South Korea's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-south-korean-mps-charged-over-parliamentary-stand-off-271713">Moon Jae-in</a> said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary.

Moon, sidelined from his leading role in the diplomatic effort with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea in 2018, said he regretted the past year's lack of progress in negotiations.

In an annual New Year's speech in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faster-rockets-more-warheads-what-north-korea-could-gain-from-new-weapons-development-271619">Seoul</a>,&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;called for new talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-skips-set-piece-new-years-speech-271374">Kim Jong Un</a> and vowed to keep up work to facilitate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-promises-action-on-any-north-korea-missile-test-white-house-270890">US-North&nbsp;Korea</a> communication.

"In a time of deadlock in US-North&nbsp;Korea talks and where we are even concerned about a step backward in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-fires-warning-shots-towards-north-korean-merchant-vessel-264862">inter-Korean relations</a>, we are in desperate need of practical&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;inter-Korean cooperation," he said.

He also said he would continue to push for restarting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-vows-to-clear-south-korea-relics-from-kumgang-resort-257625">Kaesong Industrial Complex</a> and tours to Mt. Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad.

"We want to make an era where separation is no longer a roadblock for peace and prosperity for&nbsp;South&nbsp;and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea," he said.

North&nbsp;Korea has been unresponsive to other recent overtures from Seoul, and cooperation projects between the neighbors have stalled in the face of international sanctions that bar most business with the&nbsp;North.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">Pyongyang</a> has expressed frustration at what it calls Washington's lack of flexibility, while US&nbsp;officials say it must take more concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs before sanctions are eased.

"The momentum for US-North&nbsp;Korea talks must continue,"&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;said. "Provocations and threats are not helpful for anyone."

Over the New Year, Kim said he planned to further develop nuclear programs and introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, though he signaled there was still room for dialogue with the United States.

Watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong-Un's plan for 2020

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Security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula are dependent on resolving international tensions, but the two Koreas could achieve progress through cooperation,&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;said.

"I suggest&nbsp;South&nbsp;and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea put our heads together," he said.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary. Moon, sidelined from his leading role in the diplomatic effort with North Korea in 2018, said he regretted the past year's lack of progress in negotiations. In an annual New Year's speech in Seoul, Moon called for new talks with Kim Jong Un and vowed to keep up work to facilitate US-North Korea communication. "In a time of deadlock in US-North Korea talks and where we are even concerned about a step backward in inter-Korean relations, we are in desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation," he said. He also said he would continue to push for restarting the Kaesong Industrial Complex and tours to Mt. Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad. "We want to make an era where separation is no longer a roadblock for peace and prosperity for South and North Korea," he said. North Korea has been unresponsive to other recent overtures from Seoul, and cooperation projects between the neighbors have stalled in the face of international sanctions that bar most business with the North. Pyongyang has expressed frustration at what it calls Washington's lack of flexibility, while US officials say it must take more concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs before sanctions are eased. "The momentum for US-North Korea talks must continue," Moon said. "Provocations and threats are not helpful for anyone." Over the New Year, Kim said he planned to further develop nuclear programs and introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, though he signaled there was still room for dialogue with the United States. Watch: Kim Jong-Un's plan for 2020 × Security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula are dependent on resolving international tensions, but the two Koreas could achieve progress through cooperation, Moon said. "I suggest South and North Korea put our heads together," he said.

In desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation: South Korea President

The funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani took place on the streets of Ahvaz city in Iran. Thousands of Iranian mourn the death of Former Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qasem Soleimani. #QasemSoleimani #QasemSoleimaniFuneral #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani, thousands Iranian mourn Soleimani's death

The funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani took place on the streets of Ahvaz city in Iran. Thousands of Iranian mourn the death of Former Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qasem Soleimani. #WION #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #Iran

Iran: Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani

Iranian Parliament MPs shouted "Death to America!" On Sunday during a session to discuss the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US military strike. #IranianParliament #QasemSoleimani

Iran MPs chant 'Death to America' as Soleimani's body brought back to Tehran

Democratic presidential contenders on Friday condemned the airstrike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, saying President Donald Trump's decision was reckless and could lead the United States to another war in the Middle East. #JoeBiden #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Trump's rivals to the White House condemn Iran strike, suggested to avoid war

It seems like the U.S. is not quite finished with its operations in West Asia. Reports have claimed that the U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on the northern part of Baghdad targeting a militia convoy. But, militia group claimed that airstrike targeted medics, not the senior leaders. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Fresh airstrikes in North Baghdad, 6 killed & 3 injured

World reacts to killing Iran's Soleimani by the U.S. Mideast countries & Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned airstrikes by the United States on several bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq and said the attack would have consequences. #WION #DonaldTrump #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran

World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq

Basically, Quds force is also a part of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, IRGC helped Tehran fight proxy wars on the foreign soil. This force was formed on April 22, 1979. Iran shares close ties to supreme leader Khamenei. #IRGC #Iran #US #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #WION

Role of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Iran-U.S. conflicts

It seems like the U.S. is not quite finished with its operations in West Asia. Reports have claimed that the U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on the northern part of Baghdad targeting a militia convoy. U.S. President Donald Trump said, "Qasem Soleimani has plotted attacks in Delhi & London, now the reign of his terror is over." #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Trump: Soleimani plotted attacks in Delhi & London, now reign of his terror is over

While the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani is going to have magnitudes of repercussions on west Asia and the United States foreign policy. One of these developments wider implications could be a message to North Korea. As North Korea is another foreign power since the Trump administration has missed no opportunity to aggravate the United States efforts to get the country to denuclearize. Denuclearization of Iran was the cornerstone of the Obama era administration. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Ayatollah Khamenei vows 'severe revenge' after Soleimani killed by U.S.

Did Soleimani plot attacks in India?

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces performed the last rites for Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani, top commanders of the Revolutionary Guards' elite force, who were killed in a US airstrike late Thursday with their convoy at Baghdad Airport. #SoleimaniFuneral #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Iraq perform last rites for commanders killed in U.S. air strike

On Saturday at the Holy Shrine of Imam Moussa al-Qadim in Baghdad, Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and the head of the elite force Irani Major-General Kasli Soleimani were cremated, both of them were in Baghdad on Friday when they were killed in US drone attack outside the airport. #SoleimaniFuneral #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Funeral procession attended by hundreds of people, held Iraqi flags to honour chief

Iran's supreme leader appointed the deputy commander of the Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, as the replacement for Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the elite force who was killed in a U.S. airstrike on Friday. #EsmailGhaani #QasemSoleimani #QudsForceChief #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Iran: Brigadier Gen Esmail Qaani appointed as country's Quds Force chief replacing Soleimani

North Korea's Kim Jong-Un plans to develop a nuclear programme this year. #Gravitas #KimJongUn #NorthKorea

Gravitas: Kim Jong-Un's plan for 2020

Killing of Qasem Soleimani can have repercussions on west Asia and US foreign policy

North Korea's state-run television KRT on Thursday (January 2) broadcast a new video of leader Kim Jong Un riding white horse at a sacred mountain with his aides in late 2019.

North Korea's state TV airs video of Kim riding horse at Mount Paektu

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-calls-for-offensive-measures-as-nuclear-deadline-looms-271049"> Kim Jong Un</a> will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon."

"We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida.

The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations".

But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi.

The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize.

On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon.

In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship.

"He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon." "We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida. The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations". But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi. The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize. On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon. In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship. "He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

Kim 'a man of his word' on denuclearisation: Donald Trump

North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-summits-other-aim-was-to-sell-vietnam-model-to-north-korea-208086">Kim Jong Un</a> appeared to skip his set-piece <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xi-jinping-delivers-new-year-speech-calls-for-calm-in-hong-kong-271343">New Year speech</a> Wednesday, with analysts suggesting the move may have been to avoid implicitly admitting mistakes in the last two years of diplomacy with the US.

Kim has been giving the annual speech since 2013 after he revived the tradition started by his grandfather&nbsp;North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung.

It has been a key moment in the North Korean political calendar, reviewing the past and setting out goals for the future, and printed in full in the Rodong Sinmun mouthpiece newspaper.

At first, he wore a party uniform and stood at a lectern to address troops, but the format has evolved over time as Pyongyang modernises its messaging, and last year he sat in his office in a Western-style suit and tie.

But this year there was no January 1 morning broadcast&nbsp;as has been standard recently or even at noon, considered the latest likely time.

Instead, state television showed a lengthy readout of Kim's address at a four-day party meeting, over footage of the leader addressing top officials where he said Pyongyang no longer considered itself bound by its moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, and threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon".

It is a marked departure from the diplomacy of the last two years, which have not seen the North gain sanctions relief or take sufficient steps towards denuclearisation to satisfy the US.

Park Won-gon, a professor of international studies at Handong University in South Korea, said the change of format may have been to avoid "burdening" Kim.

"There is a huge difference between giving a New Year's speech with your own voice and announcing&nbsp;what has been decided at the plenary meeting," he said.&nbsp;

"When you give a speech, this means you are giving a direct message to North Korean citizens on top of the outside world.

"This may require you to inevitably admit that your past approach&nbsp;has been flawed."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared to skip his set-piece New Year speech Wednesday, with analysts suggesting the move may have been to avoid implicitly admitting mistakes in the last two years of diplomacy with the US.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared to skip his set-piece New Year speech Wednesday, with analysts suggesting the move may have been to avoid implicitly admitting mistakes in the last two years of diplomacy with the US. Kim has been giving the annual speech since 2013 after he revived the tradition started by his grandfather North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung. It has been a key moment in the North Korean political calendar, reviewing the past and setting out goals for the future, and printed in full in the Rodong Sinmun mouthpiece newspaper. At first, he wore a party uniform and stood at a lectern to address troops, but the format has evolved over time as Pyongyang modernises its messaging, and last year he sat in his office in a Western-style suit and tie. But this year there was no January 1 morning broadcast as has been standard recently or even at noon, considered the latest likely time. Instead, state television showed a lengthy readout of Kim's address at a four-day party meeting, over footage of the leader addressing top officials where he said Pyongyang no longer considered itself bound by its moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, and threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon". It is a marked departure from the diplomacy of the last two years, which have not seen the North gain sanctions relief or take sufficient steps towards denuclearisation to satisfy the US. Park Won-gon, a professor of international studies at Handong University in South Korea, said the change of format may have been to avoid "burdening" Kim. "There is a huge difference between giving a New Year's speech with your own voice and announcing what has been decided at the plenary meeting," he said. "When you give a speech, this means you are giving a direct message to North Korean citizens on top of the outside world. "This may require you to inevitably admit that your past approach has been flawed."

North Korean leader 'skips' set-piece New Year's speech

North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un</a>&nbsp;called for "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures" to ensure the country's&nbsp;security&nbsp;before a year-end&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;he has set for denuclearization&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Kim&nbsp;convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and missile programs.

At a Sunday session,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures&nbsp;for fully ensuring the sovereignty and&nbsp;security&nbsp;of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating.

The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013&nbsp;under&nbsp;Kim, according to Seoul's&nbsp;Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs.

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale.

"By&nbsp;'positive&nbsp;and offensive&nbsp;measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the&nbsp;United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the&nbsp;University of North Korean studies in Seoul.

KCNA said the meeting was still&nbsp;underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing.

The&nbsp;United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> said on Monday.

"We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons," Pompeo told Fox News.

North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an&nbsp;unspecified "new path" if the&nbsp;United States fails to meet its expectations.

US&nbsp;military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;warhead tests.

Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;missile, White House national&nbsp;security&nbsp;adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power.

The&nbsp;United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>, O'Brien said.

A video released by the US&nbsp;Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles.

The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December&nbsp;2 on the website of the US&nbsp;Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9edaaf7d-8f50-4620-9c68-372e2ce5f241" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs.

KCNA said&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy."

Kim&nbsp;"presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said.

In New York, US&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea.

Russia and China proposed a draft UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization&nbsp;talks.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea.

"China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue,&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing.

The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations.

Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his deadline for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. At a Sunday session, Kim suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating. The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013 under Kim, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs. The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale. "By 'positive and offensive measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean studies in Seoul. KCNA said the meeting was still underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since Kim took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing. The United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. "We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their nuclear weapons," Pompeo told Fox News. North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an unspecified "new path" if the United States fails to meet its expectations. US military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with nuclear warhead tests. Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or nuclear missile, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power. The United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped Kim would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US President Donald Trump, O'Brien said. A video released by the US Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles. The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December 2 on the website of the US Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs. KCNA said Kim discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy." Kim "presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said. In New York, US Security Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea. Russia and China proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization talks. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the talks process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea. "China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue, Security Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing. The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations. Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

Kim Jong Un urges 'positive and offensive' security measures ahead of nuclear talks deadline

North Korea has expressed increasing frustration with the American side since Trump walked out of their last formal summit in February.

WION Dispatch: Kim Jong threatens Washington, calls for military countermeasures

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for “positive and offensive measures” to ensure security at a ruling party meeting ahead of a year-end deadline. #KimJongUn #US #WIONFineprint #WION

Fineprint: U.S. vows action if North Korea provokes

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for “positive and offensive measures” to ensure security at a ruling party meeting ahead of a year-end deadline.

Kim Jong-un calls for 'offensive measures' as nuclear deadline looms

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

Four spy surveillance jets have reportedly flown over the Korean Peninsula, an aviation tracker organisation said on Wednesday.

These jets were detected at the same time amid concerns that North Korea may test-launch a missile as a "Christmas gift" for Washington.

These four aircraft have been detected as RC-135W Rivet Joint, E-8C, RQ-4 Global Hawk and RC-135S Cobra Ball - between Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to private aviation tracker Aircraft Spots.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he hoped that North Korea would not deliver a missile test as its threatened "Christmas gift" that could reignite global tensions over its nuclear program.

Earlier in the first week of December, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had promised an unidentified "gift" for the United States — which could be a missile test — if the US does not make concessions in nuclear talks by the end of the year.

"We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

(With inputs from AFP)

Four spy surveillance jets have reportedly flown over the Korean Peninsula, an aviation tracker organisation said on Wednesday. These jets were detected at the same time amid concerns that North Korea may test-launch a missile as a "Christmas gift" for Washington.

Four spy surveillance jets have reportedly flown over the Korean Peninsula, an aviation tracker organisation said on Wednesday. These jets were detected at the same time amid concerns that North Korea may test-launch a missile as a "Christmas gift" for Washington. These four aircraft have been detected as RC-135W Rivet Joint, E-8C, RQ-4 Global Hawk and RC-135S Cobra Ball - between Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to private aviation tracker Aircraft Spots. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he hoped that North Korea would not deliver a missile test as its threatened "Christmas gift" that could reignite global tensions over its nuclear program. Earlier in the first week of December, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had promised an unidentified "gift" for the United States — which could be a missile test — if the US does not make concessions in nuclear talks by the end of the year. "We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. (With inputs from AFP)

US flies surveillance jets over Korean Peninsula amid concern about Kim Jong Un's 'Christmas gift'

After the United States supported a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-condemns-north-korea-rights-abuses-pyongyang-rejects-resolution-269093">UN resolution </a>on human rights violations in North Korea, Pyongyang warned Washington would "pay dearly" for its stand in this issue.&nbsp;

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said US's "malicious words" would only escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, reported state news agency KCNA. &nbsp;

The statement said if Washington dared to claim human rights concerns to the North's system of government, it would "pay dearly".&nbsp;

In an annual resolution, the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned North Korea's "long-standing and ongoing" violations of human rights, which was sponsored by a dozen countries, including the US.&nbsp;

The comments from North Korean ministry comes after US special envoy for North Korea, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-biegun-to-north-korea-were-here-you-know-how-to-reach-us-268526">Stephen Biegun</a>, publicly urged the nation on Monday to resume talks.

The tensions between Pyongyang and Washington rose in recent months after North Korea threatened a "Christmas gift" to the United States if it doesn't offer concessions by the end of 2019.&nbsp;

Lately, North Korea has also conducted a series of weapon tests which some experts regard as the preparation of an intercontinental ballistic missile test, which could destroy US President Donald Trump's argument that he has deescalated risks from the region.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

After the United States supported a UN resolution on human rights violations in North Korea, Pyongyang warned Washington would "pay dearly" for its stand in this issue.

After the United States supported a UN resolution on human rights violations in North Korea, Pyongyang warned Washington would "pay dearly" for its stand in this issue. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said US's "malicious words" would only escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, reported state news agency KCNA. The statement said if Washington dared to claim human rights concerns to the North's system of government, it would "pay dearly". In an annual resolution, the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned North Korea's "long-standing and ongoing" violations of human rights, which was sponsored by a dozen countries, including the US. The comments from North Korean ministry comes after US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, publicly urged the nation on Monday to resume talks. The tensions between Pyongyang and Washington rose in recent months after North Korea threatened a "Christmas gift" to the United States if it doesn't offer concessions by the end of 2019. Lately, North Korea has also conducted a series of weapon tests which some experts regard as the preparation of an intercontinental ballistic missile test, which could destroy US President Donald Trump's argument that he has deescalated risks from the region. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

US could 'pay dearly' for citing violations of human rights: North Korea

Russia and China on Monday proposed easing sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-interested-in-meaningless-talks-just-so-trump-can-boast-north-korea-262928">nuclear-armed North Korea</a>, in response to steps the North takes towards denuclearization.

The proposal, in a draft resolution which surprised several diplomatic missions, came the same day Washington's top representative in talks with North Korea criticized Pyongyang's "hostile" statements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics%3A-china-provides-top-security-to-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-145914">In Pictures: China provides top security to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a>

The North is under heavy US and United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, but it has been frustrated at the lack of relief after it declared a moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-us-is-keeping-a-close-watch-on-north-korea-wion-dispatch-268769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The draft text said the Council "shall adjust the sanction measures towards the DPRK as may be needed in light of the DPRK's compliance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions."

It also underlined the necessity of having "the most favourable approach towards requests for exemptions from existing UN sanctions against the DPRK for humanitarian and livelihood purposes."

The Russian and Chinese proposal did not detail exactly what North Korea will have to do in exchange for an easing of sanctions.

But in order to improve the lives of people in the impoverished North, the text called for an end to several significant measures which date from 2016 and 2017.

Russia and China want the UN to end the ban on its members importing fish products and textiles from North Korea.

They also call for an end to sanctions, imposed in 2017, that require UN members to send back by December 22 North Korean workers employed abroad.

Those workers are an important source of revenue for the regime.

The Russia-China text also calls for inter-Korean rail and road cooperation projects to be exempt from existing UN sanctions.

Three pages of annexes to the draft resolution list products to be removed from sanctions lists.

Among them are bulldozers, small tractors, small metal items including scissors, bicycles, as well as washing machines for clothes and dishes.

China and Russia, which had cautiously backed pressure against North Korea after its past nuclear tests, had indicated last week they would reject further sanctions.

The text, obtained by AFP, "welcomes the continuation of the dialogue between the United States and the DPRK at all levels."

That call comes with negotiations between North Korea and the US largely stalled since the collapse of a February summit in Hanoi between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un.

The North has issued increasingly strident declarations, even promising an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions by year's end.

The draft text calls for "prompt resumption of the six-party talks" which involved China, the two Koreas, the US, Russia and Japan. Those talks lasted from 2003-2009.

Diplomats said no deadline was put forward for putting to a vote the text, which faces an uncertain future.

Texts related to North Korea are traditionally the purview of the United States, which wants Pyongyang to give up its atomic arsenal right away.

Russia and China on Monday proposed easing sanctions against nuclear-armed North Korea, in response to steps the North takes towards denuclearization. The proposal, in a draft resolution which surprised several diplomatic missions, came the same day Washington's top representative in talks with North Korea criticized Pyongyang's "hostile" statements.

Russia and China on Monday proposed easing sanctions against nuclear-armed North Korea, in response to steps the North takes towards denuclearization. The proposal, in a draft resolution which surprised several diplomatic missions, came the same day Washington's top representative in talks with North Korea criticized Pyongyang's "hostile" statements. In Pictures: China provides top security to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un The North is under heavy US and United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, but it has been frustrated at the lack of relief after it declared a moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Watch: The draft text said the Council "shall adjust the sanction measures towards the DPRK as may be needed in light of the DPRK's compliance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions." It also underlined the necessity of having "the most favourable approach towards requests for exemptions from existing UN sanctions against the DPRK for humanitarian and livelihood purposes." The Russian and Chinese proposal did not detail exactly what North Korea will have to do in exchange for an easing of sanctions. But in order to improve the lives of people in the impoverished North, the text called for an end to several significant measures which date from 2016 and 2017. Russia and China want the UN to end the ban on its members importing fish products and textiles from North Korea. They also call for an end to sanctions, imposed in 2017, that require UN members to send back by December 22 North Korean workers employed abroad. Those workers are an important source of revenue for the regime. The Russia-China text also calls for inter-Korean rail and road cooperation projects to be exempt from existing UN sanctions. Three pages of annexes to the draft resolution list products to be removed from sanctions lists. Among them are bulldozers, small tractors, small metal items including scissors, bicycles, as well as washing machines for clothes and dishes. China and Russia, which had cautiously backed pressure against North Korea after its past nuclear tests, had indicated last week they would reject further sanctions. The text, obtained by AFP, "welcomes the continuation of the dialogue between the United States and the DPRK at all levels." That call comes with negotiations between North Korea and the US largely stalled since the collapse of a February summit in Hanoi between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un. The North has issued increasingly strident declarations, even promising an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions by year's end. The draft text calls for "prompt resumption of the six-party talks" which involved China, the two Koreas, the US, Russia and Japan. Those talks lasted from 2003-2009. Diplomats said no deadline was put forward for putting to a vote the text, which faces an uncertain future. Texts related to North Korea are traditionally the purview of the United States, which wants Pyongyang to give up its atomic arsenal right away.

Russia, China make UN proposal to ease sanctions against nuclear-armed North Korea

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the&nbsp;US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-postpone-joint-drills-in-act-of-goodwill-262741">military</a> forces, which are stationed in the country as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-fearful-of-nightmare-us-troop-withdrawal-199239">legacy</a> of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea.

South Korean lawmakers have said&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;is seeking up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-south-korea-resume-defence-cost-sharing-talks-after-trumps-5-bn-demand-gets-dubbed-as-robbery-262883">$5&nbsp;billion</a>&nbsp;a year to support the&nbsp;troops&nbsp;- more than five times the amount&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;agreed to pay this year.

But the&nbsp;US's chief negotiator James DeHart told reporters after Wednesday's meeting that "($5&nbsp;billion) is not the number we are currently focusing on in the negotiation," according to Yonhap News Agency.

"We have been coordinating and compromising. But the figure we&nbsp;agree&nbsp;on will be very different from our initial proposal and will also be different from what we are currently hearing from the Korean side," he added.

As part of his 'America First" policy, Trump has&nbsp;demanded that many&nbsp;US&nbsp;allies, including NATO members and Japan, pay more towards defence.

The lack of a deal in the talks led on South Korea's side by chief negotiator Jeong Eun-bo, could result in a repeat of last year when the two countries missed a year-end deadline but reached a retroactive&nbsp;agreement in the new year.

Some experts, both&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Korean, have warned that if no&nbsp;agreement is reached, it could throw the future of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;presence in South Korea into doubt.

The next set of talks will be in the United States in January, with the exact timing still to be determined.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said their negotiators emphasized the need for "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable&nbsp;agreements," that will strengthen the alliance.

"The two sides have expanded their understanding of each other through many discussions despite differences in their positions on various issues, and decided to continue close consultations," it said in a statement.

The dispute has been a rare public sign of discord in the alliance that has for 70 years formed a buffer against North Korean aggression. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the Korean War ended in a truce but not a peace treaty.

There have been several public protests in South Korea against the&nbsp;US&nbsp;calls for more money, and a survey by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs found that only 4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of South Korean respondents said&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;should meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">Trump</a>'s&nbsp;demands.

On the other hand, 74 per cent&nbsp;of those questioned said they supported the long-term stationing of American&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in South Korea.

If no deal is reached, the most immediate effect may be on thousands of South Korean civilians who work for the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military and who could be placed on unpaid leave.

US President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the US military forces, which are stationed in the country as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the US military forces, which are stationed in the country as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea. South Korean lawmakers have said Washington is seeking up to $5 billion a year to support the troops - more than five times the amount Seoul agreed to pay this year. But the US's chief negotiator James DeHart told reporters after Wednesday's meeting that "($5 billion) is not the number we are currently focusing on in the negotiation," according to Yonhap News Agency. "We have been coordinating and compromising. But the figure we agree on will be very different from our initial proposal and will also be different from what we are currently hearing from the Korean side," he added. As part of his 'America First" policy, Trump has demanded that many US allies, including NATO members and Japan, pay more towards defence. The lack of a deal in the talks led on South Korea's side by chief negotiator Jeong Eun-bo, could result in a repeat of last year when the two countries missed a year-end deadline but reached a retroactive agreement in the new year. Some experts, both US and Korean, have warned that if no agreement is reached, it could throw the future of the US presence in South Korea into doubt. The next set of talks will be in the United States in January, with the exact timing still to be determined. South Korea's Foreign Ministry said their negotiators emphasized the need for "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable agreements," that will strengthen the alliance. "The two sides have expanded their understanding of each other through many discussions despite differences in their positions on various issues, and decided to continue close consultations," it said in a statement. The dispute has been a rare public sign of discord in the alliance that has for 70 years formed a buffer against North Korean aggression. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the Korean War ended in a truce but not a peace treaty. There have been several public protests in South Korea against the US calls for more money, and a survey by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs found that only 4 per cent of South Korean respondents said Seoul should meet Trump's demands. On the other hand, 74 per cent of those questioned said they supported the long-term stationing of American troops in South Korea. If no deal is reached, the most immediate effect may be on thousands of South Korean civilians who work for the US military and who could be placed on unpaid leave.

Seoul, Washington fail to agree on cost of US troops; US denies $5 billion demand

US&nbsp;special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, urged Pyongyang on Monday to return offers of talks, dismissing leader Kim Jong Un's year-end deadline while highlighting Washington's willingness to discuss "all issues of interest".

Tension has been rising in recent weeks as Pyongyang has conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, stoking fears the two countries could return to a collision course they had been on before launching diplomacy last year.

Biegun arrived in Seoul on Sunday amid speculation he might try to salvage negotiations by reaching out to North Korea, which has vowed to take an unspecified "new path" if Washington fails to soften its stance before the end of the year.

"The United States does not have a deadline. We have a goal," Biegun told a joint news conference with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon - Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at&nbsp;the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

"Let me speak directly to our counterparts in North Korea. It is time for us to do our jobs. Let's get this done. We are here, and you know how to reach us," Biegun said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-comments-hostile-and-unnecessary-us-envoy-stephen-biegun-268473">'HOSTILE, UNNECESSARY'</a>

Kim and Trump met three times since last year to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes but there has been scant progress. Working-level talks led by Biegun in October in Stockholm fell apart.

On Sunday, state media said North Korea had successfully conducted another test at a satellite launch site aimed at "restraining and overpowering the US&nbsp;nuclear threat," a second such test in a week.

Seoul officials are concerned the flare-up may signal a repeat of earlier cycles of détente&nbsp;ending in escalations.

Biegun, who also met South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday, expressed regret over statements from North Korean officials in recent weeks, describing them as "so hostile and negative and so unnecessary".

"But it does not have to be this way. It is not yet too late," Biegun said.

Analysts said chances are slim for North Korea to accept Biegun's call for dialogue, citing Pyongyang's recent statements Washington had "<a href="Not interested in meaningless talks just so Trump can boast: North Korea">nothing to offer</a>" even if were talks to reopen.

"For North Koreans, Biegun effectively challenged their supreme leader by brushing off the year-end deadline," said Shin Beomchul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

Chun Yung-woo, a former South Korean nuclear envoy, said Biegun's offer appeared to be aimed at undercutting Pyongyang's bid to deal directly with Trump.

Trump's re-election battle and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-does-the-impeachment-of-a-us-president-work-265766">impeachment </a>inquiry against him may have led Kim to overestimate North Korea's leverage, diplomatic sources have told Reuters.

"North Korea won't likely show up at the negotiating table unless the United States promises to make clear concessions instead of calling for a meeting for meeting's sake," said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul.

US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, urged Pyongyang on Monday to return offers of talks, dismissing leader Kim Jong Un's year-end deadline while highlighting Washington's willingness to discuss "all issues of interest".

US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, urged Pyongyang on Monday to return offers of talks, dismissing leader Kim Jong Un's year-end deadline while highlighting Washington's willingness to discuss "all issues of interest". Tension has been rising in recent weeks as Pyongyang has conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US President Donald Trump, stoking fears the two countries could return to a collision course they had been on before launching diplomacy last year. Biegun arrived in Seoul on Sunday amid speculation he might try to salvage negotiations by reaching out to North Korea, which has vowed to take an unspecified "new path" if Washington fails to soften its stance before the end of the year. "The United States does not have a deadline. We have a goal," Biegun told a joint news conference with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon - Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. "Let me speak directly to our counterparts in North Korea. It is time for us to do our jobs. Let's get this done. We are here, and you know how to reach us," Biegun said. 'HOSTILE, UNNECESSARY' Kim and Trump met three times since last year to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes but there has been scant progress. Working-level talks led by Biegun in October in Stockholm fell apart. On Sunday, state media said North Korea had successfully conducted another test at a satellite launch site aimed at "restraining and overpowering the US nuclear threat," a second such test in a week. Seoul officials are concerned the flare-up may signal a repeat of earlier cycles of détente ending in escalations. Biegun, who also met South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday, expressed regret over statements from North Korean officials in recent weeks, describing them as "so hostile and negative and so unnecessary". "But it does not have to be this way. It is not yet too late," Biegun said. Analysts said chances are slim for North Korea to accept Biegun's call for dialogue, citing Pyongyang's recent statements Washington had "nothing to offer" even if were talks to reopen. "For North Koreans, Biegun effectively challenged their supreme leader by brushing off the year-end deadline," said Shin Beomchul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. Chun Yung-woo, a former South Korean nuclear envoy, said Biegun's offer appeared to be aimed at undercutting Pyongyang's bid to deal directly with Trump. Trump's re-election battle and the impeachment inquiry against him may have led Kim to overestimate North Korea's leverage, diplomatic sources have told Reuters. "North Korea won't likely show up at the negotiating table unless the United States promises to make clear concessions instead of calling for a meeting for meeting's sake," said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul.

US envoy Biegun to North Korea: 'We're here, you know how to reach us'

A day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-meet-over-north-korea-on-wednesday-at-us-request-267389">United States </a>warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure". &nbsp;

"The United States said about corresponding measure at the meeting, as we have said we have nothing to lose and we are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that the US choooses," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said citing a foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

Earlier, North Korea vowed for an ominous "Christmas gift" if the US does not come up with concessions by the end of 2019.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the US ambassador, Kelly Craft, said that North Korea was indicating of carrying out intercontinental ballistic missiles test which is designed to attack the US with nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

"Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security," Craft said, referring to North Korea by its official name.&nbsp;

"We trust that the DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead make a bold decision to engage with us," Craft said.

Craft added that if Pyongyang acted otherwise "we, this Security Council, must all be prepared to act accordingly."

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A day after the United States warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure".

A day after the United States warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure". "The United States said about corresponding measure at the meeting, as we have said we have nothing to lose and we are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that the US choooses," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said citing a foreign ministry spokesperson. Earlier, North Korea vowed for an ominous "Christmas gift" if the US does not come up with concessions by the end of 2019. On Wednesday, the US ambassador, Kelly Craft, said that North Korea was indicating of carrying out intercontinental ballistic missiles test which is designed to attack the US with nuclear weapons. "Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security," Craft said, referring to North Korea by its official name. "We trust that the DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead make a bold decision to engage with us," Craft said. Craft added that if Pyongyang acted otherwise "we, this Security Council, must all be prepared to act accordingly." (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

We are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that US chooses: North Korea

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-zoom-in-on-trump-impeachment-charges-this-week-267046">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;said on Sunday that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un&nbsp;risks&nbsp;losing&nbsp;"everything" if he resumes hostility and his country must denuclearize,&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;North&nbsp;said it had carried out a "successful&nbsp;test&nbsp;of great significance."

"Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un&nbsp;is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way. He signed a strong Denuclearization Agreement with me in Singapore,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Twitter, referring to his first summit with&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;in Singapore in 2018.

"He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the&nbsp;United States or interfere with the US&nbsp;Presidential Election in November," he said.

North&nbsp;Korea's state media KCNA reported earlier on Sunday that it had carried out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-north-korea-tried-out-rocket-engine-in-very-important-test-experts-267133">"very important"&nbsp;test</a>&nbsp;at its Sohae satellite launch site, a rocket-testing ground that US&nbsp;officials once said&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;had promised to close.

The reported&nbsp;test&nbsp;comes ahead of a year-end deadline&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has imposed for the&nbsp;United States to drop its insistence on&nbsp;unilateral denuclearization. Pyongyang has warned it could take a "new path" amid the stalled talks with the&nbsp;United States.

"North&nbsp;Korea,&nbsp;under the leadership of&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un, has tremendous economic potential, but it must denuclearize as promised,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Twitter.

The KCNA report called it a "successful&nbsp;test&nbsp;of great significance" but did not specify what was&nbsp;tested.

Missile experts said it appeared likely the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Koreans had conducted a static&nbsp;test&nbsp;of a rocket engine, rather than a missile launch.

"If it is indeed a static engine&nbsp;test&nbsp;for a new solid or liquid fuel missile, it is yet another loud signal that the door for diplomacy is quickly slamming, if it isn’t already," said Vipin Narang, a nuclear affairs expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the&nbsp;United States.

"This could be a very credible signal of what might await the world&nbsp;after&nbsp;the New Year."

Tensions have risen ahead of a year-end deadline set by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, which has called on the&nbsp;United States to change its policy of insisting on Pyongyang's&nbsp;unilateral denuclearization and demanded relief from punishing sanctions.

On Saturday&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's ambassador to the&nbsp;United Nations said denuclearization was now off the negotiating table with the&nbsp;United States and lengthy talks with Washington are not needed.

"The results of the recent important&nbsp;test&nbsp;will have an important effect on changing the strategic position of the DPRK once again in the near future," KCNA reported, using the initials of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea.

Asked in a CBS "Face the Nation" interview if&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;might be preparing to resume nuclear&nbsp;tests, US&nbsp;National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said that "would be a mistake on the part of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea."

Pyongyang's last nuclear&nbsp;test, its sixth and most powerful, took place in September 2017.

"It doesn't end well for them if they do.. If&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;takes a different path than the one it's promised... we've got plenty of tools in the toolkit," O'Brien said on Sunday.

Recent days have also seen a return to the highly charged rhetoric that raised fears of war two years ago.

In 2017,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;famously engaged in a war of words, with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;calling&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;"Rocket Man" and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;calling&nbsp;Trump, now 73, a "dotard."

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;once again called&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;"Rocket Man" and said the&nbsp;United States reserved the right to use military force against&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea. Pyongyang, in response, said any repeat of such language would represent "the relapse of the dotage of a dotard."

The&nbsp;test&nbsp;is the latest&nbsp;in a string of statements and actions from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;designed to&nbsp;underscore the seriousness of its year-end deadline.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has announced it would convene a rare gathering of top ruling-party officials later this month, and on Wednesday state media showed photos of&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;taking a second symbolic horse ride on the country's sacred Mt. Paektu.

Such meetings and propaganda blitzes often come ahead of&nbsp;major&nbsp;announcements from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean authorities.

While&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has not specified what its "new path" could be, observers have suggested the launch of a space satellite is a possibility, allowing Pyongyang to demonstrate and&nbsp;test&nbsp;its rocket capabilities without resorting to overt military provocation such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.

Kim&nbsp;Dong-yub, a former South&nbsp;Korean Navy officer who teaches at Kyungnam&nbsp;University in Seoul, said&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;may have&nbsp;tested a solid fuel rocket engine, which could allow&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to field ICBMs that are easier to hide and faster to deploy.

"North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has already entered the ‘new path’ that they talked about," he said.

Trump&nbsp;told reporters in June 2018&nbsp;after&nbsp;his first summit with&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;had pledged to dismantle one of its missile installations, which US&nbsp;officials later identified as Sohae.

Shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;that summit, analysts said satellite imagery showed some key facilities at Sohae being dismantled.

However, in the wake of the second summit between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;earlier this year, which ended with no agreement, new imagery indicated the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Koreans were rebuilding the site.

"Remember this is at the site that was supposedly dismantled as a 'denuclearization step,'" Narang said. "So this is a first step at 'renuclearizing.' Reversible steps are being...reversed."

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un risks losing "everything" if he resumes hostility and his country must denuclearize, after the North said it had carried out a "successful test of great significance.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un risks losing "everything" if he resumes hostility and his country must denuclearize, after the North said it had carried out a "successful test of great significance." "Kim Jong Un is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way. He signed a strong Denuclearization Agreement with me in Singapore," Trump said on Twitter, referring to his first summit with Kim in Singapore in 2018. "He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the United States or interfere with the US Presidential Election in November," he said. North Korea's state media KCNA reported earlier on Sunday that it had carried out a "very important" test at its Sohae satellite launch site, a rocket-testing ground that US officials once said North Korea had promised to close. The reported test comes ahead of a year-end deadline North Korea has imposed for the United States to drop its insistence on unilateral denuclearization. Pyongyang has warned it could take a "new path" amid the stalled talks with the United States. "North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, has tremendous economic potential, but it must denuclearize as promised," Trump said on Twitter. The KCNA report called it a "successful test of great significance" but did not specify what was tested. Missile experts said it appeared likely the North Koreans had conducted a static test of a rocket engine, rather than a missile launch. "If it is indeed a static engine test for a new solid or liquid fuel missile, it is yet another loud signal that the door for diplomacy is quickly slamming, if it isn’t already," said Vipin Narang, a nuclear affairs expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. "This could be a very credible signal of what might await the world after the New Year." Tensions have risen ahead of a year-end deadline set by North Korea, which has called on the United States to change its policy of insisting on Pyongyang's unilateral denuclearization and demanded relief from punishing sanctions. On Saturday North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said denuclearization was now off the negotiating table with the United States and lengthy talks with Washington are not needed. "The results of the recent important test will have an important effect on changing the strategic position of the DPRK once again in the near future," KCNA reported, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Asked in a CBS "Face the Nation" interview if North Korea might be preparing to resume nuclear tests, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said that "would be a mistake on the part of North Korea." Pyongyang's last nuclear test, its sixth and most powerful, took place in September 2017. "It doesn't end well for them if they do.. If North Korea takes a different path than the one it's promised... we've got plenty of tools in the toolkit," O'Brien said on Sunday. Recent days have also seen a return to the highly charged rhetoric that raised fears of war two years ago. In 2017, Trump and Kim famously engaged in a war of words, with Trump calling Kim "Rocket Man" and North Korea calling Trump, now 73, a "dotard." On Tuesday, Trump once again called Kim "Rocket Man" and said the United States reserved the right to use military force against North Korea. Pyongyang, in response, said any repeat of such language would represent "the relapse of the dotage of a dotard." The test is the latest in a string of statements and actions from North Korea designed to underscore the seriousness of its year-end deadline. North Korea has announced it would convene a rare gathering of top ruling-party officials later this month, and on Wednesday state media showed photos of Kim taking a second symbolic horse ride on the country's sacred Mt. Paektu. Such meetings and propaganda blitzes often come ahead of major announcements from North Korean authorities. While North Korea has not specified what its "new path" could be, observers have suggested the launch of a space satellite is a possibility, allowing Pyongyang to demonstrate and test its rocket capabilities without resorting to overt military provocation such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. Kim Dong-yub, a former South Korean Navy officer who teaches at Kyungnam University in Seoul, said North Korea may have tested a solid fuel rocket engine, which could allow North Korea to field ICBMs that are easier to hide and faster to deploy. "North Korea has already entered the ‘new path’ that they talked about," he said. Trump told reporters in June 2018 after his first summit with Kim that North Korea had pledged to dismantle one of its missile installations, which US officials later identified as Sohae. Shortly after that summit, analysts said satellite imagery showed some key facilities at Sohae being dismantled. However, in the wake of the second summit between Trump and Kim earlier this year, which ended with no agreement, new imagery indicated the North Koreans were rebuilding the site. "Remember this is at the site that was supposedly dismantled as a 'denuclearization step,'" Narang said. "So this is a first step at 'renuclearizing.' Reversible steps are being...reversed."

Kim Jong Un risks losing 'everything' after North Korea claims major test: Trump

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