North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the successful test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles, hailing it as a “significant change” for the country’s strategic nuclear force. The engine, capable of producing nearly 2,000 kilonewtons of thrust, marks the final ground test before full deployment of what analysts say could target the U.S. mainland.

North Korea's new ICBM engine marks “major shift,” says Kim

China's President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for closer coordination with North Korea in global and regional affairs, state media reported, as the leaders of the two nuclear-armed neighbours held their first meeting in six years.



China, N Korea Vow To Deepen Bilateral Ties | Xi: Support For Pyongyang Won't Change | WION

China marked the 80th anniversary of its WWII victory with a lavish military parade that doubled as a showcase of its modern military might. Under President Xi Jinping’s watch, the People’s Liberation Army displayed its full nuclear triad—land, air, and sea-launched capabilities—for the first time. Hypersonic anti-ship missiles, underwater drones, advanced laser and microwave systems, stealth drones, and even “robotic wolves” were unveiled, signaling China's intent to challenge global powers like the U.S.

China's 80th anniversary commemorative gala | Cutting-edge weaponry showcased

China showcased its military prowess and strengthening alliances with Russia and North Korea in a grand military parade, highlighting President Xi Jinping's vision for a new global order. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, featured advanced military hardware, including hypersonic missiles and drones, and signaled China's growing ambitions as a global power.

Xi Jinping flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un | Trump cries anti-U.S. conspiracy

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of "conspiring against" America after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended China's largest-ever military parade.


Trump accuses Xi of conspiring against Us with Putin & Kim

U.S. President Donald Trump makes a bold statement, claiming that many Americans died as a result of China’s pursuit of "victory and glory." The remarks come amid rising tensions and growing scrutiny of U.S.-China relations, adding fuel to ongoing geopolitical debates.

Trump on China's military parade: 'Many Americans died in China's quest for victory & glory'

China showcased its military prowess and strengthening alliances with Russia and North Korea in a grand military parade, highlighting President Xi Jinping's vision for a new global order. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, featured advanced military hardware, including hypersonic missiles and drones, and signaled China's growing ambitions as a global power.



Xi Jinping Flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un Irks Trump | WION

After his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s aides carried out an unusually thorough clean-up operation, drawing international attention. Footage shared on social media showed staff members quickly moving in once the talks finished. They removed the glass Kim had drunk from, wiped down the chair’s upholstery and armrests, and meticulously cleaned the table and other surfaces he had touched. The scene resembled a forensic sweep, with aides ensuring that no physical trace of the leader was left behind.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chatgpt-faces-fresh-global-outage-users-flock-to-social-media-with-complaints-1756894113103">ChatGPT faces fresh global outage, users flock to social media with complaints</a>&nbsp;Russian journalist Alexander Yunashev, who witnessed the process, described the clean-up as “remarkable” in its detail. Reports said the two leaders had wrapped up their formal discussions and later continued in a more relaxed setting over tea. The reasoning behind such a rigorous effort remains unclear. Analysts suggest it could be aimed at eliminating any chance of foreign agencies collecting Kim’s DNA or biological samples. Others see it as part of Pyongyang’s broader security culture, which places extraordinary emphasis on protecting the leader’s health and cultivating his image of invulnerability.<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The staff accompanying the North Korean leader meticulously erased all traces of Kim&#39;s presence. They took the glass he drank from, wiped down the chair&#39;s upholstery, and cleaned the parts of the furniture the Korean leader had touched. <a href="https://t.co/JOXVxg04Ym">pic.twitter.com/JOXVxg04Ym</a>&mdash; Russian Market (@runews) <a href="https://twitter.com/runews/status/1963149343759683951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier in the day, a meeting took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse following a grand military parade in central Beijing, where President Xi Jinping led commemorations in Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender. The parade, featuring thousands of troops and heavy weaponry, was attended by several global leaders—though Western participation was notably absent, underscoring the geopolitical undertone of the event.According to the Kremlin, Putin and Kim arrived for the talks together in the same car after a formal reception. Images from North Korean state media also showed Kim accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.

North Korean staff scrub Kim’s chair and glass post-Putin meet: Was it done to leave no trace of Kim Jong Un?

After his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s aides carried out an unusually thorough clean-up operation, drawing international attention. Footage shared on social media showed staff members quickly moving in once the talks finished. They removed the glass Kim had drunk from, wiped down the chair’s upholstery and armrests, and meticulously cleaned the table and other surfaces he had touched. The scene resembled a forensic sweep, with aides ensuring that no physical trace of the leader was left behind. Also Read: ChatGPT faces fresh global outage, users flock to social media with complaints Russian journalist Alexander Yunashev, who witnessed the process, described the clean-up as “remarkable” in its detail. Reports said the two leaders had wrapped up their formal discussions and later continued in a more relaxed setting over tea. The reasoning behind such a rigorous effort remains unclear. Analysts suggest it could be aimed at eliminating any chance of foreign agencies collecting Kim’s DNA or biological samples. Others see it as part of Pyongyang’s broader security culture, which places extraordinary emphasis on protecting the leader’s health and cultivating his image of invulnerability. Watch the video here:

Clips which have gone viral on social media platforms showed Kim Jong Un’s aides scrubbing his meeting spot with Putin in Beijing, erasing all traces to prevent DNA collection

China showcased its military strength in a grand Victory Parade, highlighting advanced weaponry, disciplined troops, and national pride. The display underlined China’s growing defense capabilities

Trump accuses Xi, Putin, Kim of conspiring against the U.S. | China's military parade 

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China will never be intimidated by bullies during a powerful address at the nation’s Military Day Parade. Standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Xi emphasized unity among nations and urged the world to prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

China's military parade: Xi hosts largest display of next-gen weapons

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China will never be intimidated by bullies during a powerful address at the nation’s Military Day Parade. Standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Xi emphasized unity among nations and urged the world to prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

The high-profile parade, held in Beijing, showcased China's military might — including next-gen weapons and strategic missile systems — and drew attendance from over 20 world leaders, signaling deepening alliances amid growing geopolitical tensions.

 Xi warns the world: "Won't be intimidated by bullies" | Putin, Kim attend V-day parade 

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (September 03) for welcoming Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un to Beijing’s military parade. In a sarcastic statement, Trump accused Xi of plotting with Moscow and Pyongyang against Washington, while reminding China of America’s role in its wartime struggle.Here's what US President Donald Trump said:“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-unstoppable-china-s-massive-military-parade-brings-xi-putin-and-kim-together-in-rare-show-of-unity-against-west-1756864172260">'Unstoppable' China parade unites Xi, Putin, Kim in rare show of unity opp West</a>“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he added.Trump had earlier told reporters he did not see the parade as a challenge to the United States and added that he had a "very good relationship" with Xi.<h2>Xi opens China’s biggest parade in decades</h2>The event, held in Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, was China’s largest-ever military parade. Xi, dressed in a Mao-style suit, welcomed leaders from more than 20 nations. Putin and Kim, both isolated internationally, were treated as guests of honour.“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. He added that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”. While Xi used the parade to project military strength and diplomatic reach, most Western leaders boycotted the anniversary.

US President Trump criticised Xi Jinping for hosting Putin and Kim at Beijing's parade, sarcastically accusing China of plotting against the US and overlooking American sacrifices in World War II.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (September 03) for welcoming Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un to Beijing’s military parade. In a sarcastic statement, Trump accused Xi of plotting with Moscow and Pyongyang against Washington, while reminding China of America’s role in its wartime struggle. Here's what US President Donald Trump said: “The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. Also read: 'Unstoppable' China parade unites Xi, Putin, Kim in rare show of unity opp West “Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he added. Trump had earlier told reporters he did not see the parade as a challenge to the United States and added that he had a "very good relationship" with Xi. Xi opens China’s biggest parade in decades The event, held in Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, was China’s largest-ever military parade. Xi, dressed in a Mao-style suit, welcomed leaders from more than 20 nations. Putin and Kim, both isolated internationally, were treated as guests of honour. “Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. He added that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”. While Xi used the parade to project military strength and diplomatic reach, most Western leaders boycotted the anniversary.

US President Trump criticised Xi Jinping for hosting Putin and Kim at Beijing's parade, sarcastically accusing China of plotting against the US and overlooking American sacrifices in World War II.

‘Say hi to Putin and Kim as you plot against US’: Trump’s sarcastic jab at Xi on China’s Victory Day - Is the US president paranoid or just bitter?

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China will never be intimidated by bullies during a powerful address at the nation’s Military Day Parade. Standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Xi emphasized unity among nations and urged the world to prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

The high-profile parade, held in Beijing, showcased China's military might — including next-gen weapons and strategic missile systems — and drew attendance from over 20 world leaders, signaling deepening alliances amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Xi’s comments come at a time of escalating global friction, asserting China’s resilience and sovereignty on the world stage.

'China is never intimidated by bullies': Xi Jinping's message to the west

Beijing on Wednesday (Sep 3) rolled out its military might with a massive parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II. At the extravagant parade, Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un made a rare joint appearance with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi, flanked by Putin on his right and Kim on his left, greeted his guests on a red carpet in Tiananmen Square before the spectacle began with a gun salute, tightly choreographed marches, flyovers and displays of China's newest high-tech weaponry. The Chinese premier, while kicking off the massive parade, said China was "unstoppable" while warning that humanity faces a choice between "peace or war, dialogue and confrontation."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-meets-xi-in-beijing-declares-russia-china-ties-at-unprecedented-level-donald-trump-threat-1756786725604">Putin meets Xi in Beijing, declares Russia-China ties at 'unprecedented level'</a><h2>'Unstoppable' China</h2>"The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and humanity's cause of peace and development will prevail," Xi said in a speech aired on television."Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," he added in an apparent dig at the West. This massive event caps a week of diplomatic theatre by Xi, who just hosted Eurasian leaders at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. There, he railed against "bullying behaviour" by the West.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-world-s-largest-regional-bloc-xi-jinping-urges-cooperation-pitches-sco-as-30-trillion-powerhouse-1756697037886">‘World’s largest regional bloc’: Xi Jinping urges cooperation, pitches SCO as $30 trillion powerhouse</a><h2>The significance of Putin and Kim's presence</h2>The presence of both Putin and Kim — who has rarely left North Korea in the past six years — was being seen as a diplomatic coup for Beijing. Kim, who arrived by his signature olive-green train with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, was welcomed by China's foreign minister on Tuesday. While Beijing has framed the parade as a show of unity with allies, no major Western leaders were in attendance at the major event.&nbsp;For Kim, the event marks his first public appearance alongside both Xi and Putin, underlining what analysts say is China’s effort to project influence by bringing the Russian and North Korean leaders onto the same stage.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-india-to-china-russia-to-pakistan-sco-nations-combined-military-strength-revealed-1756027108247">From India to China, Russia to Pakistan: SCO nations’ combined military strength revealed</a>Talking to AFP, Lam Peng Er, principal research fellow from the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, said Kim's visit "demonstrates to the North Koreans and the world that he has powerful Russian and Chinese friends who treat him with respect"."China also shows that it has convening power and political influence to bring Putin and Kim Jong Un together," he added. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-china-is-never-intimidated-by-bullies-xi-jinping-s-message-to-the-west-1756865648466/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-china-is-never-intimidated-by-bullies-xi-jinping-s-message-to-the-west-1756865648466/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a grand display of military power, Beijing hosted a massive parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event featured a rare joint appearance by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Beijing on Wednesday (Sep 3) rolled out its military might with a massive parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II. At the extravagant parade, Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un made a rare joint appearance with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi, flanked by Putin on his right and Kim on his left, greeted his guests on a red carpet in Tiananmen Square before the spectacle began with a gun salute, tightly choreographed marches, flyovers and displays of China's newest high-tech weaponry. The Chinese premier, while kicking off the massive parade, said China was "unstoppable" while warning that humanity faces a choice between "peace or war, dialogue and confrontation." Also read | Putin meets Xi in Beijing, declares Russia-China ties at 'unprecedented level' 'Unstoppable' China "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and humanity's cause of peace and development will prevail," Xi said in a speech aired on television. "Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," he added in an apparent dig at the West. This massive event caps a week of diplomatic theatre by Xi, who just hosted Eurasian leaders at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. There, he railed against "bullying behaviour" by the West. Also read | ‘World’s largest regional bloc’: Xi Jinping urges cooperation, pitches SCO as $30 trillion powerhouse The significance of Putin and Kim's presence The presence of both Putin and Kim — who has rarely left North Korea in the past six years — was being seen as a diplomatic coup for Beijing. Kim, who arrived by his signature olive-green train with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, was welcomed by China's foreign minister on Tuesday. While Beijing has framed the parade as a show of unity with allies, no major Western leaders were in attendance at the major event. For Kim, the event marks his first public appearance alongside both Xi and Putin, underlining what analysts say is China’s effort to project influence by bringing the Russian and North Korean leaders onto the same stage. Also read | From India to China, Russia to Pakistan: SCO nations’ combined military strength revealed Talking to AFP, Lam Peng Er, principal research fellow from the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, said Kim's visit "demonstrates to the North Koreans and the world that he has powerful Russian and Chinese friends who treat him with respect". "China also shows that it has convening power and political influence to bring Putin and Kim Jong Un together," he added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/-china-is-never-intimidated-by-bullies-xi-jinping-s-message-to-the-west-1756865648466/embed

In a grand display of military power, Beijing hosted a massive parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event featured a rare joint appearance by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

'Unstoppable' China's massive military parade brings Xi, Putin and Kim together in rare show of unity against West

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a newly inaugurated missile production line featuring advanced automation systems, as he prepares for a rare diplomatic trip to China. The inspection, aimed at accelerating mass missile production, underscores Pyongyang’s push for military readiness. It comes just before Kim attends a major military parade in Beijing with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, signaling a strengthening of strategic ties.

N Korea's new missile factory undergoes Kim Jong Un's inspection, ahead of China visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test launch of two “new” air defense missiles on Sunday (August 24, 2025), following Pyongyang’s accusations that Seoul is escalating border tensions, according to state media.


North Korea Launches Two ‘New’ Air Defense Missiles

North Korean state TV aired rare emotional footage of Kim Jong Un presiding over a solemn ceremony for soldiers killed while fighting for Russia — reportedly in the Ukraine war.
Broadcast on August 22, the visuals show Kim bowing, laying flowers, and embracing children of fallen troops. The ceremony praised the "victorious conclusion" of overseas operations, raising questions over North Korea’s direct involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

North Korea: Kim in tears, hugs soldiers back from Russia-Ukraine war

A new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has revealed a secret North Korean missile base near the Chinese border. Known as the Sinpung-dong facility, it allegedly houses 6 to 9 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and could pose a serious threat to East Asia and the continental United States. 

Pyongyang's secret military base: N Korea undeclared ballistic missiles

Kim Jong Un's sister has rejected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's peace initiatives, stating that North Korea will never consider South Korea a diplomatic partner, according to state media reports.


North Korea Slams South Korea Leadership as Two-Faced | WION

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un vows to speed up nuclear arsenal expansion in response to U.S.-South Korea joint military drills. Calling the exercises a provocation, Kim warns of increased tensions as Pyongyang strengthens its deterrence.


North Korea: Kim Jong Un kick-starts nuclear pedal | 'US-S Korea drill has nuclear element'

In a phone call, on August 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the North Korean Troops for their “bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” in helping Russia liberate Krusk from Ukrainian forces. These phone calls come ahead of Putin's scheduled high-security meeting with US President Donald Trump on Friday at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Russian mouthpiece Sputnik refers to these phone calls as prioritising the Global South leaders. Notably, after meeting with the US envoy led by Witkoff, Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with India’s Modi, China’s Xi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa, Brazil’s Lula, and now North Korea's Kim Jong Un, briefing them on Ukraine talks.&nbsp;According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un thanked Putin for the recognition and pledged that the DPRK would “always remain faithful” and “fully support” all measures taken by Russia under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The pact has been a source of grave concern to Washington, Seoul, and NATO allies. The treaty binds the two nations in a military and strategic partnership.&nbsp;“There are a lot of ifs still in the air, but the call suggests there’s a role for Russia, similar to the role South Korea played in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations," said Jenny Town, the Director of the Korea programme at the Stimson Centre, Washington.The call is significant at the precursor of the Alaska Summit, according to Russian media, for the first time, “beyond NATO’s orbit, presidents are meeting multilaterally to talk war and peace”.&nbsp;This is the first time since his reelection as US President Donald Trump is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of Washington's two of the greatest adversaries aligning might not be something Trump was expecting. This does significantly give Putin leverage in diplomatic talks about the ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of the Alaska Summit, holds a crucial phone call with the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to brief him on the latest Ukraine talks and lauded the effort of the North Korean troops in the Krusk Region.

In a phone call, on August 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the North Korean Troops for their “bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” in helping Russia liberate Krusk from Ukrainian forces. These phone calls come ahead of Putin's scheduled high-security meeting with US President Donald Trump on Friday at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Russian mouthpiece Sputnik refers to these phone calls as prioritising the Global South leaders. Notably, after meeting with the US envoy led by Witkoff, Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with India’s Modi, China’s Xi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa, Brazil’s Lula, and now North Korea's Kim Jong Un, briefing them on Ukraine talks. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un thanked Putin for the recognition and pledged that the DPRK would “always remain faithful” and “fully support” all measures taken by Russia under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The pact has been a source of grave concern to Washington, Seoul, and NATO allies. The treaty binds the two nations in a military and strategic partnership. “There are a lot of ifs still in the air, but the call suggests there’s a role for Russia, similar to the role South Korea played in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations," said Jenny Town, the Director of the Korea programme at the Stimson Centre, Washington. The call is significant at the precursor of the Alaska Summit, according to Russian media, for the first time, “beyond NATO’s orbit, presidents are meeting multilaterally to talk war and peace”. This is the first time since his reelection as US President Donald Trump is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of Washington's two of the greatest adversaries aligning might not be something Trump was expecting. This does significantly give Putin leverage in diplomatic talks about the ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of the Alaska Summit, holds a crucial phone call with the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to brief him on the latest Ukraine talks and lauded the effort of the North Korean troops in the Krusk Region.

Putin hails North Korean ‘Heroes’ in Kursk, Kim Jong Un vows unshakable alliance ahead of Russia-US summit

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader, on Sunday (Jul 27), vowed that his nation would achieve victory in "anti-imperialist, anti-US" battles. Kim made this statement as Pyongyang marked the 72nd anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. State media reports suggest that the North Korean leader insisted that "our state and its people would surely achieve the great cause of building a rich country with a strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown".<h2>Kim Jong-un pays respects to Kim II-sung and Chinese People's volunteers</h2>On Saturday, Kim Jong-un visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, where he laid a wreath. There he pledged that North Korea would "never forget the militant feats and merits of the fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers", reported the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).According to a Yonhap news agency report citing Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, "By keeping mentions of its friendly relationship with China to a minimum, North Korea is sending a message that it can maintain its system and sovereignty on its own, and wants to show its diplomatic and military autonomy without provoking China".He also paid his respects by laying a basket of flowers before the statue of North Korea's founder Kim II-sung, he praised the "victory of the outstanding military ideology, Juche-oriented war methods and superb strategy and tactics" of the nation's founder.While he said that the nation and its people would build a country with a "strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown," he did not make any hostile remarks towards the United States or South Korea.<h2>What was the armistice of the Korean War?</h2>Signed on July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice brought an end to the three-year Korean War. U.S. generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea. Since 1996, North Korea has celebrated the day as "Victory Day" and claims that it won the Liberation war against what it called US-led aggression.&nbsp;

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader said that the nation and its people would build a country with a “strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown”.

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader, on Sunday (Jul 27), vowed that his nation would achieve victory in "anti-imperialist, anti-US" battles. Kim made this statement as Pyongyang marked the 72nd anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. State media reports suggest that the North Korean leader insisted that "our state and its people would surely achieve the great cause of building a rich country with a strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown". Kim Jong-un pays respects to Kim II-sung and Chinese People's volunteers On Saturday, Kim Jong-un visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, where he laid a wreath. There he pledged that North Korea would "never forget the militant feats and merits of the fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers", reported the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). According to a Yonhap news agency report citing Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, "By keeping mentions of its friendly relationship with China to a minimum, North Korea is sending a message that it can maintain its system and sovereignty on its own, and wants to show its diplomatic and military autonomy without provoking China". He also paid his respects by laying a basket of flowers before the statue of North Korea's founder Kim II-sung, he praised the "victory of the outstanding military ideology, Juche-oriented war methods and superb strategy and tactics" of the nation's founder. While he said that the nation and its people would build a country with a "strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown," he did not make any hostile remarks towards the United States or South Korea. What was the armistice of the Korean War? Signed on July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice brought an end to the three-year Korean War. U.S. generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea. Since 1996, North Korea has celebrated the day as "Victory Day" and claims that it won the Liberation war against what it called US-led aggression.

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader said that the nation and its people would build a country with a “strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown”.

'Strong army, rich nation': Kim Jong-un marks war anniversary with fresh 'anti-US' message

The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” &nbsp;with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress.&nbsp;"President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively.Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.&nbsp;In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions.<h2>How did North Korea respond?</h2>North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress. "President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively. Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions. How did North Korea respond? North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

Trump open to talks with Kim — but only after ‘FULL DENUCLEARISATION'

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation.&nbsp;According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle".&nbsp;A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials.However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed&nbsp;North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.&nbsp;To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation. According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle". A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials. However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine. Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

North Korea preparing for 'real war'? Kim Jong Un orders armed forces to stay 'combat ready' amid raging Russia-Ukraine war

Ko Yong-hui, mother of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, has a secret past that is shaking the core of the North Korean propaganda machine. A new book published in Japan reveals that Ko Yong-hui was born and raised in Japan, and came from a precarious background, which Kim Jong-Un would have preferred to be left alone in the dark.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Ko Yong-hui ?</h2>The book titled ‘Ko Yong-hui: The Zainichi Korean Who Became Kim Jong-un’s Mother’ was authored by journalist and author Yoji Gomi and was released last month. The book draws from the interviews of the relatives of Ko, who are still based in Japan. Her father, Ko Gyo-taek, was originally from Jeju Island in South Korea. It reveals that the father of Ko Yong-hui was a Zainichi Korean smuggler. He was arrested in South Korea for trying to smuggle Japanese clothing, before fleeing to North Korea to escape legal troubles. North Korea was allegedly building a socialist utopia, which appealed to Ko Gyo-taek, who left with his 10-year-old daughter, Ko Yong-hui, to start fresh.&nbsp;The book does not reveal much about the childhood of Ko Yong-hui; it skips to the part when she had joined the renowned Mansudae Art Troupe in Pyongyang in the early 1970s, where he attracted the attention of Kim Jong-il, who had been married twice already. Ko Yong-hui became his second mistress. She lived in a luxurious villa near Pyongyang after being moved to the coastal city of Wonsan. She bore three kids. Kim Jong-Un was the second-born.<h2>How is it challenging the propaganda narrative of North Korea?</h2>This is detrimental to North Korea’s state ideology, which heavily relies on the disdain and hatred for the Japanese colonial legacy and the supremacy of the Kim bloodline.&nbsp;“North Korea has long propagated the narrative that the Kim family single-handedly achieved independence for the nation,” said Gomi in an interview with This Week in Asia. “However, revealing that the mother of the (North) Korean leader was a zainichi Korean – a group that is subject to discrimination in the North to this day – would undermine the regime’s prestige and legitimacy.”The Kim clan has always promoted the purity of a fabricated genealogy, “Mount Paektu bloodline”, named after the iconic mountain that borders China, and legend has it that it was the site where Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-Un, led rebel fighters to struggle against the Japanese occupation. His son, the father of Kim Jong-Un, Kim Jong-il, was born in a guerrilla hut on the slopes of Mount Paektu. However, many Western historians dispute such claims as propaganda and claim he was born in the Russian refugee camps during World War II.The revelations are believed to have a strong domestic influence. North Korea had quietly produced a documentary about Ko in 2011, ‘Mother of Great Songun Korea’, which is now removed from the archives as foreign media started to trace her background. A defector who became a researcher tells Radio Free Asia, that it is a political liability, "The regime fears even a small crack in the illusion of revolutionary purity.” However, some scholars argue that this could open up conversations about diasporic history and reconciliation, though that seems unlikely under the current regime.&nbsp;

A new book by journalist and author Yoji Gomi reveals the secret past of  Kim Jong-un’s Mother, Ko Yong-hui, who had a Japanese background, and this is intended to shake the propaganda narrative of the North Korean regime, which is based on hatred of the Japanese colonial legacy.

Ko Yong-hui, mother of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, has a secret past that is shaking the core of the North Korean propaganda machine. A new book published in Japan reveals that Ko Yong-hui was born and raised in Japan, and came from a precarious background, which Kim Jong-Un would have preferred to be left alone in the dark. Who is Ko Yong-hui ? The book titled ‘Ko Yong-hui: The Zainichi Korean Who Became Kim Jong-un’s Mother’ was authored by journalist and author Yoji Gomi and was released last month. The book draws from the interviews of the relatives of Ko, who are still based in Japan. Her father, Ko Gyo-taek, was originally from Jeju Island in South Korea. It reveals that the father of Ko Yong-hui was a Zainichi Korean smuggler. He was arrested in South Korea for trying to smuggle Japanese clothing, before fleeing to North Korea to escape legal troubles. North Korea was allegedly building a socialist utopia, which appealed to Ko Gyo-taek, who left with his 10-year-old daughter, Ko Yong-hui, to start fresh. The book does not reveal much about the childhood of Ko Yong-hui; it skips to the part when she had joined the renowned Mansudae Art Troupe in Pyongyang in the early 1970s, where he attracted the attention of Kim Jong-il, who had been married twice already. Ko Yong-hui became his second mistress. She lived in a luxurious villa near Pyongyang after being moved to the coastal city of Wonsan. She bore three kids. Kim Jong-Un was the second-born. How is it challenging the propaganda narrative of North Korea? This is detrimental to North Korea’s state ideology, which heavily relies on the disdain and hatred for the Japanese colonial legacy and the supremacy of the Kim bloodline. “North Korea has long propagated the narrative that the Kim family single-handedly achieved independence for the nation,” said Gomi in an interview with This Week in Asia. “However, revealing that the mother of the (North) Korean leader was a zainichi Korean – a group that is subject to discrimination in the North to this day – would undermine the regime’s prestige and legitimacy.” The Kim clan has always promoted the purity of a fabricated genealogy, “Mount Paektu bloodline”, named after the iconic mountain that borders China, and legend has it that it was the site where Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-Un, led rebel fighters to struggle against the Japanese occupation. His son, the father of Kim Jong-Un, Kim Jong-il, was born in a guerrilla hut on the slopes of Mount Paektu. However, many Western historians dispute such claims as propaganda and claim he was born in the Russian refugee camps during World War II. The revelations are believed to have a strong domestic influence. North Korea had quietly produced a documentary about Ko in 2011, ‘Mother of Great Songun Korea’, which is now removed from the archives as foreign media started to trace her background. A defector who became a researcher tells Radio Free Asia, that it is a political liability, "The regime fears even a small crack in the illusion of revolutionary purity.” However, some scholars argue that this could open up conversations about diasporic history and reconciliation, though that seems unlikely under the current regime.

A new book by journalist and author Yoji Gomi reveals the secret past of Kim Jong-un’s Mother, Ko Yong-hui, who had a Japanese background, and this is intended to shake the propaganda narrative of the North Korean regime, which is based on hatred of the Japanese colonial legacy.

Who is Kim Jong-un's mother? Why her past is shaking North Korea’s propaganda narrative

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change.&nbsp;Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks.&nbsp;President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim.&nbsp;That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions.&nbsp;"Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained.&nbsp;North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum.&nbsp;These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed.&nbsp;In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable.&nbsp;As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal."&nbsp;And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said.&nbsp;It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Trumps Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear armed North Korea Whats next for Kim Jong Un

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change. Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks. President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim. That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions. "Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained. North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum. These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed. In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable. As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal." And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said. It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Despite yearslong efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is thought to possess multiple nuclear weapons, as well as missiles that can potentially reach the United States&nbsp;

Trump’s Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear-armed North Korea. What's next for Kim Jong Un?

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Trump&#39;s here to destroy democracy in Europe&quot;: ‘Kim Jong Un’ crashes NATO summit in The Hague, stages satirical protest . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONUncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONUncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATOSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/natosummit2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#natosummit2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/W987ipE4Oe">pic.twitter.com/W987ipE4Oe</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1937849223107821870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;NATO Chief Mark Rutte urged allies and industries to do more, better and together, stressing the demand signal NATO is sending to the defence industry. The leaders of the Western defence at the summit in The Hague are set to commit to spending five per cent of national output on defence and related infrastructure.&nbsp;Trump is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the second day of the Summit. When asked about the meeting, he said, “We’ll discuss his difficulties. He’s got a little difficulty. Zelensky, he’s a nice guy. I mean, I’m going to meet him today.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.” He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.” Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

‘Kim Jong Un’ at NATO Summit? Man impersonates North Korean leader, stages satirical protest | WATCH

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. This comes after Kim Jong-Un last week called the failed launch "a criminal act" and vowed to punish those responsible. &nbsp;A report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that those arrested were "greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident." The four arrested people included Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department, Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard where the accident occurred, Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop, and Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs. &nbsp;KCNA also reported that an "underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom", calling the extent of the damage "not serious". However, satellite images on multiple international news websites showed warship covered in blue tarps at the launch site.&nbsp;KCNA in a rare admission of failure had earlier said that the malfunction in the launch mechanism caused 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway.&nbsp;South Korea’s Lee said the damaged ship was believed to have capabilities similar to those of North Korea’s first destroyer, the Choe Hyon-ho, which was unveiled late last month in what Kim called a “breakthrough” in modernizing his naval forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch and collapsed onto its side while KIm Jong-Un watched over. Here's the video&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇰🇵Three Arrested in North Korea After Embarrassing Destroyer Launch Failure A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch — collapsing onto its side and leaving a trail of bubbles in the water. And it all happened right in front… <a href="https://t.co/iOJOhf0ljl">pic.twitter.com/iOJOhf0ljl</a>&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1926543949474193911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship covered damaged vessel in blue tarps

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. This comes after Kim Jong-Un last week called the failed launch "a criminal act" and vowed to punish those responsible. A report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that those arrested were "greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident." The four arrested people included Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department, Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard where the accident occurred, Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop, and Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs. KCNA also reported that an "underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom", calling the extent of the damage "not serious". However, satellite images on multiple international news websites showed warship covered in blue tarps at the launch site. KCNA in a rare admission of failure had earlier said that the malfunction in the launch mechanism caused 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway. South Korea’s Lee said the damaged ship was believed to have capabilities similar to those of North Korea’s first destroyer, the Choe Hyon-ho, which was unveiled late last month in what Kim called a “breakthrough” in modernizing his naval forces. A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch and collapsed onto its side while KIm Jong-Un watched over. Here's the video

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. Satellite images showed damaged vessel covered in blue tarps &nbsp;

North Korea arrests 4 over failed warship launch, evidence covered with tarpaulin to save Kim from embarrassment

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the need to develop new tanks, according to a report by state media. During an inspection of a major tank factory, Kim reviewed various tanks and other weaponry, highlighting the importance of advancing the country’s armored capabilities. The Korean Central News Agency confirmed the visit but did not disclose the name, location, or date of the facility tour.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un visits 'important' tank factory for inspection

From making its largest-ever warship to nuclear warheads,
North Korea is growing its arsenal at a rapid pace.
North Korea is the only nation that has tested nuclear weapons this century.
Donald Trump has started referring to North Korea as a "nuclear state."
How are U.S. policies towards North Korea expected to evolve under Trump's second term? 
Will there be a move towards "Complete Denuclearisation"?
We explore these questions this week on 'North Korea’s Growing Arsenal: Trump 2.0’ on #WIONWideAngle.

North Korea's nuclear power: Can Trump stop Kim Jong-Un?

The North Korea&rsquo;s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
UNESCO&rsquo;s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO&rsquo;s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of &ldquo;international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.&rdquo;
According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-building-its-largest-most-advanced-warship-ever-reveal-satellite-photos-8961040">North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos</a>
UNESCO officials also highlighted the &ldquo;millennium eruption&rdquo; witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history.
Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
<h2>Significance of Mount Paektu</h2>
Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-students-dance-to-chart-topping-song-praising-kim-jong-un-8921036">North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate</a>
The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country&rsquo;s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here.
The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the &ldquo;Mount Baekdu Bloodline&rdquo;. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem
<h2>Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu</h2>
The country&rsquo;s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain.
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Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula.
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Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK&rsquo;s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
(With inputs from agencies)

UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. World.

The North Korea’s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark. UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO’s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of “international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms. Also read | North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos UNESCO officials also highlighted the “millennium eruption” witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history. Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of Mount Paektu Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born. Also read | North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here. The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the “Mount Baekdu Bloodline”. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu The country’s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain. Also read | '32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula. Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together? Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK’s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Mount Paektu listed as UNESCO Global Geopark. What is its significance?

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