A North Korean man was captured by South Korea's military on Wednesday after crossing the inter-Korean border, Seoul said.

The man was identified by Seoul only as a North Korean male, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.&nbsp;

Investigations will be conducted "in cooperation with related agencies for details", it added, including whether the man sought to defect to the South.

No unusual activity of the North's military has been detected, it said.

Last year, a North Korean soldier made a river crossing of the Demilitarised Zone that divides the peninsula.

More than 30,000 North Koreans have escaped to the South since the two were separated by war more than 65 years ago, according to Seoul government data, many of them driven by prolonged economic hardship.

But the vast majority have gone first to the North's neighbour and ally China before making their way to the South, usually via a third country.

Only a few have dared to cross the DMZ, which is riddled with landmines and has a heavy military presence on both sides.

In November 2017, a North Korean soldier dashed through the border village of Panmunjom in a hail of gunfire from his own side. The trooper, then 24, was hit several times but survived.

The latest crossing comes days after the North placed the blame for its killing of a South Korean fisheries official last month on Seoul's "improper control of the citizen", and inter-Korean relations remain in a state of deep freeze.

A North Korean man was captured by South Korea's military on Wednesday after crossing the inter-Korean border, Seoul said. The man was identified by Seoul only as a North Korean male, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

A North Korean man was captured by South Korea's military on Wednesday after crossing the inter-Korean border, Seoul said. The man was identified by Seoul only as a North Korean male, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Investigations will be conducted "in cooperation with related agencies for details", it added, including whether the man sought to defect to the South. No unusual activity of the North's military has been detected, it said. Last year, a North Korean soldier made a river crossing of the Demilitarised Zone that divides the peninsula. More than 30,000 North Koreans have escaped to the South since the two were separated by war more than 65 years ago, according to Seoul government data, many of them driven by prolonged economic hardship. But the vast majority have gone first to the North's neighbour and ally China before making their way to the South, usually via a third country. Only a few have dared to cross the DMZ, which is riddled with landmines and has a heavy military presence on both sides. In November 2017, a North Korean soldier dashed through the border village of Panmunjom in a hail of gunfire from his own side. The trooper, then 24, was hit several times but survived. The latest crossing comes days after the North placed the blame for its killing of a South Korean fisheries official last month on Seoul's "improper control of the citizen", and inter-Korean relations remain in a state of deep freeze.

South Korean military captures North Korean crossing border

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea promised to build at least 25,000 homes in the upcoming five years to counter the economic crisis. People in the country are beginning at 80-day campaign in a bid to achieve economic goals.

The country has witnessed a lot in 2020, from an array of typhoons that destroyed towns, to international sanctions, and the slowdown induced by COVID-19. North Korea still claims to have no coronavirus infections, a claim South Korea and the US have denied.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-re-appears-in-public-after-months-during-inspection-of-flood-hit-areas-331871" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un's sister re-appears in public after months during inspection of flood-hit areas</a>

The home building plan came into existence as Kim visited one of the areas hit hard by typhoons. Jong Un urged the military to step up rebuilding measures, according to state news agency KCNA.

Over the weekend, Kim cried while thanking citizens, a one-of-its-kind event. He thanked North Koreans for their sacrifices.&nbsp;

A congress in January will carve out a five-year economic plan. Before that is set into motion, Kim has urged the citizens to follow an 80-day “speed” campaign to achieve economic goals.

"Workers in all sectors and units of the national economy are coming out in the all-out campaign," news agency KCNA said on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/kim-jong-un-apologised-for-killing-of-south-korean-citizen-seoul-330111" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un apologised for killing of South Korean citizen: Seoul</a>

As part of this economic recovery, the focus remains on production of material and equipment, harvest of crops, relief work for storm hit areas, and to counter the spread of COVID-19.

According to Reuters, such campaigns driven by people and built on public sentiment are common in North Korea, where citizens offer voluntary labour in a bid to ease economic woes.

In South Hamgyong, the military has achieved more than half of its rebuilding goals by setting up 2,300 houses. Kim Jong Un has called for a “revolution” in reconstructing cities.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea promised to build at least 25,000 homes in the upcoming five years to counter the economic crisis. People in the country are beginning at 80-day campaign in a bid to achieve economic goals.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea promised to build at least 25,000 homes in the upcoming five years to counter the economic crisis. People in the country are beginning at 80-day campaign in a bid to achieve economic goals. The country has witnessed a lot in 2020, from an array of typhoons that destroyed towns, to international sanctions, and the slowdown induced by COVID-19. North Korea still claims to have no coronavirus infections, a claim South Korea and the US have denied. Also read: Kim Jong Un's sister re-appears in public after months during inspection of flood-hit areas The home building plan came into existence as Kim visited one of the areas hit hard by typhoons. Jong Un urged the military to step up rebuilding measures, according to state news agency KCNA. Over the weekend, Kim cried while thanking citizens, a one-of-its-kind event. He thanked North Koreans for their sacrifices. A congress in January will carve out a five-year economic plan. Before that is set into motion, Kim has urged the citizens to follow an 80-day “speed” campaign to achieve economic goals. "Workers in all sectors and units of the national economy are coming out in the all-out campaign," news agency KCNA said on Wednesday. Also read: Kim Jong Un apologised for killing of South Korean citizen: Seoul As part of this economic recovery, the focus remains on production of material and equipment, harvest of crops, relief work for storm hit areas, and to counter the spread of COVID-19. According to Reuters, such campaigns driven by people and built on public sentiment are common in North Korea, where citizens offer voluntary labour in a bid to ease economic woes. In South Hamgyong, the military has achieved more than half of its rebuilding goals by setting up 2,300 houses. Kim Jong Un has called for a “revolution” in reconstructing cities.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un initiates 'speed' campaign to ease economic woes; to build thousands of homes

North Korea leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-launches-campaign-to-attain-goals-332795">Kim Jong-un</a> unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-holds-anniversary-parade-kim-jong-un-addresses-the-nation-334301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/not-a-single-person-with-virus-north-korea-conducts-pre-dawn-military-parade-334287">In Pics:&nbsp;'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade</a>

According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile.&nbsp;

"If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added.

"I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech.

The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade.

Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past.

In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over.

North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country. In Pics: 'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile. "If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added. "I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech. The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade. Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past. In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over. North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea unveils giant ICBM during pre-dawn military parade

'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;at a meeting of a top committee issued&nbsp;warnings on&nbsp;coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health.

Kim's comments come amid conjecture over his health condition after South Korea's spy agency said he had delegated some authority to his sister Kim Yo Jong to relieve his "governance stress".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-sister-is-de-facto-second-in-command-says-lawmaker-322027">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker</a>

A former aide to late South Korean president Kim Dae-jung even said on Facebook he thought the North's leader was in a coma, though with no apparent evidence.

But Kim presided over a meeting Tuesday of a top committee of the ruling Workers' Party, the official KCNA news agency reported, where he assessed "defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus".

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eba393a4-dda1-4a3b-8b6d-7fc8df080bc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_6.jpg" />

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An enlarged meeting of the politburo of the Workers Party took place amid a pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North&nbsp;Korean economy, battered by recent border closures and flood damage.

<img alt="North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5eafb652-192b-482d-8355-1e2e83240280" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2846%29_5.jpg" />

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;(WPK), in Pyongyang, North&nbsp;Korea/&nbsp;REUTERS

The meeting assessed "some defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus", KCNA said in a statement.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has not reported any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, but Kim said last month that the virus "could be said to have entered" the country and imposed a lockdown after a man was reported to have symptoms. Later test results on the man were inconclusive, according to the World Health Organisation.

Kim had this month lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the coronavirus there.

The meeting discussed state emergency measures on preventing crop damage and casualties from Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit the country within days, KCNA reported. Heavy rain and flooding have raised concern about food supplies in the isolated country.

The ruling party had said it will hold a congress next year to decide a new five-year plan, after a party meeting noted serious delays in improving the national economy and living standards.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting of a top committee issued warnings on coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting of a top committee issued warnings on coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health. Kim's comments come amid conjecture over his health condition after South Korea's spy agency said he had delegated some authority to his sister Kim Yo Jong to relieve his "governance stress". Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker A former aide to late South Korean president Kim Dae-jung even said on Facebook he thought the North's leader was in a coma, though with no apparent evidence. But Kim presided over a meeting Tuesday of a top committee of the ruling Workers' Party, the official KCNA news agency reported, where he assessed "defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus". Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un in coma? A former South Korean diplomat claims! An enlarged meeting of the politburo of the Workers Party took place amid a pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North Korean economy, battered by recent border closures and flood damage. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea/ REUTERS The meeting assessed "some defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus", KCNA said in a statement. North Korea has not reported any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, but Kim said last month that the virus "could be said to have entered" the country and imposed a lockdown after a man was reported to have symptoms. Later test results on the man were inconclusive, according to the World Health Organisation. Kim had this month lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the coronavirus there. The meeting discussed state emergency measures on preventing crop damage and casualties from Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit the country within days, KCNA reported. Heavy rain and flooding have raised concern about food supplies in the isolated country. The ruling party had said it will hold a congress next year to decide a new five-year plan, after a party meeting noted serious delays in improving the national economy and living standards.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health.&nbsp;

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According to Chang Song-min, the North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister Kim Yo-jong has been made the de facto second in command with authority and responsibility delegated to her for managing relations with the US and South Korea.&nbsp;

He has claimed to have gotten the information from a source in China as per The Korea Herald.&nbsp;

In an interview with South Korean media, Chang Song-min said: &nbsp;“I assess him to be in a coma, but his life has not ended. “A complete succession structure has not been formed, so Kim Yo-jong is being brought to the fore as the vacuum cannot be maintained for a prolonged period.”

He went on to say that photos of Kim Jong Un that were released by the North Korean media in recent months were fake. As per Chang, the power restructuring does not make Kim Yo-jong the successor to Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

South Korea's spy agency informed the country's political leaders that the North Korean leader seemed to have adopted delegating authority and responsibility to some of his most trusted aides. But according to the National Intelligence Agency, the change doesn’t appear to be linked to any major health problem, said The Korean Herald.

Fewer public appearances this year by Kim Jong Un fueled rumours of his death. According to some speculations, failed heart surgery of the North Korean leader has either left him bedridden or dead. But these rumours were laid to rest after he made an appearance at the opening of a fertiliser factory in Suchon near the North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health.

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health. Also read: With China tensions rising, US joins Taiwan to mark battle anniversary According to Chang Song-min, the North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister Kim Yo-jong has been made the de facto second in command with authority and responsibility delegated to her for managing relations with the US and South Korea. He has claimed to have gotten the information from a source in China as per The Korea Herald. In an interview with South Korean media, Chang Song-min said: “I assess him to be in a coma, but his life has not ended. “A complete succession structure has not been formed, so Kim Yo-jong is being brought to the fore as the vacuum cannot be maintained for a prolonged period.” He went on to say that photos of Kim Jong Un that were released by the North Korean media in recent months were fake. As per Chang, the power restructuring does not make Kim Yo-jong the successor to Kim Jong Un. South Korea's spy agency informed the country's political leaders that the North Korean leader seemed to have adopted delegating authority and responsibility to some of his most trusted aides. But according to the National Intelligence Agency, the change doesn’t appear to be linked to any major health problem, said The Korean Herald. Fewer public appearances this year by Kim Jong Un fueled rumours of his death. According to some speculations, failed heart surgery of the North Korean leader has either left him bedridden or dead. But these rumours were laid to rest after he made an appearance at the opening of a fertiliser factory in Suchon near the North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un in coma? A former South Korean diplomat claims!

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China's foreign ministry said the two sides were preparing for a fifth round of talks between military commanders at an unspecified date.

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New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters had announced the suspension saying "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China".

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Lawyers for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on Monday demanded the release of unredacted Canadian spy service documents.

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South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict Japan's PM Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-anti-submarine-aircraft-approaches-within-100-km-of-chinas-shanghai-316476">US anti-submarine aircraft approaches within 100 km of China's Shanghai</a>

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The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft along with EP-3E reconnaissance plane reportedly entered the Taiwan Strait and flew near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/googles-new-data-cable-to-link-us-uk-and-spain-316475">Google's new data cable to link US, UK and Spain</a>

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According to Google's estimate, underwater data cables are vital to global communications infrastructure as they carry out approximately 98 per cent of the world's data.

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Over 16 million voters are registered to vote on August 5 to elect a 225-member parliament for a 5-year term.

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Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the US government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program.

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Germany has fared better than many of its neighbours in suppressing the virus, but Wieler urged citizens not to squander the progress following a spike numbers in recent weeks.

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According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that his country has tried to become “a nuclear state” with “an absolute might” 
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Chinese and Indian troops have 'completed disengagement', says China China's foreign ministry said the two sides were preparing for a fifth round of talks between military commanders at an unspecified date.

Chinese and Indian troops have 'completed disengagement', says China China's foreign ministry said the two sides were preparing for a fifth round of talks between military commanders at an unspecified date. China accuses New Zealand of violating international law over Hong Kong move New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters had announced the suspension saying "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China". Documents will prove Canada plotted with FBI: Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's lawyer Lawyers for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on Monday demanded the release of unredacted Canadian spy service documents. 'Comfort woman' row: Japan warns South Korea against Abe's statue South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict Japan's PM Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman" US anti-submarine aircraft approaches within 100 km of China's Shanghai The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft along with EP-3E reconnaissance plane reportedly entered the Taiwan Strait and flew near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian. Google's new data cable to link US, UK and Spain According to Google's estimate, underwater data cables are vital to global communications infrastructure as they carry out approximately 98 per cent of the world's data. Sri Lanka drops plan to conduct advance polling for people under quarantine Over 16 million voters are registered to vote on August 5 to elect a 225-member parliament for a 5-year term. Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for use by year end: US Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the US government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program. Germany voices 'great concern' at virus spike, issues Spain warning Germany has fared better than many of its neighbours in suppressing the virus, but Wieler urged citizens not to squander the progress following a spike numbers in recent weeks. Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war in North Korea; thanks 'reliable, effective' nuclear arms According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that his country has tried to become “a nuclear state” with “an absolute might”

Top 10 world news today: China on disengagement at LAC, China's row with New Zealand over Hong Kong and more

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has called the country's response to coronavirus a "shining success".

Kim warned against "hasty" relaxations&nbsp;of COVID-19 measures and urged "maximum alert" hinting that the country will keep its borders closed for the foreseeable future.

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Addressing the politburo working party meeting, the North Korean leader said the country had "thoroughly prevented the inroad of the malignant virus and maintained a stable anti-epidemic situation despite the worldwide health crisis, which is a shining success achieved," according to state media KCNA.

The meeting took place on Wednesday as the world coronavirus toll surpassed a grim-milestone of 500,000 deaths.

According to an official at the WHO, North Korea has reopened schools but kept a ban on public gatherings and made it mandatory to wear masks.

While no coronavirus cases have been reported in the reclusive country, it's health ministry has said that hundreds of people, mostly cargo handlers at seaports are being quarantined to ensure safety.

The construction of the Pyongyang General hospital was also discussed at Thursday's politburo meeting.

"Kim Jong-un made sure powerful national measures were taken for urgently solving the problems arising to brilliantly complete the hospital which would provide the people with the most advanced medical service, to be of the world standard," KCNA said.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has called the country's response to coronavirus a "shining success". Kim warned against "hasty" relaxations of COVID-19 measures and urged "maximum alert" hinting that the country will keep its borders closed for the foreseeable future.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has called the country's response to coronavirus a "shining success". Kim warned against "hasty" relaxations of COVID-19 measures and urged "maximum alert" hinting that the country will keep its borders closed for the foreseeable future. Also Read: South Korea, US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans Addressing the politburo working party meeting, the North Korean leader said the country had "thoroughly prevented the inroad of the malignant virus and maintained a stable anti-epidemic situation despite the worldwide health crisis, which is a shining success achieved," according to state media KCNA. The meeting took place on Wednesday as the world coronavirus toll surpassed a grim-milestone of 500,000 deaths. According to an official at the WHO, North Korea has reopened schools but kept a ban on public gatherings and made it mandatory to wear masks. While no coronavirus cases have been reported in the reclusive country, it's health ministry has said that hundreds of people, mostly cargo handlers at seaports are being quarantined to ensure safety. The construction of the Pyongyang General hospital was also discussed at Thursday's politburo meeting. "Kim Jong-un made sure powerful national measures were taken for urgently solving the problems arising to brilliantly complete the hospital which would provide the people with the most advanced medical service, to be of the world standard," KCNA said.

Kim Jong-un calls North Korea's COVID-19 response 'shining success'

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said Sunday he thinks North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "gets a huge laugh" over US counterpart Donald Trump's perception of their relationship.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said Sunday he thinks North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "gets a huge laugh" over US counterpart Donald Trump's perception of their relationship. Bolton was speaking to ABC News for his first interview ahead of the Tuesday release of his tell-all book, which contains many damning allegations against Trump. When journalist Martha Raddatz asked if Trump "really believes Kim Jong-un loves him," Bolton replied he could see no other explanation. "I think Kim Jong Un gets a huge laugh out of this," Bolton said. "These letters that the president has shown to the press... are written by some functionary in the North Korean Workers Party agitprop office. "And yet, the president has looked at them as evidence of this deep friendship," he said, adding that friendship does not amount to international diplomacy. Bolton also said he does not consider Trump to be fit for office and hopes he is a one-term president. "I hope (history) will remember him as a one-term president who didn't plunge the country irretrievably into a downward spiral we can't recall from. We can get over one term," he said. Bolton added that he will vote for neither Trump nor Democrat Joe Biden in the November presidential elections. Instead, he will "figure out a conservative Republican to write in" on the ballot. Trump's administration had sought to halt publication of Bolton's book, but a US judge refused Saturday to block its release, saying it was too late for a restraining order.

Ex-Trump aide Bolton says North Korea's Kim Jong-un laughing at US president

Amid tensions with North, South Korea conducts military excercise

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as&nbsp;bilateral tensions rise.

Enraged North Korean people across the country "are actively pushing forward with the preparations for launching a large-scale distribution of leaflets", which are piled as high as a mountain, said state news agency KCNA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blows-up-inter-korean-liaison-office-306214">North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office</a>

"Every action should be met with proper reaction and only when one experiences it oneself, one can feel how offending it is," KCNA said.

North Korea has blamed North Korean defectors for launching leaflets across the border and&nbsp;threatened military action. On Tuesday,&nbsp;Pyongyang blew up an inter-Korean liaison office&nbsp;to show its displeasure against the defectors and South Korea for not stopping them launching leaflets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-completely-responsible-for-consequences-echoes-south-korea-after-liaison-office-bombing-306265">'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing</a>

A North Korean defector-led group said on Friday it had scrapped a plan to send hundreds of plastic bottles stuffed with rice, medicine and face masks to North Korea by throwing them into the sea near the border on Sunday.

The two Koreas, which are still technically at war as their 1950-53 conflict ended without a peace treaty, have waged leaflet campaigns for decades.

South Korea's military used to launch anti-North flyers across the demilitarized zone, but the program ended in 2010.

Several defector-led groups have regularly sent back flyers, together with food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon over the border or in bottles by river.

Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as bilateral tensions rise.

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as bilateral tensions rise. Enraged North Korean people across the country "are actively pushing forward with the preparations for launching a large-scale distribution of leaflets", which are piled as high as a mountain, said state news agency KCNA. Also read: North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office "Every action should be met with proper reaction and only when one experiences it oneself, one can feel how offending it is," KCNA said. North Korea has blamed North Korean defectors for launching leaflets across the border and threatened military action. On Tuesday, Pyongyang blew up an inter-Korean liaison office to show its displeasure against the defectors and South Korea for not stopping them launching leaflets. Also read: 'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing A North Korean defector-led group said on Friday it had scrapped a plan to send hundreds of plastic bottles stuffed with rice, medicine and face masks to North Korea by throwing them into the sea near the border on Sunday. The two Koreas, which are still technically at war as their 1950-53 conflict ended without a peace treaty, have waged leaflet campaigns for decades. South Korea's military used to launch anti-North flyers across the demilitarized zone, but the program ended in 2010. Several defector-led groups have regularly sent back flyers, together with food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon over the border or in bottles by river. Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North. Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.

North Korea gearing up to send anti-South leaflets across border amid heightened tensions

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fully-ready-to-send-troops-into-demilitarised-zone-as-propaganda-leaflets-row-escalates-306192">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone</a>&nbsp;

Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently said that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

South Korea's Yonhap news agency confirmed that North Korea had blown up the inter-Korean liaison office amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The office was established to maintain relations between North and South Korea 
&nbsp;

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday.

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday. Also Read: North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently said that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed". South Korea's Yonhap news agency confirmed that North Korea had blown up the inter-Korean liaison office amid rising tensions between the two countries. The office was established to maintain relations between North and South Korea

North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in urged North Korea on Monday to refrain from raising tension and return to dialogue, after threats trumpeted by state media in Pyongyang to cut ties and take military action.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in urged North Korea on Monday to refrain from raising tension and return to dialogue, after threats trumpeted by state media in Pyongyang to cut ties and take military action. The recent flaring of tension between the neighbours stoked fear of a military provocation by the North, and posed another setback amid stalled talks to rein in its nuclear and missile programmes. Besides the threat to sever ties, state media over the past few days have aired the possibility of closing a joint liaison office in the North and retaliatory measures for a campaign by defectors to fly anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. "The promises of peace on the Korean peninsula that Chairman Kim Jong Un made before our 80 million people cannot be turned back," Moon told a meeting with senior aides, referring to pacts struck at summit of the two leaders in 2018. "North Korea should not cut communications, raise tension and try to go back to the past era of confrontation," he added. "I hope it will resolve uncomfortable, difficult problems through communications and cooperation." Moon's remarks came as South Korea marked the 20th anniversary on Monday of the first summit between the two nations, which had pledged to step up dialogue and cooperation. At their own first summit in 2018, Moon and Kim signed a declaration to work for a "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and cease "all hostile acts". But the North cut hotlines with its neighbour last week and vowed to suspend all contact if Seoul did not halt defectors from sending in leaflets and other material. "I also regret that North Korea-U.S. and inter-Korean relations have not made progress as expected," Moon said. "It's time for the South and North to find a breakthrough."

South Korea's Moon urges North to keep peace deals, return to talks

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the&nbsp;leaders’ first summit.

US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but&nbsp;the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-meddling-in-inter-korean-affairs-can-affect-election-north-korea-304974">US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea</a>

Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate&nbsp;North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change.

“Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.”

On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly.

Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse.

“The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said.

The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit. US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments Also read: US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change. “Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.” On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly. Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse. “The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said. The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no future benefit of Kim's relationship with Trump

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported.

For several days,&nbsp;North Korea has lashed out at South Korea, threatening to close an inter-Korean liaison office and other projects if the South does not stop activists and defectors from sending leaflets and other anti-Pyongyang material into the North.

The North said this was the first in a series of actions, describing South Korea as "the enemy".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inter-korean-relations-further-deteriorate-304327">Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate</a>

As a first step, at noon on Tuesday,&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;will “will completely cut off and shut down the liaison line between the authorities of the North and the South, which has been maintained through the North-South joint liaison office,” as well as other communication links.

Those links include “the East and West Seas communication lines” between the two countries’ militaries, an inter-Korean “trial communication line”, and a hotline between the central committee of the Workers’ party of Korea and South Korea’s presidential Blue House, KCNA said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-balloon-propaganda-against-kim-jong-un-304371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, threatened last week to close the office unless South Korea stopped defector groups from sending leaflets into the North.

She said the leaflet campaign was a hostile act that violated the peace agreements made during the 2018 Panmunjom summit between the South's Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un.

The two states had set up the liaison office to reduce tensions after talks in 2018.

North and South Korea are technically still at war because no peace agreement was reached when the Korean War ended in 1953.

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with South Korea as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported.

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with South Korea as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported. For several days, North Korea has lashed out at South Korea, threatening to close an inter-Korean liaison office and other projects if the South does not stop activists and defectors from sending leaflets and other anti-Pyongyang material into the North. The North said this was the first in a series of actions, describing South Korea as "the enemy". Also read: Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate As a first step, at noon on Tuesday, North Korea will “will completely cut off and shut down the liaison line between the authorities of the North and the South, which has been maintained through the North-South joint liaison office,” as well as other communication links. Those links include “the East and West Seas communication lines” between the two countries’ militaries, an inter-Korean “trial communication line”, and a hotline between the central committee of the Workers’ party of Korea and South Korea’s presidential Blue House, KCNA said. Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, threatened last week to close the office unless South Korea stopped defector groups from sending leaflets into the North. She said the leaflet campaign was a hostile act that violated the peace agreements made during the 2018 Panmunjom summit between the South's Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un. The two states had set up the liaison office to reduce tensions after talks in 2018. North and South Korea are technically still at war because no peace agreement was reached when the Korean War ended in 1953.

North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting

Kim Jong Un&nbsp;gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday.

Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting.

Kim emphasised the importance of the country's chemical industry, including the production of fertiliser. For North Korea, it is a vital commodity due to the country's struggle to grow food at farms on limited land which has been exhausted of natural nutrients.

Food scientists in Pyongyang have even attempted to make 'functional vegetables' so that people can consume less and yet stay healthy. But, even this kind of biotech driven farming needs fertiliser. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-calls-for-developing-a-self-sufficient-economy-304143">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'</a>

For many years, North Korea relied on imports of chemical fertiliser, but those have long dried up.

During the meeting, Kim also highlighted a part of the chemical industry which has the potential for harnessing raw materials to make fuel.&nbsp;Fertiliser has been a particular focus of North Korea's media this year. Kim's first public appearance this year was at a fertiliser factory.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-balloon-propaganda-against-kim-jong-un-304371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two-day politburo meeting comes at a time of economic uncertainty amid the global COVID-19 pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North’s economy.

North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-halt-military-agreement-with-the-south-over-anti-kim-leaflets-303122">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets</a>

Nearly 500,000 leaflets have been dumped along the border. The leaflets were carried across the border through balloons over Kim's&nbsp;nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights

South Korean activists have been trying to send censored materials across the border&nbsp;to democratise North Korea and put an end to Kim's regime. North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them.

In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul.

North Korea is threatening to pull out of the inter-Korean military agreement which was signed in 2018 as a major step towards ensuring peace along the Korean demilitarised zone.

It is planning to snap all channels of communication with South Korea and close an inter-Korean liaison office if the South does not stop defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday. Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting.

Kim Jong Un gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday. Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting. Kim emphasised the importance of the country's chemical industry, including the production of fertiliser. For North Korea, it is a vital commodity due to the country's struggle to grow food at farms on limited land which has been exhausted of natural nutrients. Food scientists in Pyongyang have even attempted to make 'functional vegetables' so that people can consume less and yet stay healthy. But, even this kind of biotech driven farming needs fertiliser. Also Read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy' For many years, North Korea relied on imports of chemical fertiliser, but those have long dried up. During the meeting, Kim also highlighted a part of the chemical industry which has the potential for harnessing raw materials to make fuel. Fertiliser has been a particular focus of North Korea's media this year. Kim's first public appearance this year was at a fertiliser factory. The two-day politburo meeting comes at a time of economic uncertainty amid the global COVID-19 pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North’s economy. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. Also Read: North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets Nearly 500,000 leaflets have been dumped along the border. The leaflets were carried across the border through balloons over Kim's nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights South Korean activists have been trying to send censored materials across the border to democratise North Korea and put an end to Kim's regime. North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them. In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul. North Korea is threatening to pull out of the inter-Korean military agreement which was signed in 2018 as a major step towards ensuring peace along the Korean demilitarised zone. It is planning to snap all channels of communication with South Korea and close an inter-Korean liaison office if the South does not stop defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North. (With inputs from agencies)

Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts.

Kim’s low profile comes as North Korea imposes anti-coronavirus measures, although the country says it has no confirmed cases, and follows intense speculation about his health last month after he missed a key anniversary.

Kim has appeared publicly four times in April and so far in May, compared to 27 times in the same period last year.

Since coming to power in 2011, the previous fewest public appearances Kim has made during those months was 21 in 2017, according to a tally by Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, a Seoul-based organisation that tracks North Korea.

“This is not business as normal,” he said in a post on Twitter this week.

As a leader with near-absolute power over North Korea’s 25.5 million people, and access to a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons, Kim’s health and whereabouts are often scrutinized by the international community for any signs of instability.

Information in North Korea is tightly controlled, however, and independently confirmed details on Kim are almost non-existent.

South Korean officials have said they believe Kim’s limited public appearances may be precautions in the face of coronavirus concerns. North Korea has cancelled, postponed, or toned down many major public gatherings because the new coronavirus.

When asked about Kim’s absences, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Friday it is monitoring the situation, but noted Kim is often out of the public eye.

Citing an unnamed South Korean government official, JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported Kim may be carrying out his duties from a favoured villa in Wonsan, on the coast.

But the North Korean leader may also simply be focused on some of the domestic economic and political goals he outlined before the coronavirus crisis struck, said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government.

“COVID does remain a major concern for the country, but state media coverage of COVID has declined over the past month or so, so I don’t seen regime’s increased concern,” she said.

Friday marks three weeks since state media last showed images of Kim attending a public event.

North Korean state media reported Kim attended the opening ceremony of a fertilizer plant on May 1. That appearance marked a reemergence for Kim, whose unprecedented absence from a major holiday on April 15 sparked weeks of international speculation over his health and whereabouts.

Since then, state media has carried a steady stream of stories on Kim sending or receiving letters and diplomatic correspondence, but have not shown him attending public events.

Kim’s longest public absence was for 40 days in 2014. South Korea’s spy agency later said Kim had undergone a medical procedure on his ankle during that time.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts. Kim’s low profile comes as North Korea imposes anti-coronavirus measures, although the country says it has no confirmed cases, and follows intense speculation about his health last month after he missed a key anniversary. Kim has appeared publicly four times in April and so far in May, compared to 27 times in the same period last year. Since coming to power in 2011, the previous fewest public appearances Kim has made during those months was 21 in 2017, according to a tally by Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, a Seoul-based organisation that tracks North Korea. “This is not business as normal,” he said in a post on Twitter this week. As a leader with near-absolute power over North Korea’s 25.5 million people, and access to a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons, Kim’s health and whereabouts are often scrutinized by the international community for any signs of instability. Information in North Korea is tightly controlled, however, and independently confirmed details on Kim are almost non-existent. South Korean officials have said they believe Kim’s limited public appearances may be precautions in the face of coronavirus concerns. North Korea has cancelled, postponed, or toned down many major public gatherings because the new coronavirus. When asked about Kim’s absences, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Friday it is monitoring the situation, but noted Kim is often out of the public eye. Citing an unnamed South Korean government official, JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported Kim may be carrying out his duties from a favoured villa in Wonsan, on the coast. But the North Korean leader may also simply be focused on some of the domestic economic and political goals he outlined before the coronavirus crisis struck, said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government. “COVID does remain a major concern for the country, but state media coverage of COVID has declined over the past month or so, so I don’t seen regime’s increased concern,” she said. Friday marks three weeks since state media last showed images of Kim attending a public event. North Korean state media reported Kim attended the opening ceremony of a fertilizer plant on May 1. That appearance marked a reemergence for Kim, whose unprecedented absence from a major holiday on April 15 sparked weeks of international speculation over his health and whereabouts. Since then, state media has carried a steady stream of stories on Kim sending or receiving letters and diplomatic correspondence, but have not shown him attending public events. Kim’s longest public absence was for 40 days in 2014. South Korea’s spy agency later said Kim had undergone a medical procedure on his ankle during that time.

North Korea's Kim keeps low public profile in May: Analysts

Satellite images of luxury boats near&nbsp;dictator Kim Jong Un's favoured villa in&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;have revealed his current location.

Recent movements Kim&nbsp;and his entourage near Wonsan provide further indications he has been at the coastal resort, according to experts who monitor the reclusive regime.

Speculation had erupted about&nbsp;Kim's health and location after his&nbsp;unprecedented absence from April 15 celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea's founder,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Il Sung.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-absent-on-north-koreas-most-important-holiday-precaution-or-doom-293186">Kim Jong Un absent on North Korea’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom?</a>

NK PRO, a North Korean monitoring website, reported on Tuesday that&nbsp;commercial satellite imagery showed boats often used by&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;had made movements in patterns that suggested he or his entourage may be in the Wonsan area.

<img alt="North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51aa255e-1b65-41e4-bd9b-ed4b67659940" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_96.jpg" />

That followed a report last week by a US-based North Korea monitoring project, 38 North, which reported satellite images showed what was believed to be&nbsp;Kim's personal train was parked at a station reserved for his use at the villa in Wonsan.

<img alt="North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="467c8361-3a11-46e4-a383-a294f419d663" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_123.jpg" />

"Wonsan is the place where the railroad, recreational spots and office facilities are all perfectly equipped, in case of emergency," said Cho Han-bum, of the Korea Institute for National&nbsp;Unification in Seoul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imported-machines-germany-trained-doctor-inside-of-kim-jong-uns-exclusive-hospital-294284">Imported machines, Germany trained doctor - Inside of Kim Jong-un's exclusive hospital</a>

Wonsan has also been the scene of some of&nbsp;Kim's renewed military drills and missile tests, which he resumed amid increasing frustration with a lack of progress in denuclearisation talks with the&nbsp;United States and South Korea.

It also holds symbolic power for the&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;dynasty as North Korea's founder&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Il Sung&nbsp;first landed here with Soviet troops to take over the country.

Earlier, officials in South Korea and the&nbsp;United States say it is plausible&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;may be staying there, possibly to avoid exposure to the new coronavirus, and have expressed scepticism of media reports he had some kind of serious illness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-a-very-good-idea-about-kim-jong-uns-status-but-he-wont-talk-about-it-295191">Trump has 'a very good idea' about Kim Jong Un's status. But he won't talk about it</a>

They caution, however, that&nbsp;Kim's health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea.

&nbsp;

Satellite images of luxury boats near dictator Kim Jong Un's favoured villa in North Korea have revealed his current location. Recent movements Kim and his entourage near Wonsan provide further indications he has been at the coastal resort, according to experts who monitor the reclusive regime.

Satellite images of luxury boats near dictator Kim Jong Un's favoured villa in North Korea have revealed his current location. Recent movements Kim and his entourage near Wonsan provide further indications he has been at the coastal resort, according to experts who monitor the reclusive regime. Speculation had erupted about Kim's health and location after his unprecedented absence from April 15 celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung. Also read: Kim Jong Un absent on North Korea’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom? NK PRO, a North Korean monitoring website, reported on Tuesday that commercial satellite imagery showed boats often used by Kim had made movements in patterns that suggested he or his entourage may be in the Wonsan area. That followed a report last week by a US-based North Korea monitoring project, 38 North, which reported satellite images showed what was believed to be Kim's personal train was parked at a station reserved for his use at the villa in Wonsan. "Wonsan is the place where the railroad, recreational spots and office facilities are all perfectly equipped, in case of emergency," said Cho Han-bum, of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul. Also read: Imported machines, Germany trained doctor - Inside of Kim Jong-un's exclusive hospital Wonsan has also been the scene of some of Kim's renewed military drills and missile tests, which he resumed amid increasing frustration with a lack of progress in denuclearisation talks with the United States and South Korea. It also holds symbolic power for the Kim dynasty as North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung first landed here with Soviet troops to take over the country. Earlier, officials in South Korea and the United States say it is plausible Kim may be staying there, possibly to avoid exposure to the new coronavirus, and have expressed scepticism of media reports he had some kind of serious illness. Also read: Trump has 'a very good idea' about Kim Jong Un's status. But he won't talk about it They caution, however, that Kim's health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea.

Satellite images of luxury yachts reveal Kim Jong Un 's current location

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell.

He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-known-of-coronavirus-in-november-us-renews-accusations-294377" hreflang="en">China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations</a>

Trump declined to say if he had direct knowledge from North Korea that Kim was fine.&nbsp;

US official, on Monday reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery after an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, separately said that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-veteran-dies-of-coronavirus-a-century-after-twin-lost-his-life-to-spanish-flu-294359" hreflang="en">World War II veteran dies of coronavirus a century after twin lost his life to Spanish flu</a>

It said that Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Trump's denial of the report came two days after he declined to comment on the matter, saying only that he wished Kim well.

South Korea, which is still technically at war with the North, earlier said it had seen no unusual movements in its neighbor.

"I hope he's not in medical trouble. I hope he's not. I have gotten along very well with him," Trump said Thursday.

Trump declined to state when he was last in touch with Kim, saying ''we have a good relationship with North Korea.''

Trump has met Kim three times in historic summitry and has voiced admiration for him, although hopes have dimmed for reaching a comprehensive agreement.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell. He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell. He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience. Also read: China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations Trump declined to say if he had direct knowledge from North Korea that Kim was fine. US official, on Monday reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery after an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, separately said that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province. Also read: World War II veteran dies of coronavirus a century after twin lost his life to Spanish flu It said that Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue. Trump's denial of the report came two days after he declined to comment on the matter, saying only that he wished Kim well. South Korea, which is still technically at war with the North, earlier said it had seen no unusual movements in its neighbor. "I hope he's not in medical trouble. I hope he's not. I have gotten along very well with him," Trump said Thursday. Trump declined to state when he was last in touch with Kim, saying ''we have a good relationship with North Korea.'' Trump has met Kim three times in historic summitry and has voiced admiration for him, although hopes have dimmed for reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the United States of America will still be keeping eye on North Korea and will endeavour denuclearisation of the country no matter who heads the nation after Kim Jong-un.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-may-be-in-grave-danger-after-surgery-report-293728">&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un may be in 'grave danger' after surgery — Report</a>

According to the DailyNK's report, Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery at the Hyang San Hospital instead of a hospital in Pyongyang which is an exclusive hospital for the North Korean leader and his family. The North Korean leader's current health condition is unknown to all, and Pompeo said he had met Kim’s powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, whose recent rise in the hierarchy raised pundits’ view that she could succeed him.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-kim-jong-uns-secret-illness-does-north-korea-have-a-successor-293872">&nbsp;With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor?</a>

To which Pompeo said,&nbsp;"I did have a chance to meet her a couple of times, but the challenge remains the same -- the goal remains unchanged -- whoever is leading North Korea."

Pompeo also assured a "brighter future" if the country gives up its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

“They’ve got to denuclearise. We’ve got to do so in a way that we can verify. That’s true no matter who is leading North Korea,” he said.

Pompeo had arranged a historic meet in 2018 between Trump and Kim Jong after nearly 50 years of enmity.

North Korea's Supreme Leader &nbsp;Kim Jong-un is being treated at hospital which is designated as exclusive for the Kim family, South Korean media reported on Thursday citing local sources.

The doctor who did Kim's heart surgery is an expert of cardiovascular-related diseases and is trained in Germany. After his Germany medical program, he was designated as a cardiovascular specialist for Kim Jong-un, the report also claimed.

The report claims that the doctor is so prized by the leadership that he travels with his bodyguards and lives in a carefully guarded section of Pyongyang.

The medical equipment&nbsp;used in the hospital are also imported from Germany and Japan.

Earlier this month, Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, said Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure and was recovering at a villa in North Phyongan province.

"Excessive smoking, obesity and fatigue were the direct causes of Kim's urgent cardiovascular treatment," it cited an unidentified source inside the country as saying.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the United States of America will still be keeping eye on North Korea and will endeavour denuclearisation of the country no matter who heads the nation after Kim Jong-un.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the United States of America will still be keeping eye on North Korea and will endeavour denuclearisation of the country no matter who heads the nation after Kim Jong-un. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un may be in 'grave danger' after surgery — Report According to the DailyNK's report, Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery at the Hyang San Hospital instead of a hospital in Pyongyang which is an exclusive hospital for the North Korean leader and his family. The North Korean leader's current health condition is unknown to all, and Pompeo said he had met Kim’s powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, whose recent rise in the hierarchy raised pundits’ view that she could succeed him. Also read: With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor? To which Pompeo said, "I did have a chance to meet her a couple of times, but the challenge remains the same -- the goal remains unchanged -- whoever is leading North Korea." Pompeo also assured a "brighter future" if the country gives up its nuclear weapons. “They’ve got to denuclearise. We’ve got to do so in a way that we can verify. That’s true no matter who is leading North Korea,” he said. Pompeo had arranged a historic meet in 2018 between Trump and Kim Jong after nearly 50 years of enmity. North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is being treated at hospital which is designated as exclusive for the Kim family, South Korean media reported on Thursday citing local sources. The doctor who did Kim's heart surgery is an expert of cardiovascular-related diseases and is trained in Germany. After his Germany medical program, he was designated as a cardiovascular specialist for Kim Jong-un, the report also claimed. The report claims that the doctor is so prized by the leadership that he travels with his bodyguards and lives in a carefully guarded section of Pyongyang. The medical equipment used in the hospital are also imported from Germany and Japan. Earlier this month, Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, said Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure and was recovering at a villa in North Phyongan province. "Excessive smoking, obesity and fatigue were the direct causes of Kim's urgent cardiovascular treatment," it cited an unidentified source inside the country as saying.

'Challenge remains the same!', says Mike Pompeo in case of leadership change in North Korea

Who would succeed Kim Jong Un? Even the most learned scholars on North Korea would scramble for an answer to this question. But if one were to apply the law of probability--- all fingers would be pointing at a 31-year-old.

Who would succeed Kim Jong Un? Even the most learned scholars on North Korea would scramble for an answer to this question. But if one were to apply the law of probability--- all fingers would be pointing at a 31-year-old. Kim Yo-jong The younger sister of dictator Kim Jong-un, who has steadily risen through the regime's ranks to become the leader's alter-ego. Today, Yo-jong is the number two in North Korea. She is the leader's trusted ally and is equally unpredictable. Yo-jong was rarely seen in public until 2010. But her journey to the country's top seat began in the 1990s. She attended primary school in Switzerland and lived in a private home in Berne along with Kim. Yo-jong went on to attend the Kim Il-sung University in Pyongyang, where she graduated in computer science. She was given her first public role in 2017. Yo-jong's father and former North Korean leader--- Kim Jong II appointed her as a junior cadre in the ruling Korean worker's party. It is said, she played a key role in arranging Kim's succession as the supreme ruler. In 2014, Yo-jong accompanied her brother during the elections for the country's supreme assembly. She is believed to be the brain behind Kim's cautiously-crafted public image and also his nuclear diplomacy. Scholars weren't surprised when Yo-jong was spotted walking behind her brother in Singapore in 2018. This was a year after Washington blacklisted her for severe human rights abuses. Yo-jong accompanied her brother to the Hanoi summit too. When the denuclearisation summit tanked, Kim removed his sibling from the party's politburo. Yo-jong was reportedly asked to keep a low profile. The 31-year-old has already filled Kim's shoes at an international event. In 2018, she attended the Winter Olympics in South Korea. Her statement handshake with South Korean President Moon Jae-in made her a prominent figure internationally. Back home in North Korea, 25 million-odd people already acknowledge Yo-jong's role in the dynasty. In her first-ever public statement, Yo-jong referred to the south as a frightened dog. In March this year, she praised US President Donald Trump for his letter to her elder brother. If Kim's illness is just a rumour one wonders why Yo-jong was suddenly reinstated to the party's politburo last weekend. She is currently serving as the vice-department director of the ruling party. In a country that has never been ruled by a female leader.

With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw military drills on Friday, state media KCNA said, a rare public outing amid efforts to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus in the isolated country.

North Korea has not confirmed any cases of the virus, but state media said a month-long quarantine period had been imposed for people showing symptoms and “high-intensity” measures were taken including reinforcing checks in border regions and at airports and sea ports.

On Feb. 16, Kim made his first public appearance in 22 days to visit a mausoleum marking the anniversary of the birth of his father and late leader Kim Jong Il.

The military drill was to “judge the mobility and the fire power strike ability” on the frontline and eastern units and ended to the “great satisfaction” of Kim, KCNA said on Saturday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-makes-first-public-appearance-in-22-days-amid-virus-outbreak-280995">North Korea's Kim makes first public appearance in 22 days amid virus outbreak</a>

<div>“Soldiers, who have firmly armed themselves with a-match-for-a-hundred idea of the Party and trained under the simulated conditions of actual battles, reduced a target islet to a sea of flames,” KCNA said.</div>

In a separate dispatch, KCNA said Kim has also convened a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s powerful politburo where a stricter enforcement of “top-class anti-epidemic steps” was discussed to prevent the spread of the virus.

“In case the infectious disease spreading beyond control finds its way into our country, it will entail serious consequences,” Kim was quoted as telling the meeting. “No special cases must be allowed within the state anti-epidemic system.”

He instructed the officials to “seal off all the channels and space through which the infectious disease may find its way, and strengthen check-up, test and quarantine,” KCNA added.

Also watch:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-reports-2022-positive-cases-of-coronavirus-283277"> South Korea reports 2,022 positive cases of Coronavirus</a>

A plan is under way to evacuate some 60 quarantined foreign diplomats from North Korea, including from Germany, French and Switzerland, CNN reported on Friday, citing an unnamed source inside the country. The report also said other countries with diplomatic missions were seeking to scale down their operations.

KCNA released photographs of Kim presiding over the meeting as well as overseeing the drills without wearing a surgical mask. All of the aides who accompanied Kim on the military inspection had identical black masks, whereas none of the participants at the meeting did.

“Kim’s activities appear to be intended to highlight to his people that his campaign to build a self-reliant economy is business as usual while boosting military morale and also showing they were not affected by the virus,” said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-worst-hit-after-mainland-china-school-exams-postponed-283267">South Korea worst-hit after Mainland China, School exams postponed</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw military drills on Friday, state media KCNA said, a rare public outing amid efforts to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus in the isolated country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw military drills on Friday, state media KCNA said, a rare public outing amid efforts to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus in the isolated country. North Korea has not confirmed any cases of the virus, but state media said a month-long quarantine period had been imposed for people showing symptoms and “high-intensity” measures were taken including reinforcing checks in border regions and at airports and sea ports. On Feb. 16, Kim made his first public appearance in 22 days to visit a mausoleum marking the anniversary of the birth of his father and late leader Kim Jong Il. The military drill was to “judge the mobility and the fire power strike ability” on the frontline and eastern units and ended to the “great satisfaction” of Kim, KCNA said on Saturday. Also read: North Korea's Kim makes first public appearance in 22 days amid virus outbreak “Soldiers, who have firmly armed themselves with a-match-for-a-hundred idea of the Party and trained under the simulated conditions of actual battles, reduced a target islet to a sea of flames,” KCNA said. In a separate dispatch, KCNA said Kim has also convened a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s powerful politburo where a stricter enforcement of “top-class anti-epidemic steps” was discussed to prevent the spread of the virus. “In case the infectious disease spreading beyond control finds its way into our country, it will entail serious consequences,” Kim was quoted as telling the meeting. “No special cases must be allowed within the state anti-epidemic system.” He instructed the officials to “seal off all the channels and space through which the infectious disease may find its way, and strengthen check-up, test and quarantine,” KCNA added. Also watch: South Korea reports 2,022 positive cases of Coronavirus A plan is under way to evacuate some 60 quarantined foreign diplomats from North Korea, including from Germany, French and Switzerland, CNN reported on Friday, citing an unnamed source inside the country. The report also said other countries with diplomatic missions were seeking to scale down their operations. KCNA released photographs of Kim presiding over the meeting as well as overseeing the drills without wearing a surgical mask. All of the aides who accompanied Kim on the military inspection had identical black masks, whereas none of the participants at the meeting did. “Kim’s activities appear to be intended to highlight to his people that his campaign to build a self-reliant economy is business as usual while boosting military morale and also showing they were not affected by the virus,” said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul. Also see: South Korea worst-hit after Mainland China, School exams postponed

North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made his first public appearance in 22 days amid an outbreak of coronavirus, state media reported on Saturday, to visit a national mausoleum and mark the anniversary of the late leader Kim Jong Il's birth.

Kim Jong-un paid tribute to the statue of former leader Kim at Pyongyang's Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, his first public appearance since he attended Lunar New Year celebrations on Jan. 25, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea has not confirmed any cases of the new coronavirus, but state media said the government was extending to 30 days the quarantine period for people showing symptoms, and all government institutions and foreigners living in the country were expected to comply "unconditionally."

Late leader Kim's birthday, Feb. 16, is a national holiday celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star.

Accompanying Kim to the mausoleum were high ranking party officials including Choe Ryong Hae, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and Pak Pong Ju, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made his first public appearance in 22 days amid an outbreak of coronavirus, state media reported on Saturday, to visit a national mausoleum and mark the anniversary of the late leader Kim Jong Il's birth.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made his first public appearance in 22 days amid an outbreak of coronavirus, state media reported on Saturday, to visit a national mausoleum and mark the anniversary of the late leader Kim Jong Il's birth. Kim Jong-un paid tribute to the statue of former leader Kim at Pyongyang's Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, his first public appearance since he attended Lunar New Year celebrations on Jan. 25, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. North Korea has not confirmed any cases of the new coronavirus, but state media said the government was extending to 30 days the quarantine period for people showing symptoms, and all government institutions and foreigners living in the country were expected to comply "unconditionally." Late leader Kim's birthday, Feb. 16, is a national holiday celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star. Accompanying Kim to the mausoleum were high ranking party officials including Choe Ryong Hae, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and Pak Pong Ju, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission.

North Korea's Kim makes first public appearance in 22 days amid virus outbreak

The United States would be very disappointed if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">North Korea</a> tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

"We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment."

North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift."

US&nbsp;military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017.

O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said.

North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said.

"So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course."

Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday.

Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization.

"So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday. Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week." "We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment." North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift." US military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017. O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said. North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said. "So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course." Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday. Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization. "So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

United States promises action on any North Korea missile test: White House

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has convened a key meeting of top ruling party officials, state media said Sunday, ahead of a year-end deadline for Washington to shift its stance on stalled nuclear talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has convened a key meeting of top ruling party officials, state media said Sunday, ahead of a year-end deadline for Washington to shift its stance on stalled nuclear talks. The plenary session, which opened on Saturday, follows widespread speculation that Pyongyang is preparing to test an intercontinental ballistic missile -- as a threatened "Christmas gift" for Washington. Kim presided over the meeting which discussed a new "transparent, anti-imperialist independent stand", the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The ruling Workers' Party of Korea will also "discuss important matters arising... in the building of the state and national defence", KCNA added. Talks on denuclearising the Korean peninsula have been largely deadlocked since the second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump collapsed in Hanoi at the start of this year. The opening of the plenary comes a week after Kim held a meeting of top defence officials and discussed boosting military capabilities, and ahead of the leader's New Year speech on January 1, a key political set-piece in the isolated country. Pyongyang has carried out a series of static tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month, after a number of weapons launches in recent weeks -- some of them described as ballistic missiles by Japan and others. North Korea is under heavy US and United Nations sanctions over its nuclear programme, but it has been frustrated at the lack of relief after it declared a moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Russia and China -- North Korea's main ally -- have proposed easing sanctions in a bid to de-escalate tensions.

North Korea's Kim holds top party meeting ahead of US deadline

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”.

He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test.

US President Donald Trump when asked about the threatening 'Christmas surprise' from North Korea, &nbsp;said "Oh, that's okay. We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully. And, let's see what happens. Everybody has got surprises for me but let's see what happens. I handle them as they come along."

"We'll see what happens. We'll see what happens. We will —, let's see. Maybe it's a nice present. Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase, as opposed to a missile test. Right? I may get a vase. I may get a nice present from him. You don't know. You never know," he added.

Earlier this month, North Korea had warned Washington of an ominous "Christmas gift" after its leader Kim Jong-un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in the stalled denuclearisation talks.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”. He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test.

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”. He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test. US President Donald Trump when asked about the threatening 'Christmas surprise' from North Korea, said "Oh, that's okay. We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully. And, let's see what happens. Everybody has got surprises for me but let's see what happens. I handle them as they come along." "We'll see what happens. We'll see what happens. We will —, let's see. Maybe it's a nice present. Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase, as opposed to a missile test. Right? I may get a vase. I may get a nice present from him. You don't know. You never know," he added. Earlier this month, North Korea had warned Washington of an ominous "Christmas gift" after its leader Kim Jong-un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in the stalled denuclearisation talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump brushes off Kim Jong-un's ‘Christmas gift” warning

North Korea has said that its recent tests of defence technology are directed towards subduing nuclear threats from the United States, news agency Reuters reported citing North Korea's state news agency KCNA.

The state agency on Saturday had reported a senior North Korean military official saying that that "hostile forces" should not provoke North Korea. &nbsp;

Chief of the General Staff Pak Jong Chon warned that "hostile forces," including the United States, should refrain from provoking North Korea if they wanted to see a peaceful year-end, state news agency KCNA said as reported by Reuters.

The development comes shortly after North Korea said it had conducted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-another-crucial-test-at-satellite-launch-site-report-268259">another "crucial test" at its Sohae satellite launch site</a>.&nbsp;

"Another crucial test was successfully conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground from 22:41 to 22:48 on December 13," a spokesman for the North's National Academy of Defence Science said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

The "research successes" will be "applied to further bolstering up the reliable strategic nuclear deterrent" of North Korea, the Reuters report added quoting the spokesman. 
The announcement comes after the United States tested a medium-range ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set a year-end deadline for talks with the United States, warning he may take an unspecified "new path" if concessions aren't made.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

North Korea has said that its recent tests of defence technology are directed towards subduing nuclear threats from the United States, news agency Reuters reported citing North Korea's state news agency KCNA.

North Korea has said that its recent tests of defence technology are directed towards subduing nuclear threats from the United States, news agency Reuters reported citing North Korea's state news agency KCNA. The state agency on Saturday had reported a senior North Korean military official saying that that "hostile forces" should not provoke North Korea. Chief of the General Staff Pak Jong Chon warned that "hostile forces," including the United States, should refrain from provoking North Korea if they wanted to see a peaceful year-end, state news agency KCNA said as reported by Reuters. The development comes shortly after North Korea said it had conducted another "crucial test" at its Sohae satellite launch site. "Another crucial test was successfully conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground from 22:41 to 22:48 on December 13," a spokesman for the North's National Academy of Defence Science said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. The "research successes" will be "applied to further bolstering up the reliable strategic nuclear deterrent" of North Korea, the Reuters report added quoting the spokesman. The announcement comes after the United States tested a medium-range ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set a year-end deadline for talks with the United States, warning he may take an unspecified "new path" if concessions aren't made. (With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea's defence tests aimed at subduing US nuclear threats: State media 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../feuding-korean-firms-risk-disrupting-electric- car-battery-supplies-264839">South Korea</a>'s military fired warning shots towards a North Korean merchant boat with engine trouble that violated their sea border on Wednesday, South Korean officials said.

The vessel was detected crossing the inter-Korean maritime frontier at around 6:40 a.m. (2140 GMT Tuesday) near a South Korean border island off the west coast, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The South Korean military issued a warning and fired shots into the water near the ship to drive it away.

"So far, we confirmed that the ship drifted toward that area due to bad weather and engine trouble, and it's currently on the way back to the North on its own," the JCS said in a statement.

It was the second time the South fired warning shots towards a North Korean vessel since President Moon Jae-in took office in May 2017, a military official said. Moon has vowed to re-engage with the reclusive North.

South Korea also fired warning shots in September towards a drifting boat and then sent a navy mechanic to help fix its engine.

Inter-Korean relations have cooled after a flurry of diplomacy, including three summits last year, during which Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to improve ties and revive stalled economic projects.

However, there has been no substantial progress and sanctions aimed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend- south-korea-asean-summit-263634">Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes</a> have been tightened.

There has also been no major progress in denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States.

Sailors from both sides have been killed in previous skirmishes in the waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula.

South Korea's military fired warning shots towards a North Korean merchant boat with engine trouble that violated their sea border on Wednesday, South Korean officials said.

South Korea's military fired warning shots towards a North Korean merchant boat with engine trouble that violated their sea border on Wednesday, South Korean officials said. The vessel was detected crossing the inter-Korean maritime frontier at around 6:40 a.m. (2140 GMT Tuesday) near a South Korean border island off the west coast, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The South Korean military issued a warning and fired shots into the water near the ship to drive it away. "So far, we confirmed that the ship drifted toward that area due to bad weather and engine trouble, and it's currently on the way back to the North on its own," the JCS said in a statement. It was the second time the South fired warning shots towards a North Korean vessel since President Moon Jae-in took office in May 2017, a military official said. Moon has vowed to re-engage with the reclusive North. South Korea also fired warning shots in September towards a drifting boat and then sent a navy mechanic to help fix its engine. Inter-Korean relations have cooled after a flurry of diplomacy, including three summits last year, during which Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to improve ties and revive stalled economic projects. However, there has been no substantial progress and sanctions aimed at Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes have been tightened. There has also been no major progress in denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States. Sailors from both sides have been killed in previous skirmishes in the waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula.

South Korea fires warning shots towards North Korean merchant vessel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-vows-to-clear-south-korea-relics-from-kumgang-resort-257625">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a> and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday.

The statement comes after North Korea earlier this month broke off working-level talks with the <a href="http://wionews.om/world/united-states-wins-ownership-of-seized-north-korean-vessel-257411">United States</a> in Sweden, pushing denuclearisation negotiations back into limbo after what had been months of stalemate.

North Korea had cast the blame on the US, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude."

Kim Jong-un "said that the relationship between him and President Trump is special" a few days ago, according to the KCNA statement.

"I sincerely hope that a motive force to overcome all the obstacles between the DPRK and the US&nbsp;and to advance the bilateral relations in the better direction will be provided on the basis of the close relationship," the KCNA statement, under the name of Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye Gwan, said.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea's official name.

However, contrary to Trump, "Washington political circles and DPRK policymakers of the US&nbsp;administration are hostile to the DPRK for no reason, preoccupied with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice." the statement said.

The statement said North Korea will see "how wisely the US&nbsp;will pass the end of the year."

North Korea's Kim Jong-un had earlier set an end-of-the-year deadline for denuclearisation talks with Washington.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday. The statement comes after North Korea earlier this month broke off working-level talks with the United States in Sweden, pushing denuclearisation negotiations back into limbo after what had been months of stalemate. North Korea had cast the blame on the US, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude." Kim Jong-un "said that the relationship between him and President Trump is special" a few days ago, according to the KCNA statement. "I sincerely hope that a motive force to overcome all the obstacles between the DPRK and the US and to advance the bilateral relations in the better direction will be provided on the basis of the close relationship," the KCNA statement, under the name of Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye Gwan, said. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea's official name. However, contrary to Trump, "Washington political circles and DPRK policymakers of the US administration are hostile to the DPRK for no reason, preoccupied with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice." the statement said. The statement said North Korea will see "how wisely the US will pass the end of the year." North Korea's Kim Jong-un had earlier set an end-of-the-year deadline for denuclearisation talks with Washington.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un and Trump have 'special' relationship: State media

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries.

Mt Kumgang was one of two major inter-Korean economic projects, along with the Kaesong industrial zone, and an important token of cooperation between the two Koreas during decades of hostilities following the Korean War.

But Kim, while inspecting the tourist spot on the east coast of North Korea, said it was a "mistaken idea" for Mt Kumgang to be viewed as a symbol of North-South relations.

The resort is on North Korean soil, and tourism there must not be under the control of South Korea, Kim said.

"We will always welcome our compatriots from the south if they want to come to Mt Kumgang after it is wonderfully built as the world-level tourist destination," Kim added.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said it was examining the North’s intentions.

“If there’s any request from the North, we’re always willing to hold discussions from the aspects of protecting our citizens’ property rights, the spirit of inter-Korean agreements and the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang,” ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a briefing on Wednesday.

North and South Korea had been exploring the prospect of re-starting joint economic projects before a recent cooling in relations. North Korea has criticised the South for adopting high-tech weapons and continuing joint military drills with the United States.

Tours suspended

South Koreans were allowed to visit Mt Kumgang starting in 1998 by sea and from 2003 by land, with South Korean firms such as Hyundai Asan Corp and Ananti Inc investing in the tourist spot, which channelled millions of dollars a year to Pyongyang.

However, South Korea suspended tours in 2008 after a North Korean soldier shot dead a South Korean tourist who had wandered unknowingly into a military area.

Hyundai Asan said in a brief statement it was perturbed by the report of Kim's pledge but it would "respond in a calm manner" to developments.

Hyundai Elevator, the majority shareholder of unlisted Hyundai Asan, fell 6.6 per cent, while shares in Ananti, which owns a golf and spa resort in Mt Kumgang that has been closed since 2008, were down 7 per cent.

South Korea-funded facilities have remained there since then, but tours from the South have not resumed amid international sanctions trying to force North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons programmes.

Only infrequent inter-Korean events, such as reunions of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, have been held there since.

Kim criticized the "mistaken policy of the predecessors" who were dependent on others to develop the tourist spot, and said Mt Kumgang must be taken care of as part of a larger tourist area that encompasses the mountain and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area, KCNA said.

Tourism is not subject to international sanctions and has increasingly become one of the focal industries central to Kim's policy of 'self-reliant' economic growth.

The resumption of Mt Kumgang tours has been repeatedly mentioned as a possibility by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in recent years.

During a summit with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September 2018, Moon and Kim had agreed to normalise Mt Kumgang tours and the Kaesong industrial complex "as soon as the environment is created," Moon announced at the time.

In April, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was asked his stance on the possibility of restarting tours to Mt. Kumgang before a summit with Moon.

"This isn’t the right time, but at the right time I’d have great support," Trump said, according to South Korean presidential office records, extolling the North's "tremendous" tourism potential.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries. Mt Kumgang was one of two major inter-Korean economic projects, along with the Kaesong industrial zone, and an important token of cooperation between the two Koreas during decades of hostilities following the Korean War. But Kim, while inspecting the tourist spot on the east coast of North Korea, said it was a "mistaken idea" for Mt Kumgang to be viewed as a symbol of North-South relations. The resort is on North Korean soil, and tourism there must not be under the control of South Korea, Kim said. "We will always welcome our compatriots from the south if they want to come to Mt Kumgang after it is wonderfully built as the world-level tourist destination," Kim added. Seoul’s Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said it was examining the North’s intentions. “If there’s any request from the North, we’re always willing to hold discussions from the aspects of protecting our citizens’ property rights, the spirit of inter-Korean agreements and the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang,” ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a briefing on Wednesday. North and South Korea had been exploring the prospect of re-starting joint economic projects before a recent cooling in relations. North Korea has criticised the South for adopting high-tech weapons and continuing joint military drills with the United States. Tours suspended South Koreans were allowed to visit Mt Kumgang starting in 1998 by sea and from 2003 by land, with South Korean firms such as Hyundai Asan Corp and Ananti Inc investing in the tourist spot, which channelled millions of dollars a year to Pyongyang. However, South Korea suspended tours in 2008 after a North Korean soldier shot dead a South Korean tourist who had wandered unknowingly into a military area. Hyundai Asan said in a brief statement it was perturbed by the report of Kim's pledge but it would "respond in a calm manner" to developments. Hyundai Elevator, the majority shareholder of unlisted Hyundai Asan, fell 6.6 per cent, while shares in Ananti, which owns a golf and spa resort in Mt Kumgang that has been closed since 2008, were down 7 per cent. South Korea-funded facilities have remained there since then, but tours from the South have not resumed amid international sanctions trying to force North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons programmes. Only infrequent inter-Korean events, such as reunions of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, have been held there since. Kim criticized the "mistaken policy of the predecessors" who were dependent on others to develop the tourist spot, and said Mt Kumgang must be taken care of as part of a larger tourist area that encompasses the mountain and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area, KCNA said. Tourism is not subject to international sanctions and has increasingly become one of the focal industries central to Kim's policy of 'self-reliant' economic growth. The resumption of Mt Kumgang tours has been repeatedly mentioned as a possibility by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in recent years. During a summit with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September 2018, Moon and Kim had agreed to normalise Mt Kumgang tours and the Kaesong industrial complex "as soon as the environment is created," Moon announced at the time. In April, US President Donald Trump was asked his stance on the possibility of restarting tours to Mt. Kumgang before a summit with Moon. "This isn’t the right time, but at the right time I’d have great support," Trump said, according to South Korean presidential office records, extolling the North's "tremendous" tourism potential.

North Korea leader Kim vows to clear South Korea relics from Kumgang resort

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people.

The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said.

Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government.

Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era.

China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples.

In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship.

The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world.

China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties. In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people. The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said. Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples. The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government. Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era. China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples. In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people. Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship. The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries. Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world. China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Xi, Kim exchange pleasantries on 70 years of diplomatic ties

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