<p>Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that&nbsp;Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seoul's military had claimed that North Korea fired over&nbsp;60 artillery rounds near Yeonpyeong Island which landed in a buffer zone, set up under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept&nbsp;19, 2018, to reduce border tensions.</p>

<p>"Our military did not fire a single shell into the water area,"&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that the military had instead detonated explosives that simulated the sound of gunfire 60 times and "watched the reaction" of the South Korean forces who mistook them for missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The result was exactly as we expected. They misjudged the sound of explosives as gunfire, assumed it was an artillery fire provocation, and shamelessly made up a lie," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the future, they will misjudge even the rumbling sound of thunder in the northern sky as artillery fire from our military," she said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-in-korean-peninsula-north-korea-conducts-artillery-drills-near-south-korean-islands-wion-676856"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tensions in Korean Peninsula: North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>South Korea warns civilians</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, South Korea on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115 km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance,&nbsp;to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast.</p>

<p>"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-calls-out-usa-for-double-standards-over-n-koreas-spy-satellite-664463"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite</strong></a></p>

<p>Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a&nbsp;"provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.</p>

<p>The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea.</p>

<p>On Sunday afternoon (Jan 7), South Korea media reports, citing military sources, claimed that North Korea had once again fired shots into the sea north of&nbsp;Yeonpyeong island.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6).

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6). Seoul's military had claimed that North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds near Yeonpyeong Island which landed in a buffer zone, set up under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept 19, 2018, to reduce border tensions. "Our military did not fire a single shell into the water area," Kim Yo Jong was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA. She added that the military had instead detonated explosives that simulated the sound of gunfire 60 times and "watched the reaction" of the South Korean forces who mistook them for missiles. "The result was exactly as we expected. They misjudged the sound of explosives as gunfire, assumed it was an artillery fire provocation, and shamelessly made up a lie," she added. "In the future, they will misjudge even the rumbling sound of thunder in the northern sky as artillery fire from our military," she said. Watch | Tensions in Korean Peninsula: North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands × South Korea warns civilians Notably, South Korea on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115 km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Also read | Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea. On Sunday afternoon (Jan 7), South Korea media reports, citing military sources, claimed that North Korea had once again fired shots into the sea north of Yeonpyeong island. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire

<p>North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.</p>

<p>Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.</p>

<p>South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance,&nbsp;to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast.</p>

<p>"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a></strong></p>

<p>Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate.</p>

<p>Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a&nbsp;"provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.</p>

<p>The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War</strong></p>

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<p>The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept&nbsp;19, 2018, to reduce border tensions.</p>

<p>"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.</p>

<p>"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a></p>

<h2><strong>South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island</strong></h2>

<p>South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area.</p>

<p>The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported. Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Also read | South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate. Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea. Also watch | North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War × The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept 19, 2018, to reduce border tensions. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." Also read: South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports. This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area. The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-north-korea-supplied-russia-with-missiles-for-ukraine-attacks-676691">US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks</a></p>

<p>In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons.</p>

<p>Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA.</p>

<p>"He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border</strong></p>

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<p>For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow.</p>

<p>In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable.</p>

<p>"(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States. During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media. Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency. "Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported. Also read: US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons. Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA. "He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said. White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine. Watch: South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow. In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable. "(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for more production of missile launchers amid US-South Korea wargames

<p>North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae is his "most likely" successor, said the&nbsp;spy agency of South Korea. Kim Ju Ae has accompanied her father to missile tests and military parades in the recent past in what is&nbsp;widely interpreted as a sign of the North Korean establishment grooming Ju Ae as the next potential leader of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this is the first time South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has acknowledged Kim Ju Ae as Mr Kim's heir.</p>

<p>The NIS also added that it was still considering "all possibilities" of&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's succession plan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-deliberately-faked-his-death-to-expose-traitors-in-his-circle-report-296811">Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle</a></strong></p>

<p>"Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Kim Ju Ae since her initial public appearance, at present, she appears to be the most likely successor," said the NIS.</p>

<p>"But we are keeping our eyes open for all possibilities because Kim Jong Un is still young, has no major health problems, and there are many variables," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim Jong Un's succession plan</strong></h2>

<p>Kim&nbsp;Ju Ae is thought to be the North Korean leader's second oldest child and is believed to be about 10 years of age.</p>

<p>South Korea's unification minister, Kim Yung-ho had made a similar claim last month about Pyongang's succession plan.</p>

<p>"The continuous emphasis on Kim Jong Un's daughter can be seen as evidence that North Korea is hastening to showcase succession intentions amid difficult internal circumstances," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who will be Kim Jong-un's successor?</strong></p>

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<p>Kim accompanied her father to the December launch of North Korea's Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).</p>

<p>She was also by Kim Jong Un's side when North Korea launched its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit in November 2023.</p>

<p>Kim Jong Un's existence was first mentioned in 2013 after retired American basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae is his "most likely" successor, said the spy agency of South Korea. Kim Ju Ae has accompanied her father to missile tests and military parades in the recent past in what is widely interpreted as a sign of the North Korean establishment grooming Ju Ae as the next potential leader of the country.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae is his "most likely" successor, said the spy agency of South Korea. Kim Ju Ae has accompanied her father to missile tests and military parades in the recent past in what is widely interpreted as a sign of the North Korean establishment grooming Ju Ae as the next potential leader of the country. But this is the first time South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has acknowledged Kim Ju Ae as Mr Kim's heir. The NIS also added that it was still considering "all possibilities" of Kim Jong Un's succession plan. Also read | Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle "Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Kim Ju Ae since her initial public appearance, at present, she appears to be the most likely successor," said the NIS. "But we are keeping our eyes open for all possibilities because Kim Jong Un is still young, has no major health problems, and there are many variables," it added. Kim Jong Un's succession plan Kim Ju Ae is thought to be the North Korean leader's second oldest child and is believed to be about 10 years of age. South Korea's unification minister, Kim Yung-ho had made a similar claim last month about Pyongang's succession plan. "The continuous emphasis on Kim Jong Un's daughter can be seen as evidence that North Korea is hastening to showcase succession intentions amid difficult internal circumstances," he said. Also watch | Gravitas: Who will be Kim Jong-un's successor? × Kim accompanied her father to the December launch of North Korea's Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). She was also by Kim Jong Un's side when North Korea launched its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit in November 2023. Kim Jong Un's existence was first mentioned in 2013 after retired American basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un's 10-year-old daughter 'most likely' to succeed him: South Korean intelligence

Tensions are rising in the Korean peninsula and the evacuation order has been issued in South Korean border island due to North Korean provocation. The orders have been issued by the South Korean military.

Tensions in Korean Peninsula: Kim Jong-Un vows to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal

<p>South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war."</p>

<p>The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday.</p>

<p>The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said.</p>

<p>The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific.</p>

<p>The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers.</p>

<p>Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South."</p>

<p>The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival."</p>

<p>"With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary.</p>

<p>"2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said.</p>

<p>The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said.</p>

<p>South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.</p>


South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war.

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war." The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday. The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said. The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific. The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers. Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South." The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival." "With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary. "2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said. The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said. South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.

South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ended 2023 with a list of new threats ordering his military to prepare for a war that he says can break out at any time on the Korean Peninsula. It's no shock that Kim's lengthy speech included criticism of the joint military cooperation between the United States and South Korea.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un orders military to prepare for war

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up the year with fresh threats of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that can "break out any time" on the peninsula, state media reported Sunday.</p>

<p>Kim lambasted the United States during a lengthy speech at the end of five days of year-end party meetings that set his country's military, political and economic policy decisions for 2024.</p>

<p>The meeting announced plans for further military development in the coming year, including launching three more spy satellites, building unmanned drones and developing electronic warfare capabilities, as well as strengthening nuclear and missile forces, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).</p>

<p>This year, Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in its arsenal.</p>

<p>Kim accused the United States of posing "various forms of military threat" and ordered his armed forces to maintain the "overwhelming war response capability", according to KCNA's account of the meeting that ended on Saturday.</p>

<p>The meeting concluded that it is a "fait accompli that a war may break out on the Korean peninsula any time due to the enemies' reckless moves for invading the DPRK," KCNA said, using the acronym of the North's official name.</p>

<p>In an effort to deter Pyongyang, Washington deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan this month and flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.</p>

<p>The North has described the deployment of Washington's strategic weapons, such as B-52 bombers, in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as "intentional nuclear war provocative moves".</p>

<p>The military "should rapidly respond to any possible nuclear crisis and put continuous spurs to the preparations for a great event to suppress the whole territory of south Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces including nuclear forces in contingency," Kim said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Uncontrollable crisis'</strong></h2>

<p>Kim told the meeting he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the "uncontrollable crisis" that he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.</p>

<p>Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated to a low point this year, with Pyongyang's spy satellite launch prompting Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at defusing tensions.</p>

<p>Kim said it would be a mistake to regard South Korea "who publicly defined us as the 'principal enemy'... as the partner of reconciliation and reunification", according to KCNA.</p>

<p>Kim also ordered the drawing-up of measures for reorganising departments handling cross-border affairs to "fundamentally change the principle".</p>

<p>Leif Easley, a professor of international relations at Ewha University in Seoul, said the emphasis on North Korea's "significant military capabilities" was likely aimed at hiding its poor economic achievements this year.</p>

<p>"Much of what state-controlled media publishes is recycled propaganda," he said, adding. "Pyongyang's bellicose rhetoric suggests its military moves are not only about deterrence but also domestic politics and international coercion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pyongyang declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022 and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.</p>

<p>The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since Pyongyang first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.</p>


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up the year with fresh threats of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that can "break out any time" on the peninsula, state media reported Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up the year with fresh threats of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that can "break out any time" on the peninsula, state media reported Sunday. Kim lambasted the United States during a lengthy speech at the end of five days of year-end party meetings that set his country's military, political and economic policy decisions for 2024. The meeting announced plans for further military development in the coming year, including launching three more spy satellites, building unmanned drones and developing electronic warfare capabilities, as well as strengthening nuclear and missile forces, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This year, Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in its arsenal. Kim accused the United States of posing "various forms of military threat" and ordered his armed forces to maintain the "overwhelming war response capability", according to KCNA's account of the meeting that ended on Saturday. The meeting concluded that it is a "fait accompli that a war may break out on the Korean peninsula any time due to the enemies' reckless moves for invading the DPRK," KCNA said, using the acronym of the North's official name. In an effort to deter Pyongyang, Washington deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan this month and flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo. The North has described the deployment of Washington's strategic weapons, such as B-52 bombers, in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as "intentional nuclear war provocative moves". The military "should rapidly respond to any possible nuclear crisis and put continuous spurs to the preparations for a great event to suppress the whole territory of south Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces including nuclear forces in contingency," Kim said. 'Uncontrollable crisis' Kim told the meeting he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the "uncontrollable crisis" that he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington. Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated to a low point this year, with Pyongyang's spy satellite launch prompting Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at defusing tensions. Kim said it would be a mistake to regard South Korea "who publicly defined us as the 'principal enemy'... as the partner of reconciliation and reunification", according to KCNA. Kim also ordered the drawing-up of measures for reorganising departments handling cross-border affairs to "fundamentally change the principle". Leif Easley, a professor of international relations at Ewha University in Seoul, said the emphasis on North Korea's "significant military capabilities" was likely aimed at hiding its poor economic achievements this year. "Much of what state-controlled media publishes is recycled propaganda," he said, adding. "Pyongyang's bellicose rhetoric suggests its military moves are not only about deterrence but also domestic politics and international coercion." Pyongyang declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022 and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival. The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since Pyongyang first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.

Kim Jong Un accuses US of posing 'military threat', orders military to prepare for possible 'war'

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi, in his message, said both countries have "weathered the storms and moved forward in general", which has enhanced the well-being of their people&nbsp;and contributed to world peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the Chinese foreign&nbsp;ministry statement.</p>

<p>Xi called China and the US forming ties "a major event" in the history of bilateral relations and international relations.</p>

<h2><strong>China-US ties in recent past</strong></h2>

<p>China-US ties remain frosty&nbsp;but Biden administration officials have visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications. Starting with former US foreign policy hawk Henry Kissinger's Beijing visit in July amid heightened chip wars, these&nbsp;diplomatic efforts culminated in a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November.</p>

<p>Xi said the summit has pointed towards a tie between both the nations, under a future-oriented vision.</p>

<p>"I am willing to work with President Biden to continue to steer and navigate the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of China and the US and the two peoples, and to promote the cause of world peace and development," Xi said.</p>

<p>The US is scheduled to hold&nbsp;presidential election in November, in which former president and outspoken critic of China Donald Trump is campaigning against Biden to return&nbsp;for a second term.</p>

<h2><strong>Xi dials Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin&nbsp;as well</strong></h2>

<p>Xi also exchanged New Year's messages with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. The leaders announced 2024 to be a "friendship year" for both countries, launching a series of activities for that, the Chinese foreign ministry said separately.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin hails Russia-China relations during his China visit</strong></p>

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<p>Xi said China is willing to work with North Korea to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance exchanges and cooperation, promote greater bilateral ties, and make new contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.</p>

<p>On New Year's Eve, the Chinese leader exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. This year is the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic relations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech</a></strong></p>

<p>Xi said China and Russia should "continuously consolidate" and develop ties "featuring permanent good-neighbourly friendship", along with comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation that would serve the interest of both the countries.</p>

<p>Xi in his New Year's address on Sunday also said that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, threatening its sovereign existence.&nbsp;</p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024).

Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024). Xi, in his message, said both countries have "weathered the storms and moved forward in general", which has enhanced the well-being of their people and contributed to world peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the Chinese foreign ministry statement. Xi called China and the US forming ties "a major event" in the history of bilateral relations and international relations. China-US ties in recent past China-US ties remain frosty but Biden administration officials have visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications. Starting with former US foreign policy hawk Henry Kissinger's Beijing visit in July amid heightened chip wars, these diplomatic efforts culminated in a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November. Xi said the summit has pointed towards a tie between both the nations, under a future-oriented vision. "I am willing to work with President Biden to continue to steer and navigate the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of China and the US and the two peoples, and to promote the cause of world peace and development," Xi said. The US is scheduled to hold presidential election in November, in which former president and outspoken critic of China Donald Trump is campaigning against Biden to return for a second term. Xi dials Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin as well Xi also exchanged New Year's messages with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. The leaders announced 2024 to be a "friendship year" for both countries, launching a series of activities for that, the Chinese foreign ministry said separately. Also watch | Vladimir Putin hails Russia-China relations during his China visit × Xi said China is willing to work with North Korea to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance exchanges and cooperation, promote greater bilateral ties, and make new contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. On New Year's Eve, the Chinese leader exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. This year is the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic relations. Also read | Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech Xi said China and Russia should "continuously consolidate" and develop ties "featuring permanent good-neighbourly friendship", along with comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation that would serve the interest of both the countries. Xi in his New Year's address on Sunday also said that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, threatening its sovereign existence.

China's Xi dials Biden, Putin and Kim Jong-Un to extend New Year greetings

<p>Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 8th central committee of the North Korean Workers’ Party gathered in the country’s capital Pyongyang and kicked off its 9th plenary meeting, on Tuesday (Dec 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim opened the key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024 by praising what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country’s prestige this year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Luxury cars seen despite UN sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>While top North Korean officials were seen arriving in luxurious Mercedes S-class cars, the country’s leader himself has previously made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The luxury cars were seen weeks after Japanese police foiled an attempt to smuggle a nearly $70,000 Lexus car into North Korea in what was described as another one of&nbsp;Kim’s&nbsp;illegal purchases amid heavy sanctions, reported Newsweek.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the raid took place on the same day that North Korea recalled its ambassador to Switzerland amid an investigation into ivory trafficking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudden-appearance-of-ghost-ships-at-dormant-north-korean-port-rings-alarm-bells-for-ukraine-674257">Sudden appearance of ghost ships at dormant North Korean port sends alarm bells ringing for Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Japanese police, on December 7 raided several properties in the country’s Chiba prefecture on suspicion that the owner of a used-car showroom had attempted to transfer a Lexus to North Korea, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The firm, as per Asahi newspaper, had submitted paperwork stating that the vehicle was being sent to Singapore via Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kim orders military to ‘accelerate’ war preparations</strong></h2>

<p>The North Korean leader has ordered the country’s military, the munitions industry and the nuclear weapons sector to accelerate war preparations to counter what he called unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States, reported the state news agency KCNA, on Thursday (Dec 28).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The order was given during the gathering held in the capital city, on Tuesday, and comes a week after Kim said North Korea would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if “provoked” with nukes.</p>

<p>“He (Kim) set forth the militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defence sectors to further accelerate the war preparations,” reported KCNA.</p>

<p>The North Korean leader also highlighted that the “military situation” on the Korean peninsula had become “extreme” due to “unprecedented” confrontations with Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2023, Pyongyang conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, prompting Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to ramp up defence cooperation. This included the US also sending nuclear-powered submarines to the South Korean port city of Busan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP, that Kim is likely to “deploy tactical nuclear weapons in areas near the inter-Korean border” and further advance its nuclear program in the upcoming year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added Pyongyang would make such moves to exert “great pressure” on South Korea and the United States while maintaining close ties with traditional allies Russia and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-lavrov-says-india-russia-relations-reflect-geopolitical-realities-674165">Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner'</a></strong></p>

<p>During the gathering in the North Korean capital, Kim defined 2023 “as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country,” as quoted by KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state media also reported how North Korea has achieved a rapid advancement in its defence capability following the launch of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-claims-launch-of-first-spy-satellite-661540">first military spy satellite</a> in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim, during the meeting, laid out economic goals for the upcoming year calling for “stabilising the agricultural production on a high level.”</p>

<p>This comes as North Korea has suffered serious food shortages in recent decades, Reuters citing experts warning that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened food security in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions.

Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions. The 8th central committee of the North Korean Workers’ Party gathered in the country’s capital Pyongyang and kicked off its 9th plenary meeting, on Tuesday (Dec 26). Kim opened the key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024 by praising what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country’s prestige this year. Luxury cars seen despite UN sanctions While top North Korean officials were seen arriving in luxurious Mercedes S-class cars, the country’s leader himself has previously made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. The luxury cars were seen weeks after Japanese police foiled an attempt to smuggle a nearly $70,000 Lexus car into North Korea in what was described as another one of Kim’s illegal purchases amid heavy sanctions, reported Newsweek. Notably, the raid took place on the same day that North Korea recalled its ambassador to Switzerland amid an investigation into ivory trafficking. ALSO READ | Sudden appearance of ghost ships at dormant North Korean port sends alarm bells ringing for Ukraine Japanese police, on December 7 raided several properties in the country’s Chiba prefecture on suspicion that the owner of a used-car showroom had attempted to transfer a Lexus to North Korea, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The firm, as per Asahi newspaper, had submitted paperwork stating that the vehicle was being sent to Singapore via Bangladesh. Kim orders military to ‘accelerate’ war preparations The North Korean leader has ordered the country’s military, the munitions industry and the nuclear weapons sector to accelerate war preparations to counter what he called unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States, reported the state news agency KCNA, on Thursday (Dec 28). The order was given during the gathering held in the capital city, on Tuesday, and comes a week after Kim said North Korea would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if “provoked” with nukes. “He (Kim) set forth the militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defence sectors to further accelerate the war preparations,” reported KCNA. The North Korean leader also highlighted that the “military situation” on the Korean peninsula had become “extreme” due to “unprecedented” confrontations with Washington. In 2023, Pyongyang conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, prompting Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to ramp up defence cooperation. This included the US also sending nuclear-powered submarines to the South Korean port city of Busan. Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP, that Kim is likely to “deploy tactical nuclear weapons in areas near the inter-Korean border” and further advance its nuclear program in the upcoming year. He added Pyongyang would make such moves to exert “great pressure” on South Korea and the United States while maintaining close ties with traditional allies Russia and China. ALSO READ | Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner' During the gathering in the North Korean capital, Kim defined 2023 “as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country,” as quoted by KCNA. The state media also reported how North Korea has achieved a rapid advancement in its defence capability following the launch of its first military spy satellite in November. Kim, during the meeting, laid out economic goals for the upcoming year calling for “stabilising the agricultural production on a high level.” This comes as North Korea has suffered serious food shortages in recent decades, Reuters citing experts warning that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened food security in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean officials attend year-end political meeting in luxury cars despite ban

<p>The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16).<br />
<br />
"The US&nbsp;side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement.<br />
<br />
The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boasts-of-satellite-capability-warns-to-launch-more-soon-667790">North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon</a></p>

<p>A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland.<br />
<br />
South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead.<br />
<br />
The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer.</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea delegation reaches China for talks</strong></h2>

<p>A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US, Japan &amp; S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-japan-s-korea-to-share-missile-warning-data-north-korea-slams-the-decision-669732/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details.<br />
<br />
The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19.<br />
<br />
The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”.

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16). "The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea. Also read: North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland. South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead. The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer. North Korea delegation reaches China for talks A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch: US, Japan & S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details. The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19. The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns nuclear attack by North Korea will result in end of Kim Jong Un’s regime

Kim Jong Un broke into tears while speaking at an event for mothers in North Korea. Apparently, North Korea's declining birthrate made him cry. The dictator has called for the women of North Korea to have more children.

Gravitas: Watch: Kim Jong Un breaks down into tears

<p>North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children.</p>

<p>Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said.</p>

<p>South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014.</p>

<p>This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-north-korea-sees-strange-uptick-in-number-of-people-suffering-from-hair-loss-663536">North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss</a></strong></p>

<p>Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries.</p>

<p>“Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG.</p>

<p>In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s.</p>

<p>The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided.</p>

<p>Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years. “Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children. Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said. South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014. This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014. Also read: North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries. “Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG. In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s. The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided. Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for North Korean women to have more children to halt fall in birthrate

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<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, especially in the backdrop of the launch of the spy satellite, state media KCNA said on Friday (Dec 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wary of the enemies, Pyongyang has vowed to deploy armed forces and weapons in large numbers on its border with the South. A day earlier, Kim visited the Air Force headquarters and rolled out operational strategic guidelines to improve the military's readiness and war capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"(Kim) highly evaluated the pilots' tight readiness to perform air combat missions without a glitch regardless of any unfavourable settings," KCNA said.</p>

<p>Kim's provocative stance comes hours after Washington announced fresh sanctions on North Korea for the launch of the spy satellite. US has repeatedly condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite, calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the US Treasury Department said it was slapping sanctions, in coordination with Australia, Japan and South Korea on cyber espionage group Kimsuky, accusing it of gathering intelligence to support North Korea's strategic and nuclear ambitions.</p>

<p>"Today's actions by the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea reflect our collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang's illicit and destabilising activities," said Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson.</p>

<p>"We will remain focused on targeting these key nodes in the DPRK's illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-examines-spy-satellite-images-of-major-target-regions-662729"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-examines-spy-satellite-images-of-major-target-regions-662729/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Will not compromise sovereignty: Kim Yo Jong</strong></h2>

<p>Kim's statement of 'military preparedness' builds upon his sister Kim Yo Jong's comments, calling out the USA for its hypocrisy. The no. 2 in Pyongyang said the hermit nation would never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We make it clear once again to the US, which asked the DPRK to fix the time and agenda for resuming the DPRK-US dialogue," Kim said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The sovereignty of an independent state can never be an agenda item for negotiations, and therefore, the DPRK will never sit face to face with the US for that purpose," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-calls-out-usa-for-double-standards-over-n-koreas-spy-satellite-664463" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite</strong></a></p>

<p>Since the launch of the satellite, North Korea has claimed that its leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;has reviewed spy satellite photos of the White House, Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, especially in the backdrop of the launch of the spy satellite, state media KCNA said on Friday (Dec 1).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, especially in the backdrop of the launch of the spy satellite, state media KCNA said on Friday (Dec 1). Wary of the enemies, Pyongyang has vowed to deploy armed forces and weapons in large numbers on its border with the South. A day earlier, Kim visited the Air Force headquarters and rolled out operational strategic guidelines to improve the military's readiness and war capabilities. "(Kim) highly evaluated the pilots' tight readiness to perform air combat missions without a glitch regardless of any unfavourable settings," KCNA said. Kim's provocative stance comes hours after Washington announced fresh sanctions on North Korea for the launch of the spy satellite. US has repeatedly condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite, calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. On Thursday, the US Treasury Department said it was slapping sanctions, in coordination with Australia, Japan and South Korea on cyber espionage group Kimsuky, accusing it of gathering intelligence to support North Korea's strategic and nuclear ambitions. "Today's actions by the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea reflect our collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang's illicit and destabilising activities," said Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson. "We will remain focused on targeting these key nodes in the DPRK's illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation." Watch | North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions Will not compromise sovereignty: Kim Yo Jong Kim's statement of 'military preparedness' builds upon his sister Kim Yo Jong's comments, calling out the USA for its hypocrisy. The no. 2 in Pyongyang said the hermit nation would never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty. "We make it clear once again to the US, which asked the DPRK to fix the time and agenda for resuming the DPRK-US dialogue," Kim said. "The sovereignty of an independent state can never be an agenda item for negotiations, and therefore, the DPRK will never sit face to face with the US for that purpose," she added. Also read | Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite Since the launch of the satellite, North Korea has claimed that its leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed spy satellite photos of the White House, Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions

<p>Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that&nbsp;the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA.</p>

<p>Reflecting on USA's criticism of North Korea launching a spy satellite recently, Kim said it was&nbsp;Washington's "double standards" and "high-handed and arbitrary practices" which dent regional peace and stability.</p>

<p>Notably, Kim also inspected&nbsp;photos of a US naval base in San Diego and a Kadena air base in Japan, taken by the&nbsp;spy satellite.</p>

<p>US had earlier condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions.</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, in a rare appearance at the Security Council&nbsp;said only Washington and South Korea were having trouble with Pyongyang deploying a satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," said Kim.</p>

<p>"It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-examines-spy-satellite-images-of-major-target-regions-662729"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Kim Yo Jong's attack on 'senile' Biden</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first time the North Korean dictator's sister has targeted the US while mincing no words. When the spy satellite failed during the first launch, she referred to the US as a 'group of gangsters'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite...it is illegal and threatening," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, earlier this year, she targeted President Joe Biden, calling him 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” KCNA quoted her saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-inspects-photos-of-major-target-regions-taken-by-spy-satellite-662596">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite</a></strong></p>

<p>At the time, she was referring to Biden's statement wherein he said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA. Reflecting on USA's criticism of North Korea launching a spy satellite recently, Kim said it was Washington's "double standards" and "high-handed and arbitrary practices" which dent regional peace and stability. Notably, Kim also inspected photos of a US naval base in San Diego and a Kadena air base in Japan, taken by the spy satellite. US had earlier condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. However, North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, in a rare appearance at the Security Council said only Washington and South Korea were having trouble with Pyongyang deploying a satellite. "One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," said Kim. "It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing." Watch | North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions × Kim Yo Jong's attack on 'senile' Biden This is not the first time the North Korean dictator's sister has targeted the US while mincing no words. When the spy satellite failed during the first launch, she referred to the US as a 'group of gangsters'. "The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite...it is illegal and threatening," she said. In April, earlier this year, she targeted President Joe Biden, calling him 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements. “When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” KCNA quoted her saying. “The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength." Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite At the time, she was referring to Biden's statement wherein he said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite

For the first time since the 1960s North Korea has made a rare mention of dissenting votes in the country's recent elections. The figure is 0.09% this is a small trunk who voted against the selected candidates for the provincial Council.

North Korea's rare mention of dissenting votes

North Korea has deployed troops and heavy weapons near border with South Korea following teh suspension of military accord between the nations.

North Korea deploys more troops and weapons at graud posts with South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and russian president Vladimir Putin have exchanged another set of letters to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between both countries. This comes a month after Kim made a rare trip to Russia where Kim wished Putin victory over imperialists and anti- Russia scheme.

Kim and Putin vow to advance ties

In a move to defy the United States North Korea has adopted a constitutional amendment to bolster and expand its nuclear force.

Kim Jong-Un pledges to accelerate production of nuclear arsenal

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<p>North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has&nbsp;been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout.</p>

<p>"This is a historic event that provided a powerful political lever for remarkably strengthening the national defence capabilities," he added. The supreme leader urged officials to "further promote solidarity with the nations standing against the US and the West's strategy for hegemony," denouncing trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan as the "Asian-version NATO."</p>

<p>"This is just the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>A record number of weapons tests this year</strong></h2>

<p>This year, North Korea carried out a record number of weapons tests, and now Kim has pledged to accelerate production of nuclear weapons to deter what he called US "provocations." According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday, Pyongyang might conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. It has conducted six in all since 2006.</p>

<p>Last week, Kim came back from Russia during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to boost military cooperation. Officials from the US and South Korea expressed concerns that Pyongyang could be seeking technological help for its nuclear and missile programmes while Moscow tries to acquire ammunition from the North to supplement its dwindling stocks for its offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At UNGA, Pyongyang's dig at Seoul, Washington</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, North Korea's United Nations (UN) envoy Kim Song addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he blamed the United States and South Korea for creating the situation in which Pyongyang "is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities."</p>

<p>“The Reckless Act of the US and its foreign forces are exerting irreversibly destructive impact on the regional, political, military situation and security structure as they drive the situation of the Korean Peninsula into actual armed conflict. Given the prevailing circumstances, the DPRK is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities to defend itself impregnably," Song said.</p>

<p>“Owing to the reckless and continued hysteria of nuclear showdown on the part of the United States and its foreign forces, The year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year, that the military security situation in and around the Korean Peninsula was a threat even closer to the brink of a nuclear war,” he added.</p>

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North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout.

North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout. "This is a historic event that provided a powerful political lever for remarkably strengthening the national defence capabilities," he added. The supreme leader urged officials to "further promote solidarity with the nations standing against the US and the West's strategy for hegemony," denouncing trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan as the "Asian-version NATO." "This is just the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity," he said. A record number of weapons tests this year This year, North Korea carried out a record number of weapons tests, and now Kim has pledged to accelerate production of nuclear weapons to deter what he called US "provocations." According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday, Pyongyang might conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. It has conducted six in all since 2006. Last week, Kim came back from Russia during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to boost military cooperation. Officials from the US and South Korea expressed concerns that Pyongyang could be seeking technological help for its nuclear and missile programmes while Moscow tries to acquire ammunition from the North to supplement its dwindling stocks for its offensive in Ukraine. At UNGA, Pyongyang's dig at Seoul, Washington On Tuesday, North Korea's United Nations (UN) envoy Kim Song addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he blamed the United States and South Korea for creating the situation in which Pyongyang "is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities." “The Reckless Act of the US and its foreign forces are exerting irreversibly destructive impact on the regional, political, military situation and security structure as they drive the situation of the Korean Peninsula into actual armed conflict. Given the prevailing circumstances, the DPRK is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities to defend itself impregnably," Song said. “Owing to the reckless and continued hysteria of nuclear showdown on the part of the United States and its foreign forces, The year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year, that the military security situation in and around the Korean Peninsula was a threat even closer to the brink of a nuclear war,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea changes constitution and declares itself a nuclear state

<p>North Korean President Kim Jong Un, who was recently on a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, travelled along with his Maybach 62S limousine in his armoured train.<br />
<br />
In the video, the difficult process of loading the limousine on the armoured train was revealed, which involved a skilled driver and a specially designed ramp.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kim Jong Un's limousine being driven into his armoured train. <a href="https://t.co/YvZ3OEF68p">pic.twitter.com/YvZ3OEF68p</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1702946740973003246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The task appeared challenging, with the slanted grade and tight fit, which highlighted the unique transportation setup for the visits of the leader.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-kim-jong-un-gets-his-chair-examined-for-radiation-ahead-of-talks-with-putin-635846">Kim Jong Un's chair cleaned &amp; scanned by his officials ahead of talks with Putin</a></p>

<h2><strong>Kim Jong Un rides Putin's limousine</strong></h2>

<p>During his visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to check out his Russian-made limousine, offering the car's spacious back seat to his guest.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday (September 13), Kim and Putin inspected the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome's space launch facilities in the Russian Far East before the summit, as per the state television footage.<br />
<br />
As the two leaders indulged in casual conversation while strolling the main complex, they reached Putin's presidential Aurus limousine which was parked in the driveway. It was at that time that Russian president gestured Kim towards the vehicle, while the latter stood seemingly curious.<br />
<br />
Kim was invited by Putin to climb into the back seat after which the Russian president walked around the car to slide in next to the North Korean leader.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation</strong></p>

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<p>North Korea's KCNA news agency on Thursday stated, "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk".<br />
<br />
The Russian State Automotive Institute, which is known by its acronym NAMI, developed the Aurus Senat limousine. For the first time, Putin drove in the Aurus at his fourth inauguration in 2018, as he ditched his old stretch Mercedes.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, Kim drove in his personal Maybach limousine to the space station which was brought onboard the armoured train in which he travelled from Pyongyang accompanied by a large entourage.<br />
<br />
It is believed that Kim is an automobile enthusiast and is seen travelling in various luxury cars, including various models of Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus sports utility vehicle.</p>

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North Korean President Kim Jong Un, who was recently on a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, travelled along with his Maybach 62S limousine in his armoured train. In the video, the difficult process of loading the limousine on the armoured train was revealed, which involved a skilled driver and a specially designed ramp.

North Korean President Kim Jong Un, who was recently on a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, travelled along with his Maybach 62S limousine in his armoured train. In the video, the difficult process of loading the limousine on the armoured train was revealed, which involved a skilled driver and a specially designed ramp. Kim Jong Un's limousine being driven into his armoured train. pic.twitter.com/YvZ3OEF68p — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) September 16, 2023 × The task appeared challenging, with the slanted grade and tight fit, which highlighted the unique transportation setup for the visits of the leader. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un's chair cleaned & scanned by his officials ahead of talks with Putin Kim Jong Un rides Putin's limousine During his visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to check out his Russian-made limousine, offering the car's spacious back seat to his guest. On Wednesday (September 13), Kim and Putin inspected the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome's space launch facilities in the Russian Far East before the summit, as per the state television footage. As the two leaders indulged in casual conversation while strolling the main complex, they reached Putin's presidential Aurus limousine which was parked in the driveway. It was at that time that Russian president gestured Kim towards the vehicle, while the latter stood seemingly curious. Kim was invited by Putin to climb into the back seat after which the Russian president walked around the car to slide in next to the North Korean leader. WATCH | Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation North Korea's KCNA news agency on Thursday stated, "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk". The Russian State Automotive Institute, which is known by its acronym NAMI, developed the Aurus Senat limousine. For the first time, Putin drove in the Aurus at his fourth inauguration in 2018, as he ditched his old stretch Mercedes. On Wednesday, Kim drove in his personal Maybach limousine to the space station which was brought onboard the armoured train in which he travelled from Pyongyang accompanied by a large entourage. It is believed that Kim is an automobile enthusiast and is seen travelling in various luxury cars, including various models of Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus sports utility vehicle. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Video shows Kim Jong Un's limousine being loaded onto his armoured train

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in the town of Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia's Far East on September 15 and headed straight to a vast aviation plant that produces warplanes and other equipment, TASS news agency reported. But the West is worried about this meet, watch the video to know why.

Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train. The Ria Novosti agency published a video of Kim's departure, and said a "departure ceremony" was held at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station.</p>

<p>The TASS news agency said that Kim's train was headed around 250 kilometres towards the border.</p>

<p>Kim's Russia visit and show of bonhomie with President Vladimir Putin has heightened Western concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang may defy sanctions and engage in arms negotiations.</p>

<p>In a video released by Ria Novosti agency, Kim is seen bidding farewell to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, as the Russian march "Farewell of Slavianka" plays during the train's departure.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim Jong Un scores drone bonanza as state gifts from Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, TASS mentioned Kim receiving gifts from a regional governor, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest.</p>

<p>TASS detailed the gifts as "five kamikaze drones and a 'Geran-25' reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff," using North Korea's official name.</p>

<p>Additionally, the governor of the Primorye region offered Kim Jong Un bulletproof protection and special clothing undetectable by thermal cameras.</p>

<p>Earlier on&nbsp;Saturday, Kim Jong Un met with the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok, inspecting advanced weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system.</p>

<p>Kim's extensive tour of Russia's far eastern region, which began on Tuesday, predominantly focused on military matters, and was dominated&nbsp;by his peculiar&nbsp;entourage.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim-Putin ties: Strategic implications for war in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports in the western media,&nbsp;Moscow is interested in procuring North Korean ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russian assistance for its internationally sanctioned&nbsp;missile program.</p>

<p>The Kremlin, however, said that no agreement has been, or will be, signed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation</strong></p>

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<p>Kim also spent time with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok on Sunday.</p>

<p>North Korean news agency KCNA described the atmosphere during Kim's visit as "enthusiastic and warm," calling it&nbsp;the emergence of a "new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation" between North Korea and Russia.</p>

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train. The Ria Novosti agency published a video of Kim's departure, and said a "departure ceremony" was held at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station. The TASS news agency said that Kim's train was headed around 250 kilometres towards the border. Kim's Russia visit and show of bonhomie with President Vladimir Putin has heightened Western concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang may defy sanctions and engage in arms negotiations. In a video released by Ria Novosti agency, Kim is seen bidding farewell to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, as the Russian march "Farewell of Slavianka" plays during the train's departure. Kim Jong Un scores drone bonanza as state gifts from Russia Earlier, TASS mentioned Kim receiving gifts from a regional governor, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest. TASS detailed the gifts as "five kamikaze drones and a 'Geran-25' reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff," using North Korea's official name. Additionally, the governor of the Primorye region offered Kim Jong Un bulletproof protection and special clothing undetectable by thermal cameras. Earlier on Saturday, Kim Jong Un met with the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok, inspecting advanced weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system. Kim's extensive tour of Russia's far eastern region, which began on Tuesday, predominantly focused on military matters, and was dominated by his peculiar entourage. Kim-Putin ties: Strategic implications for war in Ukraine According to reports in the western media, Moscow is interested in procuring North Korean ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russian assistance for its internationally sanctioned missile program. The Kremlin, however, said that no agreement has been, or will be, signed. Also watch | Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation × Kim also spent time with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok on Sunday. North Korean news agency KCNA described the atmosphere during Kim's visit as "enthusiastic and warm," calling it the emergence of a "new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation" between North Korea and Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un leaves Russia after underscoring bonhomie with Vladimir Putin

<p>North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations. Accompanied by Russian Defence Minister Shoigu, Kim inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Kim will go to several food enterprises. According to a report by the state KCNA news agency, Kim's trip to Russia came as a fresh heyday of friendship, and solidarity and cooperation being opened up in the history of the development of&nbsp;relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.</p>

<p>The report further said that Kim and Shoigu exchanged their constructive opinions on the practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries and in the fields of their national defence and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Shoigu said that Russia was discussing joint military exercises with North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed military matters, the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation. The United States has expressed concerns over the warming military ties between North Korea and Russia.</p>

<p>On Friday, the United States as well as South Korea said that the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang.&nbsp;</p>

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North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations. Accompanied by Russian Defence Minister Shoigu, Kim inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships. On Sunday, Kim will go to several food enterprises. According to a report by the state KCNA news agency, Kim's trip to Russia came as a fresh heyday of friendship, and solidarity and cooperation being opened up in the history of the development of relations between Pyongyang and Moscow. The report further said that Kim and Shoigu exchanged their constructive opinions on the practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries and in the fields of their national defence and security. Speaking to reporters, Shoigu said that Russia was discussing joint military exercises with North Korea. On Wednesday, Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed military matters, the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation. The United States has expressed concerns over the warming military ties between North Korea and Russia. On Friday, the United States as well as South Korea said that the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'A fresh heyday for bilateral ties': N.Korea, Russia discuss issues to boost military cooperation

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was accompanied by President Vladimir Putin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok.</p>

<p>In a video released by the Russian defence ministry, both were seen smiling as they inspected some of Russia's nuclear bombers at an airfield before boarding a warship.</p>

<p>Shoigu showed Kim Russia's strategic bombers - the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 - which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia's nuclear air attack force, said Russia's defence ministry.</p>

<p>"It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again," Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft.</p>

<p>Shoigu then showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles.</p>

<p>Russia's ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, in a press briefing, said that Kim's programme was "very intense" and that it was not yet clear as to how long he would remain in Russia, state news agency RIA reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-lee-weakens-to-post-tropical-cyclone-nears-atlantic-coast-thousands-without-power-636688">Hurricane Lee weakens to post-tropical cyclone, nears Atlantic coast; thousands without power</a></p>

<p>RIA further quoted Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Vladivostok's Primorye region, as saying that he would have talks with the North Korean leader over partnership in sport, tourism and culture on Sunday (September 17).</p>

<h2><strong>Kim inspects Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kim also inspected the Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" in Vladivostok and saw a demonstration of the projectile control systems, said RIA.</p>

<p>The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation.</p>

<p>The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16). He was accompanied by President Vladimir Putin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok. In a video released by the Russian defence ministry, both were seen smiling as they inspected some of Russia's nuclear bombers at an airfield before boarding a warship. Shoigu showed Kim Russia's strategic bombers - the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 - which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia's nuclear air attack force, said Russia's defence ministry. "It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again," Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft. Shoigu then showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles. Russia's ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, in a press briefing, said that Kim's programme was "very intense" and that it was not yet clear as to how long he would remain in Russia, state news agency RIA reported. Also read: Hurricane Lee weakens to post-tropical cyclone, nears Atlantic coast; thousands without power RIA further quoted Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Vladivostok's Primorye region, as saying that he would have talks with the North Korean leader over partnership in sport, tourism and culture on Sunday (September 17). Kim inspects Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate Kim also inspected the Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" in Vladivostok and saw a demonstration of the projectile control systems, said RIA. The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation. The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US. "That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects Russian nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic missiles

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Mahsa Amini death anniversary: Protesters take to streets in Brussels, Putin-Kim Summit: Kim inspects Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers.

Mahsa Amin's death anniversary | US President Biden Foreign Policy week | WION Speed News

North Korea's Kim inspects West-sanctioned fighter jet plant in Russian Far East

<p>North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin.&nbsp;Kim's officials&nbsp;checked his chair thoroughly before he was seated, allegedly scanning it for radiation and other booby traps ahead of the talks with Putin.</p>

<p>A video of the incident has emerged on social media, showing an official firmly wiping Kim’s chair as part of the protocol designed to keep the ‘supreme’ leader safe. Other officials&nbsp;hovered over the man, ready with more cleaning supplies if needed.</p>

<p>One of them can be seen scanning the chair with a small metal detector-like device.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russia🚨 North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's chair was reportedly thoroughly examined and tested for radiation by his security officials ahead of talks with Vladimir Putin. <a href="https://t.co/DFAGe6TzrC">pic.twitter.com/DFAGe6TzrC</a></p>
— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintUpdates/status/1701979437393428515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per media reports, the chair was also checked to ensure it would carry Kim’s weight&nbsp;as the leader is believed to be over 140 kg. Apparently, the chair being used is an IKEA model that comes with&nbsp;no rear legs and instead has just one single, curved frame.</p>

<p>Shortly after the checks were done, Putin and Kim sat together to put up a strong face against the West and show support for Russia’s ‘sacred fight’ against Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim ‘refused’ to travel on a plane</strong></h2>

<p>The highly precarious leader of North Korea is also believed to have refused to take a plane to travel to the Far East region of Russia and instead opted for a luxurious train to embark on his first foreign visit since 2019.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-accepts-kims-invitation-to-visit-north-korea-635792"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Putin accepts Kim`s invitation to visit North Korea</strong></a></p>

<p>UK media reported that this was because Kim felt ‘unsafe’ in Russian skies as one tourist plane crash-landed in the same region a few days back.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin shows his private car to Kim</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters reported Thursday that ahead of their summit on Wednesday (Sept 13), Putin and Kim inspected the space launch facilities of the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires two ballistic missile ahead of Kim Jong Un-Vladimir Putin meet</strong></p>

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<p>Later, they strolled towards Putin's presidential Aurus limousine parked in the driveway.</p>

<p>North Korea's KCNA news agency said on Thursday "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk".</p>

<p>The Aurus Senat limousine was developed by the Russian state automotive institute known by its acronym NAMI.</p>

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin. Kim's officials checked his chair thoroughly before he was seated, allegedly scanning it for radiation and other booby traps ahead of the talks with Putin. A video of the incident has emerged on social media, showing an official firmly wiping Kim’s chair as part of the protocol designed to keep the ‘supreme’ leader safe. Other officials hovered over the man, ready with more cleaning supplies if needed. One of them can be seen scanning the chair with a small metal detector-like device. Russia🚨 North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's chair was reportedly thoroughly examined and tested for radiation by his security officials ahead of talks with Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/DFAGe6TzrC — OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) September 13, 2023 × As per media reports, the chair was also checked to ensure it would carry Kim’s weight as the leader is believed to be over 140 kg. Apparently, the chair being used is an IKEA model that comes with no rear legs and instead has just one single, curved frame. Shortly after the checks were done, Putin and Kim sat together to put up a strong face against the West and show support for Russia’s ‘sacred fight’ against Ukraine. Kim ‘refused’ to travel on a plane The highly precarious leader of North Korea is also believed to have refused to take a plane to travel to the Far East region of Russia and instead opted for a luxurious train to embark on his first foreign visit since 2019. Also read: Putin accepts Kim`s invitation to visit North Korea UK media reported that this was because Kim felt ‘unsafe’ in Russian skies as one tourist plane crash-landed in the same region a few days back. Putin shows his private car to Kim Reuters reported Thursday that ahead of their summit on Wednesday (Sept 13), Putin and Kim inspected the space launch facilities of the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. Watch: North Korea fires two ballistic missile ahead of Kim Jong Un-Vladimir Putin meet × Later, they strolled towards Putin's presidential Aurus limousine parked in the driveway. North Korea's KCNA news agency said on Thursday "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk". The Aurus Senat limousine was developed by the Russian state automotive institute known by its acronym NAMI. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Kim Jong Un's chair cleaned & scanned by his officials ahead of talks with Putin

President Vladimir Putin said Russia would help North Korea launch satellites and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Moscow had his full backing in its "sacred fight" with the West as they met on Wednesday at a cosmodrome in Russia's Far East.

Kim Jong Un meets Putin: Russia to provide advance technology for satellite, submarine | WION

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (September 14) accepted the invitation by his guest&nbsp;Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea, informed the state-run KCNA news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kim Jong Un courteously invited Putin to visit the DPRK at a convenient time," said KCNA, adding that the North Korean leader extended the invitation at the end of the meeting between the two on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure and reaffirmed his will to invariably carry forward the history and tradition of the Russia-DPRK friendship."</p>

<p>Kim, who rarely ventures out of his authoritarian empire, arrived in Russia, aboard his armoured train for a rare summit with the Kremlin boss. During the meeting, both leaders displayed warmth and&nbsp;discussed&nbsp;world affairs as well as areas of collaboration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Russian army and people will certainly win a great victory in the sacred struggle for the punishment of a great evil that claims hegemony and feeds an expansionist illusion," Kim said praising Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And that in the frontline of anti-imperialism and independence, I will always be standing with Russia, I’m using this opportunity to make it clear," the North Korean leader added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-putin-meet-meet-with-putin-stepping-stone-to-stronger-ties-says-kim-jong-un-635580"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kim-Putin meet: Meet with Putin stepping stone to stronger ties, says Kim Jong-un</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Putin confirmed that Moscow would help North Korea build satellites.&nbsp;Putin said: "That's why we came here."</p>

<p>While Putin was accompanied by&nbsp;Defence Minister&nbsp;Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the meeting, Kim arrived with his powerful sister&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong,&nbsp;number two and commander of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jo Chun Ryong, the director of North Korea's Munitions Industry Department.</p>

<h2><strong>US criticises the meeting&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Apprehensive of the meeting and growing bonhomie between Kim-Putin,&nbsp;the US State Department released a statement, saying it was&nbsp;"troubling" that the Kremlin would discuss cooperation with Pyongyang&nbsp;on programmes that are in contravention of the UN Security Council resolutions</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-kim-visits-putin-us-approves-5-billion-sale-of-f-35-jets-to-south-korea-635783"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;As Kim visits Putin, US approves $5 billion sale of F-35 jets to South Korea</strong></a></p>

<p>"We have taken a number of actions already to sanction entities that brokered arms sales between North Korea and Russia, and we won't hesitate to impose additional sanctions if appropriate," said spokesman Matthew Miller.</p>

<p>Notably, Washington on Wednesday announced it had approved&nbsp;a $5 billion sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. Experts said the move was carefully curated to send a message to Russia and North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (September 14) accepted the invitation by his guest Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea, informed the state-run KCNA news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (September 14) accepted the invitation by his guest Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea, informed the state-run KCNA news agency. "Kim Jong Un courteously invited Putin to visit the DPRK at a convenient time," said KCNA, adding that the North Korean leader extended the invitation at the end of the meeting between the two on Wednesday. "Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure and reaffirmed his will to invariably carry forward the history and tradition of the Russia-DPRK friendship." Kim, who rarely ventures out of his authoritarian empire, arrived in Russia, aboard his armoured train for a rare summit with the Kremlin boss. During the meeting, both leaders displayed warmth and discussed world affairs as well as areas of collaboration. "The Russian army and people will certainly win a great victory in the sacred struggle for the punishment of a great evil that claims hegemony and feeds an expansionist illusion," Kim said praising Russia. "And that in the frontline of anti-imperialism and independence, I will always be standing with Russia, I’m using this opportunity to make it clear," the North Korean leader added. Watch | Kim-Putin meet: Meet with Putin stepping stone to stronger ties, says Kim Jong-un × Meanwhile, Putin confirmed that Moscow would help North Korea build satellites. Putin said: "That's why we came here." While Putin was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the meeting, Kim arrived with his powerful sister Kim Yo Jong, number two and commander of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, and Jo Chun Ryong, the director of North Korea's Munitions Industry Department. US criticises the meeting Apprehensive of the meeting and growing bonhomie between Kim-Putin, the US State Department released a statement, saying it was "troubling" that the Kremlin would discuss cooperation with Pyongyang on programmes that are in contravention of the UN Security Council resolutions Also read | As Kim visits Putin, US approves $5 billion sale of F-35 jets to South Korea "We have taken a number of actions already to sanction entities that brokered arms sales between North Korea and Russia, and we won't hesitate to impose additional sanctions if appropriate," said spokesman Matthew Miller. Notably, Washington on Wednesday announced it had approved a $5 billion sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. Experts said the move was carefully curated to send a message to Russia and North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin accepts Kim's invitation to visit North Korea

<p>The US State Department on Wednesday approved a $5 billion sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. The announcement came in the backdrop of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a rare summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The State Department informed Congress that it had green-lit the sale of 25 fighter jets, as well as engines and related equipment,&nbsp;developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It [the sale] will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by providing credible defence capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with US forces," the State Department said in a&nbsp;statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-putin-meet-meet-with-putin-stepping-stone-to-stronger-ties-says-kim-jong-un-635580"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kim-Putin meet: Meet with Putin stepping stone to stronger ties, says Kim Jong-un</strong></a></p>

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<p>The sale comes as tensions rise due to increased&nbsp;cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Kim met Putin on Wednesday (September 13) and the two leaders discussed&nbsp;world affairs as well as areas of collaboration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Russian army and people will certainly win a great victory in the sacred struggle for the punishment of a great evil that claims hegemony and feeds an expansionist illusion," Kim said praising Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Putin confirmed that Moscow would help North Korea build satellites.&nbsp;Putin said: "That's why we came here."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-assures-to-build-satellites-for-north-korea-kim-supports-sacred-battle-with-west-635566"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Putin assures to build satellites for North Korea, Kim supports ‘sacred battle’ with West</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Washington&nbsp;not impressed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the aftermath, the US State Department released a statement, saying it was&nbsp;"troubling" that the Kremlin would discuss cooperation with Pyongyang&nbsp;on programmes that are in contravention of the UN Security Council resolutions</p>

<p>"We have taken a number of actions already to sanction entities that brokered arms sales between North Korea and Russia, and we won't hesitate to impose additional sanctions if appropriate," said spokesman Matthew Miller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim has repeatedly called out the&nbsp;US-South Korea alliance and recently criticised Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, held in the peninsula.&nbsp;Pyongyang is of the view that the exercise was a rehearsal for invasion while the two allies maintain it was for defensive purposes. The military drill came to an end on August 31.</p>

<p>With Pyongyang growing closer to Moscow, the approval of the sale of F-35s is an attempt by Washington to keep an upper hand in the region. The US only approves the sale&nbsp;of the jets to its closest partners, with Turkey&nbsp;booted from the F-35 programme after a major purchase from Russia of a missile defence system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US State Department on Wednesday approved a $5 billion sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. The announcement came in the backdrop of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a rare summit.

The US State Department on Wednesday approved a $5 billion sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. The announcement came in the backdrop of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a rare summit. The State Department informed Congress that it had green-lit the sale of 25 fighter jets, as well as engines and related equipment, developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. "It [the sale] will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by providing credible defence capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with US forces," the State Department said in a statement. "The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added. Watch | Kim-Putin meet: Meet with Putin stepping stone to stronger ties, says Kim Jong-un × The sale comes as tensions rise due to increased cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Kim met Putin on Wednesday (September 13) and the two leaders discussed world affairs as well as areas of collaboration. "The Russian army and people will certainly win a great victory in the sacred struggle for the punishment of a great evil that claims hegemony and feeds an expansionist illusion," Kim said praising Russia. Meanwhile, Putin confirmed that Moscow would help North Korea build satellites. Putin said: "That's why we came here." Also read | Putin assures to build satellites for North Korea, Kim supports ‘sacred battle’ with West Washington not impressed In the aftermath, the US State Department released a statement, saying it was "troubling" that the Kremlin would discuss cooperation with Pyongyang on programmes that are in contravention of the UN Security Council resolutions "We have taken a number of actions already to sanction entities that brokered arms sales between North Korea and Russia, and we won't hesitate to impose additional sanctions if appropriate," said spokesman Matthew Miller. Kim has repeatedly called out the US-South Korea alliance and recently criticised Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, held in the peninsula. Pyongyang is of the view that the exercise was a rehearsal for invasion while the two allies maintain it was for defensive purposes. The military drill came to an end on August 31. With Pyongyang growing closer to Moscow, the approval of the sale of F-35s is an attempt by Washington to keep an upper hand in the region. The US only approves the sale of the jets to its closest partners, with Turkey booted from the F-35 programme after a major purchase from Russia of a missile defence system. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

As Kim visits Putin, US approves $5 billion sale of F-35 jets to South Korea

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