#39;informed sources&#39; told them that 10 North Korean diplomats fled their country in the first half of 2016 alone. 
 
North Korea&#39;s deputy ambassador Thae Yong-Ho to Britain has defected to the South with his family, said South Korean unification ministry, who did not miss the opportunity to state that he did so because of his &quot;disgust for the North Korean regime&quot;. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)</div>

Anonymous sources said that the vice premier was executed by a firing squad in July for being an 'anti-party, anti-revolutionary agitator'

South Korean unification ministry spokesperson Jeong Joon-Hee today announced at a regular briefing that North Korea's vice premier for education Kim Yong-Jin had been executed. His fault: a disrespectful sitting position during a session of North Korean parliament held by the country's dictator Kim Jong-Un. "Kim Yong-Jin was denounced for his bad sitting posture when he was sitting below the rostrum," and then underwent an interrogation that revealed his other crimes, an anonymous source within the South Korean unification ministry told AFP. The vice premier was executed by a firing squad in July as "an anti-party, anti-revolutionary agitator", added the anonymous source. According to the South Korean unification ministry, two other officials came under Kim Jon-Un's scanner and have been sent for 're-education' sessions. One of them is Kim Yong-Chol, a top official in charge of inter-Korean affairs and espionage activities who is believed to be the mastermind behind the North Korean cyber attacks against the South. High-profile executions are not new to dictator Kim Jong-Un. Since the beginning of his regime, in 2011, he is believed to have ordered the elimination of many senior politicians. Kim Yong-Chol was banished to an agricultural farm in July for a month for his "arrogance" and "abuse of power," informed the South Korean Unification Ministry official. What happened during this period is not clear. He has now been reinstated, but he might be forced to prove his loyalties towards North Korea through actions against South Korea. "Therefore, we are keeping a close tab on the North", said the South Korean official. High-profile executions are not new to dictator Kim Jong-Un. Since the beginning of his regime, in 2011, he is believed to have ordered the elimination of many senior politicians. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the number of party officials executed is close to a hundred. Analysts say that it is an attempt to keep full control over the country's institutions. All these news must be taken with a pinch of salt, or maybe two. North Korea is a silent country, it never replies officially to the many accusations regularly moved against it. There are no free journalists and the country's media is completely in the hands of the government, making it almost impossible to verify facts on the spot and gather first-hand news. Such is the difficulty in getting exact news that the mass-selling South Korean media 'JoongAng Ilbo', for instance, identified the education vice premier by a different name when first reporting the news. Information regarding North Korea mainly reaches public domain through South Korean intelligence reports, a country that has every political and strategic interest in portraying the neighbouring country as a sort of “hell on earth”. International media and agencies often grope in the dark, relying on anonymous sources, mainly South Korean. This makes North Korean news coverage prone to mistakes, like the recent case of Gen Ri Yong Gil. South Korean intelligence claimed that he had been executed earlier this year, but he appeared pretty much alive during a congress event held in North Korea' s capital city of Pyongyang in May. What is probably more verifiable is the recent series of high-profile individuals who left North Korea. South Korea's Yonhap news agency claimed that 'informed sources' told them that 10 North Korean diplomats fled their country in the first half of 2016 alone. North Korea's deputy ambassador Thae Yong-Ho to Britain has defected to the South with his family, said South Korean unification ministry, who did not miss the opportunity to state that he did so because of his "disgust for the North Korean regime". (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean vice premier executed for 'disrespectful sitting position': Seoul

South Korean and US activists said on Friday they had balloon-launched hundreds of thousands of leaflets over the border into North Korea, criticising leader Kim Jong-Un and Pyongyang&#39;s latest ballistic missile tests. 
 
The late-night exercise on Thursday came amid heightened cross-border tensions, with the North responding angrily to the announced deployment of a sophisticated US anti-missile system in South Korea. 
 
About 20 activists from the Seoul-based Fighters for Free North Korea (FFNK) and New York-based Human Rights Foundation launched 10 large balloons, carrying 300,000 anti-North leaflets across the heavily-fortified border, the groups said in a statement. 
 
A photo provided by the activists showed a banner attached to one of the balloons reading: &quot;All humanity condemns the nuclear-obsessed Kim Jong-Un who squeezes the blood of his own people to fire rockets!&quot; 
 
The FFNK has staged similar balloon launches for years despite warnings of North Korean retaliation. 
 
The leaflets usually criticise the North&#39;s ruling Kim family and urge people in the isolated country to &quot;rise up&quot;. 
 
The latest launch came days after the North test fired two Scud missiles and one intermediate-range Rodong missile in violation of existing UN resolutions. 
 
The widely-condemned tests, personally monitored by Kim Jong-Un, were aimed at simulating possible attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military targets, the North&#39;s state-run media said. 
 
North Korea has threatened &quot;physical action&quot; in response to the recent agreement between Seoul and Washington to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, in South Korea. 
 
(AFP)

A banner read, 'All humanity condemns the nuclear-obsessed Kim Jong-Un who squeezes the blood of his own people to fire rockets!'

South Korean and US activists said on Friday they had balloon-launched hundreds of thousands of leaflets over the border into North Korea, criticising leader Kim Jong-Un and Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile tests. The late-night exercise on Thursday came amid heightened cross-border tensions, with the North responding angrily to the announced deployment of a sophisticated US anti-missile system in South Korea. About 20 activists from the Seoul-based Fighters for Free North Korea (FFNK) and New York-based Human Rights Foundation launched 10 large balloons, carrying 300,000 anti-North leaflets across the heavily-fortified border, the groups said in a statement. A photo provided by the activists showed a banner attached to one of the balloons reading: "All humanity condemns the nuclear-obsessed Kim Jong-Un who squeezes the blood of his own people to fire rockets!" The FFNK has staged similar balloon launches for years despite warnings of North Korean retaliation. The leaflets usually criticise the North's ruling Kim family and urge people in the isolated country to "rise up". The latest launch came days after the North test fired two Scud missiles and one intermediate-range Rodong missile in violation of existing UN resolutions. The widely-condemned tests, personally monitored by Kim Jong-Un, were aimed at simulating possible attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military targets, the North's state-run media said. North Korea has threatened "physical action" in response to the recent agreement between Seoul and Washington to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, in South Korea. (AFP)

Activists launch balloon with anti-Kim leaflets into North Korea

North Korea said today it would close one of the last remaining channels of communication with the US in protest at sanctions on leader Kim Jong-Un for human rights abuses. 
 
The North&#39;s foreign ministry notified the US government that it would effectively halt all communications with Washington through the North&#39;s office at the United Nations in New York, state-run KCNA said. 
 
&quot;We...have notified the US that we would completely end all official communications through New York,&quot; it said. 
 
The North&#39;s UN office has long served as a rare avenue of formal and informal communications with the US including past talks on nuclear disarmament in the North. 
 
In the message sent through its UN office Sunday, Pyongyang said all bilateral issues would be handled based on its wartime laws from now on, including two Americans currently detained in the North. 
 
Otto Warmbier, a 21-year-old college student, was sentenced to 15 years&#39; hard labour in March for stealing a propaganda banner from a hotel. Korean-American missionary Kim Dong-Chul is also serving a jail term on charges of subversion and espionage. 
 
&quot;We have notified the US that the US would be entirely held responsible for all unfortunate developments that may occur in the future,&quot; the KCNA said without elaborating. 
 
The warnings came days after the North slammed the new US sanctions targeting Kim as a &quot;declaration of a war&quot; and vowed to take strong retaliatory measures. 
 
The latest sanctions, which described Kim directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses, are the first that name the leader of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. 
 
Pyongyang, in its first reaction published last Thursday, urged Washington to retract the sanctions, warning that it would otherwise cut off &quot;every lever and channel for diplomatic contact&quot; between the two countries. 
 
(AFP)

All bilateral issues would be handled based on its wartime laws from now on, including two Americans currently detained in the North

North Korea said today it would close one of the last remaining channels of communication with the US in protest at sanctions on leader Kim Jong-Un for human rights abuses. The North's foreign ministry notified the US government that it would effectively halt all communications with Washington through the North's office at the United Nations in New York, state-run KCNA said. "We...have notified the US that we would completely end all official communications through New York," it said. The North's UN office has long served as a rare avenue of formal and informal communications with the US including past talks on nuclear disarmament in the North. In the message sent through its UN office Sunday, Pyongyang said all bilateral issues would be handled based on its wartime laws from now on, including two Americans currently detained in the North. Otto Warmbier, a 21-year-old college student, was sentenced to 15 years' hard labour in March for stealing a propaganda banner from a hotel. Korean-American missionary Kim Dong-Chul is also serving a jail term on charges of subversion and espionage. "We have notified the US that the US would be entirely held responsible for all unfortunate developments that may occur in the future," the KCNA said without elaborating. The warnings came days after the North slammed the new US sanctions targeting Kim as a "declaration of a war" and vowed to take strong retaliatory measures. The latest sanctions, which described Kim directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses, are the first that name the leader of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. Pyongyang, in its first reaction published last Thursday, urged Washington to retract the sanctions, warning that it would otherwise cut off "every lever and channel for diplomatic contact" between the two countries. (AFP)

North Korea to shut communication with US to protest sanctions on Kim Jong-Un

North Korea on Saturday test-fired what appeared to be a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), Seoul&#39;s defence ministry said, a day after the US and South Korea decided to deploy an advanced missile defence system in the South. 
 
The launch was apparently successful but the missile failed in the early stage of flight, the South Korean defence ministry said in a statement. 
 
North Korea previously fired an SLBM on April 23 in a test hailed as an &quot;eye-opening success&quot; by leader Kim Jong-Un, who at the time declared his country had the ability to strike Seoul and the US whenever it pleased. 
 
Seoul said the North launched &quot;what was believed to be an SLBM&quot; from waters off the northeastern port of Sinpo at around 11:30 am (0230 GMT). 
 
Yonhap news agency said the missile, launched from a Sinpo-class submarine, reached an altitude of some 10 kilometres (six miles) before exploding in mid-air. 
 
The US Strategic Command said the missile was tracked over the Sea of Japan, where initial indications suggested it fell. 
 
The North American Aerospace Defense Command said the launch did not pose a threat to North America. 
 
&quot;We strongly condemn this and North Korea&rsquo;s other recent missile tests, which violate UN Security Council Resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea&#39;s launches using ballistic missile technology&quot;, Pentagon Spokesman Gary Ross said. 
 
He urged the North &quot;to refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region&quot;. 
 
Seoul&#39;s defence ministry noted that &quot;North Korea has been persistent in violating UN resolutions by launching ballistic missiles continuously&quot;. 
 
It added that the North carried out back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile on June 22, which sparked swift international condemnation. 
 
The two missiles achieved a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches and were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam, the ministry said in June. 
 
&quot;We strongly condemn such provocative acts&quot;, it said Saturday. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the launch did not pose an immediate threat. 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t consider the missile launch to be anything that would immediately affect Japan&#39;s national security directly. We have to cooperate with the international community and condemn North Korea,&quot; he told public broadcaster NHK. 
 
&#39;Declaration of war&#39; 
The new launch came after Seoul and Washington Friday announced their decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, to the Korean peninsula and the North warned US sanctions against its leader amounted to a &quot;declaration of war&quot;. 
 
Tensions have soared since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of missile launches that analysts said show the North is making progress toward being able to strike the US mainland. 
 
The plan to deploy the powerful THAAD system in South Korea has angered Beijing and Moscow, which both see it as a US bid to flex military muscle in the region. 
 
News of the deployment came after the US on Wednesday placed &quot;Supreme Leader&quot; Kim on its sanctions blacklist for the first time, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. 
 
Pyongyang lashed out at Washington on Friday, warning North Korea would instantly cut off all diplomatic channels with the US if the sanctions were not lifted. 
 
The North&#39;s foreign ministry called the sanctions against Kim &quot;the worst hostility and an open declaration of war&quot;, vowing to take &quot;the toughest countermeasures to resolutely shatter the hostility of the US&quot;. 
 
It said any problem arising in relations with the US would be handled under its &quot;wartime law&quot;. 
 
North Korea often issues bellicose statements against the US, but the reference to &quot;wartime law&quot; is rare and analysts warned of more sabre-rattling to come over the sanctions. 
 
(AFP)

The launch on Saturday has come after the US and South Korea decided to deploy THAAD to the Korean peninsula

North Korea on Saturday test-fired what appeared to be a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), Seoul's defence ministry said, a day after the US and South Korea decided to deploy an advanced missile defence system in the South. The launch was apparently successful but the missile failed in the early stage of flight, the South Korean defence ministry said in a statement. North Korea previously fired an SLBM on April 23 in a test hailed as an "eye-opening success" by leader Kim Jong-Un, who at the time declared his country had the ability to strike Seoul and the US whenever it pleased. Seoul said the North launched "what was believed to be an SLBM" from waters off the northeastern port of Sinpo at around 11:30 am (0230 GMT). Yonhap news agency said the missile, launched from a Sinpo-class submarine, reached an altitude of some 10 kilometres (six miles) before exploding in mid-air. The US Strategic Command said the missile was tracked over the Sea of Japan, where initial indications suggested it fell. The North American Aerospace Defense Command said the launch did not pose a threat to North America. "We strongly condemn this and North Korea’s other recent missile tests, which violate UN Security Council Resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea's launches using ballistic missile technology", Pentagon Spokesman Gary Ross said. He urged the North "to refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region". Seoul's defence ministry noted that "North Korea has been persistent in violating UN resolutions by launching ballistic missiles continuously". It added that the North carried out back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile on June 22, which sparked swift international condemnation. The two missiles achieved a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches and were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam, the ministry said in June. "We strongly condemn such provocative acts", it said Saturday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the launch did not pose an immediate threat. "We don't consider the missile launch to be anything that would immediately affect Japan's national security directly. We have to cooperate with the international community and condemn North Korea," he told public broadcaster NHK. 'Declaration of war' The new launch came after Seoul and Washington Friday announced their decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, to the Korean peninsula and the North warned US sanctions against its leader amounted to a "declaration of war". Tensions have soared since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of missile launches that analysts said show the North is making progress toward being able to strike the US mainland. The plan to deploy the powerful THAAD system in South Korea has angered Beijing and Moscow, which both see it as a US bid to flex military muscle in the region. News of the deployment came after the US on Wednesday placed "Supreme Leader" Kim on its sanctions blacklist for the first time, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. Pyongyang lashed out at Washington on Friday, warning North Korea would instantly cut off all diplomatic channels with the US if the sanctions were not lifted. The North's foreign ministry called the sanctions against Kim "the worst hostility and an open declaration of war", vowing to take "the toughest countermeasures to resolutely shatter the hostility of the US". It said any problem arising in relations with the US would be handled under its "wartime law". North Korea often issues bellicose statements against the US, but the reference to "wartime law" is rare and analysts warned of more sabre-rattling to come over the sanctions. (AFP)

North Korea test-fires submarine-launched missile, says Seoul

The United States placed North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on its sanctions blacklist for the first time on Wednesday, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. 
 
US officials said Kim and 10 other top officials also blacklisted were behind widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings, forced labour and torture in the country&#39;s system of prison camps for political detainees that has made North Korea &quot;among the world&#39;s most repressive countries&quot;. 
 
They also were responsible for harsh censorship of media, academic and cultural activities, including imprisoning people accused of viewing foreign films. 
 
&quot;Under Kim Jong-Un, North Korea continues to inflict intolerable cruelty and hardship on millions of its own people, including extrajudicial killings, forced labour, and torture,&quot; said Adam Szubin, acting treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. 
 
Treasury said that Kim, North Korea&#39;s &#39;Supreme Leader&#39;, was responsible for abuses in his roles as head of the country&#39;s ministry of state security and ministry of people&#39;s security. 
 
According to officials in Washington, the ministry of state security holds 80,000 to 120,000 prisoners in political prison camps where torture, execution, sexual assault, starvation, and slave labour are common. 
 
Meanwhile, the ministry of people&#39;s security overseen by Kim runs a network of police stations, detention centres and labour camps where suspects under interrogation &quot;are systematically degraded and tortured&quot;, the United States said. 
 
Kim is &quot;rather plainly ultimately responsible for the actions of his regime including its repressive policies&quot;, a senior US official said, speaking anonymously. 
 
But authorities in Washington for the first time identified other top officials directly involved in rights abuses, including Choe Pu Il, the minister of people&#39;s security, Ri Song Chol, a senior official in the ministry of people&#39;s security, and Kang Song Nam, a bureau director with the ministry of state security. 
 
Another on the new sanctions list, Cho Yon Jun of the powerful Organization and guidance department, is in charge of enforcing loyalty to Kim, including executing those who defy his will, the senior US official said. 
 
The sanctions were announced in parallel with the state department&#39;s release of a new report which documents the abuses throughout the North Korean security apparatus and political prison camp system. 
 
It is not the first time the United States has placed a head of state on a sanctions list. Previously sanctioned leaders include Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. 
 
Sanctions &#39;send a message&#39; 
 
US officials said they do not expect immediate consequences from the sanctions, which freeze the US-based assets of those named, and forbids Americans from doing business with them. 
 
But senior officials said that naming those directly involved could make them think twice about what they are doing. 
 
&quot;With these efforts, we aim to send a signal to all government officials who might be responsible for human rights abuses, including prison camp managers and guards, interrogators, and defector chasers, with the goal of changing their behavior,&quot; said state department spokesman John Kirby. 
 
The senior official said there was evidence that an increasing number of people inside North Korea, including inside Kim&#39;s regime, are conscious that Kim&#39;s strongman rule might have its limits. 
 
&quot;What this report does is sends a message to people within the North Korean regime, particularly at those lower to mid levels, that if you become involved in abuses like running concentration camps or hunting down defectors, we will know who you are and you will end up on a blacklist that leaves you at a significant disadvantage in the future,&quot; Kirby said. 
 
(AFP)

In a bid to send a message of deterrence, blacklisted personnel also include other officials from Kim's government

The United States placed North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on its sanctions blacklist for the first time on Wednesday, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. US officials said Kim and 10 other top officials also blacklisted were behind widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings, forced labour and torture in the country's system of prison camps for political detainees that has made North Korea "among the world's most repressive countries". They also were responsible for harsh censorship of media, academic and cultural activities, including imprisoning people accused of viewing foreign films. "Under Kim Jong-Un, North Korea continues to inflict intolerable cruelty and hardship on millions of its own people, including extrajudicial killings, forced labour, and torture," said Adam Szubin, acting treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Treasury said that Kim, North Korea's 'Supreme Leader', was responsible for abuses in his roles as head of the country's ministry of state security and ministry of people's security. According to officials in Washington, the ministry of state security holds 80,000 to 120,000 prisoners in political prison camps where torture, execution, sexual assault, starvation, and slave labour are common. Meanwhile, the ministry of people's security overseen by Kim runs a network of police stations, detention centres and labour camps where suspects under interrogation "are systematically degraded and tortured", the United States said. Kim is "rather plainly ultimately responsible for the actions of his regime including its repressive policies", a senior US official said, speaking anonymously. But authorities in Washington for the first time identified other top officials directly involved in rights abuses, including Choe Pu Il, the minister of people's security, Ri Song Chol, a senior official in the ministry of people's security, and Kang Song Nam, a bureau director with the ministry of state security. Another on the new sanctions list, Cho Yon Jun of the powerful Organization and guidance department, is in charge of enforcing loyalty to Kim, including executing those who defy his will, the senior US official said. The sanctions were announced in parallel with the state department's release of a new report which documents the abuses throughout the North Korean security apparatus and political prison camp system. It is not the first time the United States has placed a head of state on a sanctions list. Previously sanctioned leaders include Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Sanctions 'send a message' US officials said they do not expect immediate consequences from the sanctions, which freeze the US-based assets of those named, and forbids Americans from doing business with them. But senior officials said that naming those directly involved could make them think twice about what they are doing. "With these efforts, we aim to send a signal to all government officials who might be responsible for human rights abuses, including prison camp managers and guards, interrogators, and defector chasers, with the goal of changing their behavior," said state department spokesman John Kirby. The senior official said there was evidence that an increasing number of people inside North Korea, including inside Kim's regime, are conscious that Kim's strongman rule might have its limits. "What this report does is sends a message to people within the North Korean regime, particularly at those lower to mid levels, that if you become involved in abuses like running concentration camps or hunting down defectors, we will know who you are and you will end up on a blacklist that leaves you at a significant disadvantage in the future," Kirby said. (AFP)

In a first, US sanctions North Korea's Kim Jong-Un for 'serious' human rights abuses

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