Reports claim North Korea has activated a “dead man’s switch” nuclear system designed to trigger retaliation even if leader Kim Jong Un is killed. The development has intensified global concerns over nuclear escalation, automated warfare systems and regional security in East Asia.

Kill Kim & The World Ends! North Korea Activates Dead Man's Switch

North Korea is showing a ‘very serious increase’ in its ability to produce nuclear weapons, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has said, pointing to a surge in operations across key facilities. According to AFP, while speaking in Seoul, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency had observed a “rapid increase in the operations” at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including its reactor, reprocessing unit and light-water reactor. These developments, he said, indicate a significant expansion in Pyongyang’s capacity to produce fissile material for atomic weapons.&nbsp;<h2>Expanding facilities and enrichment capability</h2> The Yongbyon site remains central to North Korea’s nuclear programme, despite earlier claims that parts of it had been decommissioned. It was reactivated in 2021, and alongside it, the IAEA has identified additional facilities, including a “new facility similar to the enrichment facility in Yongbyon”. While inspectors have not had access since 2009, the agency relies on satellite imagery and external analysis. Grossi said it was “not easy to calculate” precise increases, but added that observable developments suggest a “significant increase in the enrichment capacity” of the country, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/did-iran-secretly-use-a-chinese-spy-satellite-to-strike-us-bases-in-middle-east-beijing-breaks-silence-1776243646141">Did Iran secretly use a Chinese spy satellite to strike US bases in Middle East? Beijing breaks silence</a>&nbsp;AFP wrote that the diplomatically isolated north is believed to operate multiple facilities for enriching uranium, a key step in making nuclear warheads, South Korea's spy agency has said.&nbsp;<h2>Sanctions, isolation and strategic implications</h2> North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and remains under extensive UN sanctions over its weapons programmes. It has consistently maintained that it will not abandon its nuclear arsenal, which is estimated to comprise a few dozen warheads. Despite growing concerns over its ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine, Grossi said the IAEA had not observed “anything in particular” indicating direct Russian involvement in Pyongyang’s nuclear development. The findings nevertheless underline a steady and sustained expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities at a time of heightened regional and global security tensions.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-allies-race-to-japan-s-advanced-submarines-and-jets-as-tokyo-opens-floodgates-on-arms-exports-since-world-war-ii-1776239538968">US allies race to Japan’s advanced submarines and jets as Tokyo opens floodgates on arms exports since World War II</a><h2>Missile tests and naval modernisation drive</h2>&nbsp;On Tuesday, North Korea conducted fresh tests of strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles as part of operational trials for its Choe Hyon-class destroyer, state media reported. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launches alongside senior military officials, signalling continued focus on strengthening naval strike capabilities. The cruise missiles reportedly flew for between 7,869 and 7,920 seconds, while the anti-ship missiles remained airborne for around 1,960 to 1,973 seconds before striking targets off the west coast with what was described as “ultra-precision accuracy”. According to KCNA, two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were fired to evaluate the warship’s integrated weapons command system, crew readiness and upgraded navigation performance, including anti-jamming capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kim was also briefed on plans for two additional destroyers, pointing to an expanding fleet. He had reiterated that reinforcing nuclear deterrence remains a priority, calling for improved strike capability and rapid-response readiness.&nbsp;

While speaking in Seoul, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency had observed a “rapid increase in the operations” at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including its reactor, reprocessing unit and light-water reactor.

North Korea is showing a ‘very serious increase’ in its ability to produce nuclear weapons, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has said, pointing to a surge in operations across key facilities. According to AFP, while speaking in Seoul, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency had observed a “rapid increase in the operations” at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including its reactor, reprocessing unit and light-water reactor. These developments, he said, indicate a significant expansion in Pyongyang’s capacity to produce fissile material for atomic weapons. Expanding facilities and enrichment capability The Yongbyon site remains central to North Korea’s nuclear programme, despite earlier claims that parts of it had been decommissioned. It was reactivated in 2021, and alongside it, the IAEA has identified additional facilities, including a “new facility similar to the enrichment facility in Yongbyon”. While inspectors have not had access since 2009, the agency relies on satellite imagery and external analysis. Grossi said it was “not easy to calculate” precise increases, but added that observable developments suggest a “significant increase in the enrichment capacity” of the country, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. ALSO READ: Did Iran secretly use a Chinese spy satellite to strike US bases in Middle East? Beijing breaks silence AFP wrote that the diplomatically isolated north is believed to operate multiple facilities for enriching uranium, a key step in making nuclear warheads, South Korea's spy agency has said. Sanctions, isolation and strategic implications North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and remains under extensive UN sanctions over its weapons programmes. It has consistently maintained that it will not abandon its nuclear arsenal, which is estimated to comprise a few dozen warheads. Despite growing concerns over its ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine, Grossi said the IAEA had not observed “anything in particular” indicating direct Russian involvement in Pyongyang’s nuclear development. The findings nevertheless underline a steady and sustained expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities at a time of heightened regional and global security tensions. ALSO READ: US allies race to Japan’s advanced submarines and jets as Tokyo opens floodgates on arms exports since World War II Missile tests and naval modernisation drive On Tuesday, North Korea conducted fresh tests of strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles as part of operational trials for its Choe Hyon-class destroyer, state media reported. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launches alongside senior military officials, signalling continued focus on strengthening naval strike capabilities. The cruise missiles reportedly flew for between 7,869 and 7,920 seconds, while the anti-ship missiles remained airborne for around 1,960 to 1,973 seconds before striking targets off the west coast with what was described as “ultra-precision accuracy”. According to KCNA, two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were fired to evaluate the warship’s integrated weapons command system, crew readiness and upgraded navigation performance, including anti-jamming capabilities. Kim was also briefed on plans for two additional destroyers, pointing to an expanding fleet. He had reiterated that reinforcing nuclear deterrence remains a priority, calling for improved strike capability and rapid-response readiness.

While speaking in Seoul, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency had observed a “rapid increase in the operations” at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including its reactor, reprocessing unit and light-water reactor.

‘Very serious increase’: North Korea ramps up nuclear arms production at alarming pace, IAEA warns

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has vowed that his country is not stepping back from nuclear weapons. Not now, not later, not ever. In a speech that sounded less like routine policy and more like a warning, the North Korean leader declared that his country's nuclear status is "irreversible". No ambiguity, no room for negotiation. The statement came just a day after Kim was reappointed as head of the State Affairs Commission, the country’s top decision-making body and as memes on the North Korean leader's alleged FOMO over not being a part of the war between the US, Israel and Iran continue to flood the internet.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156">'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</a><h2>What did Kim Jong Un say?</h2>According to state media reports published Tuesday (Mar 24), speaking at North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature, Kim laid out what he called an "aggressive" push to strengthen the country’s nuclear arsenal. "We will continue to firmly consolidate our status as a nuclear-armed state as an irreversible course, while aggressively stepping up our struggle against hostile forces," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korean-supreme-leader-kim-jong-un-takes-heir-apparent-ju-ae-shooting-photoshoot-or-show-of-strength-amid-iran-war-1773304047290">North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un takes heir apparent Ju Ae shooting: Photoshoot or show of strength amid Iran war?</a>He framed it as a constitutional duty. The country, he said, would continue to "expand and advance". He said that, "we will, in line with the mission entrusted by the Constitution of the Republic …., further expand and advance our self-defensive nuclear deterrent. Kim framed the expansion of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities as "entirely justified".At one point, Kim stressed that nuclear forces would be kept in a state of "precise readiness" to counter what he described as "strategic threats".<h2>“Mercilessly”: Kim Jong Un's chilling warning to South Korea</h2>In a lengthy address reported by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim touched on everything from defence and nuclear policy to the economy and ties with Washington and Seoul.South Korea, in particular, came in for direct criticism. Kim described it as "the most hostile state" and said Pyongyang would deal with it "thoroughly". The warning did not stop there. Any move seen as an infringement, he said, would be met "mercilessly, without the slightest consideration or hesitation".

The internet’s "FOMO Warlord" has officially decided his war readiness. After weeks of being the subject of viral memes portraying him as a dejected observer of the US-Iran conflict, Kim Jong Un has declared the nation’s nuclear status "irreversible" and "non-negotiable."

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has vowed that his country is not stepping back from nuclear weapons. Not now, not later, not ever. In a speech that sounded less like routine policy and more like a warning, the North Korean leader declared that his country's nuclear status is "irreversible". No ambiguity, no room for negotiation. The statement came just a day after Kim was reappointed as head of the State Affairs Commission, the country’s top decision-making body and as memes on the North Korean leader's alleged FOMO over not being a part of the war between the US, Israel and Iran continue to flood the internet. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent What did Kim Jong Un say? According to state media reports published Tuesday (Mar 24), speaking at North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature, Kim laid out what he called an "aggressive" push to strengthen the country’s nuclear arsenal. "We will continue to firmly consolidate our status as a nuclear-armed state as an irreversible course, while aggressively stepping up our struggle against hostile forces," he said. Also read | North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un takes heir apparent Ju Ae shooting: Photoshoot or show of strength amid Iran war? He framed it as a constitutional duty. The country, he said, would continue to "expand and advance". He said that, "we will, in line with the mission entrusted by the Constitution of the Republic …., further expand and advance our self-defensive nuclear deterrent. Kim framed the expansion of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities as "entirely justified". At one point, Kim stressed that nuclear forces would be kept in a state of "precise readiness" to counter what he described as "strategic threats". “Mercilessly”: Kim Jong Un's chilling warning to South Korea In a lengthy address reported by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim touched on everything from defence and nuclear policy to the economy and ties with Washington and Seoul. South Korea, in particular, came in for direct criticism. Kim described it as "the most hostile state" and said Pyongyang would deal with it "thoroughly". The warning did not stop there. Any move seen as an infringement, he said, would be met "mercilessly, without the slightest consideration or hesitation".

The internet’s "FOMO Warlord" has officially decided his war readiness. After weeks of being the subject of viral memes portraying him as a dejected observer of the US-Iran conflict, Kim Jong Un has declared the nation’s nuclear status "irreversible" and "non-negotiable."

Kim Jong Un issues 'merciless' nuclear warning amid Iran war — are the North Korean leader FOMO memes about to turn real?

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Adopted in 1970, the NPT’s objectives are threefold: prevent proliferation, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and advance nuclear disarmament. With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing regional threats and security concerns.&nbsp;<h2>The NPT's Core Objectives</h2>The NPT is built upon three main pillars:&nbsp;Non-Proliferation: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.Disarmament: Pursuing nuclear disarmament by nuclear-armed states.Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy under strict safeguards.The treaty categorizes countries into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states, with the former agreeing to pursue disarmament and the latter committing not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.&nbsp;<h2>Countries That Have Not Signed the NPT</h2>&nbsp;Despite the treaty's widespread adoption, four UN member states have never signed the NPT:<ol><li>India: India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, in 1974 and has since developed a robust nuclear arsenal. It maintains a policy of 'credible minimum deterrence',which includes a 'no first use' pledge. It has not signed the NPT, citing concerns over its security environment and the treaty's discriminatory nature.</li></ol>2. Israel: Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the possession of nuclear weapons. It has not signed the NPT, emphasising its security needs in a volatile region.3. Pakistan: Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in response to India's nuclear program and conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998. Like India, it has not signed the NPT, arguing that the treaty is biased and does not address the security concerns of non-signatory states. it has 170 total warheads.4. North Korea: North Korea joined the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003. It has since conducted multiple nuclear tests, leading to widespread international condemnation and sanctions. North Korea is estimated to have assembled 50 nuclear warheads.&nbsp;Meanwhile Iran has multiple times threatened to leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). It has also, repeatedly raised regional tensions with its nuclear programme. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have, at times, approached weapons-grade levels, prompting warnings from the United States and other countries. During the 1980s, Iraq under Saddam Hussein pursued a covert nuclear weapons program, aiming to rival regional powers. The programme was largely dismantled after the Gulf War under UN supervision, but it demonstrated the historical nuclear ambitions in the Middle East.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond Iran and Iraq, several countries are suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons covertly. Syria operated a clandestine reactor at Al Kibar, destroyed by Israel in 2007, which the IAEA concluded was likely a nuclear reactor. Libya ran a covert nuclear weapons program during the 1970s and 1980s but voluntarily dismantled it in 2003 under international supervision.&nbsp;In conclusion, while the NPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, the non-signature of certain countries highlights ongoing challenges in achieving global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Understanding the reasons behind their stance is crucial for addressing the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in the 21st century.

With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing reginal thrats and security concerns.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Adopted in 1970, the NPT’s objectives are threefold: prevent proliferation, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and advance nuclear disarmament. With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing regional threats and security concerns. The NPT's Core Objectives The NPT is built upon three main pillars: Non-Proliferation: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Disarmament: Pursuing nuclear disarmament by nuclear-armed states. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy under strict safeguards. The treaty categorizes countries into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states, with the former agreeing to pursue disarmament and the latter committing not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Countries That Have Not Signed the NPT Despite the treaty's widespread adoption, four UN member states have never signed the NPT: India: India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, in 1974 and has since developed a robust nuclear arsenal. It maintains a policy of 'credible minimum deterrence',which includes a 'no first use' pledge. It has not signed the NPT, citing concerns over its security environment and the treaty's discriminatory nature. 2. Israel: Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the possession of nuclear weapons. It has not signed the NPT, emphasising its security needs in a volatile region. 3. Pakistan: Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in response to India's nuclear program and conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998. Like India, it has not signed the NPT, arguing that the treaty is biased and does not address the security concerns of non-signatory states. it has 170 total warheads. 4. North Korea: North Korea joined the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003. It has since conducted multiple nuclear tests, leading to widespread international condemnation and sanctions. North Korea is estimated to have assembled 50 nuclear warheads. Meanwhile Iran has multiple times threatened to leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). It has also, repeatedly raised regional tensions with its nuclear programme. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have, at times, approached weapons-grade levels, prompting warnings from the United States and other countries. During the 1980s, Iraq under Saddam Hussein pursued a covert nuclear weapons program, aiming to rival regional powers. The programme was largely dismantled after the Gulf War under UN supervision, but it demonstrated the historical nuclear ambitions in the Middle East. Beyond Iran and Iraq, several countries are suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons covertly. Syria operated a clandestine reactor at Al Kibar, destroyed by Israel in 2007, which the IAEA concluded was likely a nuclear reactor. Libya ran a covert nuclear weapons program during the 1970s and 1980s but voluntarily dismantled it in 2003 under international supervision. In conclusion, while the NPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, the non-signature of certain countries highlights ongoing challenges in achieving global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Understanding the reasons behind their stance is crucial for addressing the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in the 21st century.

With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing reginal thrats and security concerns.

What is Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and why these three countries never signed? EXPLAINED

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday (Sep 10) said that his country was steadily increasing its nuclear arsenal.

Speaking at an event marking the 76th anniversary of the country's founding, Kim claimed that Pyongyang was a "responsible" nuclear state, reported the state media.

As per state media images, the event in central Pyongyang was attended by thousands of people.

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Kim Jong-un, as per AFP, credited the nuclear arsenal expansion to what he characterised as "more various threats" from the United States and its allies.

He said that North Korea's "nuclear force" and its ability to deploy it "should be more thoroughly perfected".

The country will "steadily strengthen its nuclear force capable of fully coping with any threatening acts imposed by its nuclear-armed rival states," said the North Korea supreme leader.&nbsp;

He added that Pyongyang will also "redouble its measures and efforts to make all the armed forces of the state, including the nuclear force, fully ready for combat".

However, he stressed that North Korea was a "responsible nuclear weapons state", and that "our nuclear weapons for defending ourselves do not pose a threat to anyone".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2316}">Tensions with South Korea</h2>

Kim's announcement about North Korea increasing its nuclear arsenal comes as the nation's relations with neighbour South Korea reach their lowest point. Recent months have seen the two countries escalate their enmity by blaring propaganda through speakers and sending balloons filled with trash and poop across borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:706,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2445}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjw8emUzreIAxVZi68BHQqWF3EQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-escalates-continues-trash-balloon-warfare-kim-yo-jong-warns-south-korea-of-new-counteraction-730362" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-escalates-continues-trash-balloon-warfare-kim-yo-jong-warns-south-korea-of-new-counteraction-730362&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw8emUzreIAxVZi68BHQqWF3EQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">North Korea sends more trash balloons to South amidst warning of `new counteraction` by Kim Yo Jong</a>

North Korea, as per AFP, had previously vowed an "exponential increase" of its nuclear weaponry. The nation also routinely flaunts its arsenal at major events and state anniversaries.

"We believe that by 2027 North Korea can secure enough nuclear material for about 200 warheads and by 2030, this can reach 300," Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday (Sep 10) said that his country was steadily increasing its nuclear arsenal. Speaking at an event marking the 76th anniversary of the country's founding, Kim claimed that Pyongyang was a "responsible" nuclear state, reported the state media.

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday (Sep 10) said that his country was steadily increasing its nuclear arsenal. Speaking at an event marking the 76th anniversary of the country's founding, Kim claimed that Pyongyang was a "responsible" nuclear state, reported the state media. As per state media images, the event in central Pyongyang was attended by thousands of people. Also read | Desperate families dig through deep craters as Israeli strike on humanitarian zone in Gaza kills 40 Why is North Korea increasing its nuclear arsenal? Kim Jong-un, as per AFP, credited the nuclear arsenal expansion to what he characterised as "more various threats" from the United States and its allies. He said that North Korea's "nuclear force" and its ability to deploy it "should be more thoroughly perfected". The country will "steadily strengthen its nuclear force capable of fully coping with any threatening acts imposed by its nuclear-armed rival states," said the North Korea supreme leader. He added that Pyongyang will also "redouble its measures and efforts to make all the armed forces of the state, including the nuclear force, fully ready for combat". However, he stressed that North Korea was a "responsible nuclear weapons state", and that "our nuclear weapons for defending ourselves do not pose a threat to anyone". Tensions with South Korea Kim's announcement about North Korea increasing its nuclear arsenal comes as the nation's relations with neighbour South Korea reach their lowest point. Recent months have seen the two countries escalate their enmity by blaring propaganda through speakers and sending balloons filled with trash and poop across borders. Also read | North Korea sends more trash balloons to South amidst warning of `new counteraction` by Kim Yo Jong North Korea, as per AFP, had previously vowed an "exponential increase" of its nuclear weaponry. The nation also routinely flaunts its arsenal at major events and state anniversaries. "We believe that by 2027 North Korea can secure enough nuclear material for about 200 warheads and by 2030, this can reach 300," Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea boosts nuclear arsenal: Kim Jong-un blames 'various threats' from US and allies for increase

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited his Navy headquarters with his daughter, state media reported on Tuesday (August 29). He called for boosting the navy, claiming that the country's waters brimmed with "the danger of a nuclear war".&nbsp;

He also slammed the trilateral cooperation between the "gang bosses" of the United States, South Korea and Japan, who are holding joint naval drills.&nbsp;

They conducted exercises in international waters off South Korea's southern Jeju island. South Korea's military said the main purpose was to improve their ability to detect and track targets and share information in the event of provocation by Pyongyang. &nbsp;

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will play out through August 31 and will feature drills to deal with emergencies on the Korean Peninsula. But it always infuriates Pyongyang.&nbsp;

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Kim visited naval command on Sunday and according to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that the three allies had recently "closeted with each other", which was an apparent reference to this month's Camp David summit.&nbsp;

The drills were scheduled despite the fears that North Korea may launch what it calls an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).&nbsp;

The report said that Kim also accused the US of being "more frantic than ever before" because it conducted joint naval exercises and deployed nuclear strategic assets in the waters around the Korean peninsula on a permanent basis.&nbsp;

As quoted by KCAN, Kim said, "Owing to the reckless confrontational moves of the US and other hostile forces, the waters of the Korean Peninsula have been reduced into the world's biggest war hardware concentration spot, the most unstable waters with the danger of a nuclear war."&nbsp;

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"To achieve the successes in rapidly developing the naval force has become a very urgent issue in view of the enemies' recent aggressive attempts," he added.&nbsp;

"The prevailing situation requires our navy to put all its efforts into rounding off the war readiness to maintain the constant combat alertness," Kim said, further adding that the naval forces would become part of the "state nuclear deterrence carrying out the strategic duty".&nbsp;

He was accompanied by his young daughter during the visit as photos carried by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed both of them together meeting officers in uniform.&nbsp;

This year itself, North Korea has conducted a record number of weapon&nbsp;tests. Just last week, it carried out its second attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit, but it failed. Kim has called for ramped-up arms production, including tactical nuclear weapons and&nbsp;declared the nation an "irreversible" nuclear power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited his Navy headquarters with his daughter, state media reported on Tuesday (August 29). He called for boosting the navy, claiming that the country's waters brimmed with "the danger of a nuclear war".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited his Navy headquarters with his daughter, state media reported on Tuesday (August 29). He called for boosting the navy, claiming that the country's waters brimmed with "the danger of a nuclear war". He also slammed the trilateral cooperation between the "gang bosses" of the United States, South Korea and Japan, who are holding joint naval drills. They conducted exercises in international waters off South Korea's southern Jeju island. South Korea's military said the main purpose was to improve their ability to detect and track targets and share information in the event of provocation by Pyongyang. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will play out through August 31 and will feature drills to deal with emergencies on the Korean Peninsula. But it always infuriates Pyongyang. Also read: Biden asks US Congress to update immigration system amidst labour crisis Kim visited naval command on Sunday and according to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that the three allies had recently "closeted with each other", which was an apparent reference to this month's Camp David summit. The drills were scheduled despite the fears that North Korea may launch what it calls an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The report said that Kim also accused the US of being "more frantic than ever before" because it conducted joint naval exercises and deployed nuclear strategic assets in the waters around the Korean peninsula on a permanent basis. As quoted by KCAN, Kim said, "Owing to the reckless confrontational moves of the US and other hostile forces, the waters of the Korean Peninsula have been reduced into the world's biggest war hardware concentration spot, the most unstable waters with the danger of a nuclear war." Also read: Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane Watch: India-Japan Space Ties: Lupex to be first-ever joint space mission by the two countries × "To achieve the successes in rapidly developing the naval force has become a very urgent issue in view of the enemies' recent aggressive attempts," he added. "The prevailing situation requires our navy to put all its efforts into rounding off the war readiness to maintain the constant combat alertness," Kim said, further adding that the naval forces would become part of the "state nuclear deterrence carrying out the strategic duty". He was accompanied by his young daughter during the visit as photos carried by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed both of them together meeting officers in uniform. This year itself, North Korea has conducted a record number of weapon tests. Just last week, it carried out its second attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit, but it failed. Kim has called for ramped-up arms production, including tactical nuclear weapons and declared the nation an "irreversible" nuclear power. (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.

Kim calls for boosting North Korea's navy as waters brim with 'danger of nuclear war'

South Korea and the United States are discussing planning and implementation of U.S. nuclear operations to counter North Korea, Seoul's presidential office said on Tuesday.

South Korea and U.S. discuss nuclear planning operations

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled new goals for the country's military for 2023 at an ongoing meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, hinting at another year of intensive weapons tests and tension.

North Korea's Kim unveils new military goals at key party meeting

As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with&nbsp;his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards.

As per an AFP report, during his meeting with the Chinese President Biden will urge him&nbsp;to restrain North Korea's "worst tendencies" and warn the leader that Pyongyang's arms build-up will prompt an "enhanced" US military presence in Asia.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters, on Saturday National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that in a Monday meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Biden will tell him that his country has "an interest in playing a constructive role in restraining North Korea's worst tendencies".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | North Korea insecure about its air force?

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North Korea plans to resume nuclear bomb testing for the first time since 2017 and as per Reuters the United States is worried and believes China and Russia have the leverage to prevent it. Additionally, Biden will tell Xi that if North Korea "keeps going down this route," it will simply mean an even stronger American military and security presence in the region.

The senior US official stated that Biden would not put demands on China, but rather would give Xi "his perspective". Sullivan was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en way to Cambodia for a regional ASEAN meeting this weekend, reports AFP.

He added that this is because "North Korea represents a threat not just to the United States, not just to (South Korea) and Japan but to peace and stability across the entire region."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-hopes-to-build-floor-for-china-relations-says-he-will-make-no-fundamental-concessions-533080">President Joe Biden hopes to build 'floor' for China relations, says he will make no fundamental concessions</a>

It is "of course up to them" whether China wants to exert further pressure on North Korea, reiterated Sullivan the US national adviser. However, he added that with North Korea poised to test a nuclear bomb shortly and rapidly expanding its missile capabilities "the operational situation is more acute in the current moment".

International restrictions pushed by the United States have not been able to stop North Korea's expanding arsenal. This year, it conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles that is capable of reaching the US mainland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-us-midterms-north-korea-fires-another-ballistic-missile-532501">North Korea fires another ballistic missile, South identifies salvaged debris as part of Soviet-era weapon</a>

While China and Russia supported tougher UN sanctions after North Korea's most recent nuclear test in 2017, they rejected a US-led effort for more measures in May over the country's resumed ballistic missile launches.

Both nations have been accused by US officials of supporting Pyongyang's missile and bomb programmes by improperly upholding UN Security Council sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards.

As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards. As per an AFP report, during his meeting with the Chinese President Biden will urge him to restrain North Korea's "worst tendencies" and warn the leader that Pyongyang's arms build-up will prompt an "enhanced" US military presence in Asia. Talking to reporters, on Saturday National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that in a Monday meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Biden will tell him that his country has "an interest in playing a constructive role in restraining North Korea's worst tendencies". Watch | WION Fineprint | North Korea insecure about its air force? North Korea plans to resume nuclear bomb testing for the first time since 2017 and as per Reuters the United States is worried and believes China and Russia have the leverage to prevent it. Additionally, Biden will tell Xi that if North Korea "keeps going down this route," it will simply mean an even stronger American military and security presence in the region. The senior US official stated that Biden would not put demands on China, but rather would give Xi "his perspective". Sullivan was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en way to Cambodia for a regional ASEAN meeting this weekend, reports AFP. He added that this is because "North Korea represents a threat not just to the United States, not just to (South Korea) and Japan but to peace and stability across the entire region." Also read | President Joe Biden hopes to build 'floor' for China relations, says he will make no fundamental concessions It is "of course up to them" whether China wants to exert further pressure on North Korea, reiterated Sullivan the US national adviser. However, he added that with North Korea poised to test a nuclear bomb shortly and rapidly expanding its missile capabilities "the operational situation is more acute in the current moment". International restrictions pushed by the United States have not been able to stop North Korea's expanding arsenal. This year, it conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles that is capable of reaching the US mainland. Also read | North Korea fires another ballistic missile, South identifies salvaged debris as part of Soviet-era weapon While China and Russia supported tougher UN sanctions after North Korea's most recent nuclear test in 2017, they rejected a US-led effort for more measures in May over the country's resumed ballistic missile launches. Both nations have been accused by US officials of supporting Pyongyang's missile and bomb programmes by improperly upholding UN Security Council sanctions. (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.

At G20, Biden will ask Xi Jinping to help restrain N.Korea's 'worst tendencies'; won't meet Saudi Prince MBS

North Korea has passed a law that allows it to execute nuclear strikes if enemy forces launch an attack against its leadership, state media has said.

The law passed on Thursday by the North's parliament— Supreme People's Assembly— effectively makes its nuclear-armed status "irreversible" and bars any talks on de-nuclearisation.

"If the command and control system of the national nuclear force is in danger of an attack by hostile forces, a nuclear strike is automatically carried out immediately," the law says, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The law further states that nuclear weapons can be used to protect the country's strategic assets if it is attacked, and bans sharing of nuclear arms or technology with other countries, KCNA reported.

In his speech at the assembly, Kim Jong Un asserted that North Korea will never abandon nuclear weapons and missiles, adding that it needs to counter hostilities from the United States.

He also accused the US of working to weaken the North’s defences and conspiring to dethrone his authoritarian government.

"The utmost significance of legislating nuclear weapons policy is to draw an irretrievable line so that there can be no bargaining over our nuclear weapons," Kim said in a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly, reports Reuters.

North Korea has already declared itself a nuclear weapons state in its constitution, but the new law goes further to enshrine when nuclear weapons can be used, including to respond to an attack, or stop an invasion.

US President Joe Biden has offered to talk to Kim any time, at any place, and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has said his country would provide massive amounts of economic aid if Pyongyang dials down on ramping up its arsenal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has passed a law that allows it to execute nuclear strikes if enemy forces launch an attack against its leadership, state media has said. The law passed on Thursday by the North's parliament— Supreme People's Assembly— effectively makes its nuclear-armed status "irreversible" and bars any talks on de-nuclearisation.

North Korea has passed a law that allows it to execute nuclear strikes if enemy forces launch an attack against its leadership, state media has said. The law passed on Thursday by the North's parliament— Supreme People's Assembly— effectively makes its nuclear-armed status "irreversible" and bars any talks on de-nuclearisation. "If the command and control system of the national nuclear force is in danger of an attack by hostile forces, a nuclear strike is automatically carried out immediately," the law says, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. The law further states that nuclear weapons can be used to protect the country's strategic assets if it is attacked, and bans sharing of nuclear arms or technology with other countries, KCNA reported. In his speech at the assembly, Kim Jong Un asserted that North Korea will never abandon nuclear weapons and missiles, adding that it needs to counter hostilities from the United States. He also accused the US of working to weaken the North’s defences and conspiring to dethrone his authoritarian government. "The utmost significance of legislating nuclear weapons policy is to draw an irretrievable line so that there can be no bargaining over our nuclear weapons," Kim said in a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly, reports Reuters. North Korea has already declared itself a nuclear weapons state in its constitution, but the new law goes further to enshrine when nuclear weapons can be used, including to respond to an attack, or stop an invasion. US President Joe Biden has offered to talk to Kim any time, at any place, and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has said his country would provide massive amounts of economic aid if Pyongyang dials down on ramping up its arsenal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea passes law that makes nuclear status ‘irreversible’; Kim says won’t give up nukes

Amid the war in Ukraine, North Korea has accussed the United States of trying to "establish an Asia-style NATO".

"While blatantly holding joint military exercises with Japan and South Korea, the United States is making a full-fledged move to establish an Asia-style NATO," North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-dark-economy-of-north-korea-490588">Also Read:&nbsp;The dark economy of North Korea</a>

The US and South Korea recently conducted a naval exercise which ended earlier this month. The three-day exercise took place off the Japanese island of Okinawa.

Significantly, US aircraft carriers also took part in the naval exercise as the US Navy's 7th Fleet said it was meant to strengthen the interoperability of the two navies amid tensions between South Korea and North Korea.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea working to include 2nd tunnel at nuclear test site

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The development comes as reports claim North Korea may be preparing to test nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted a number of ballistic missile tests this year including ICBM missile launch.

The United States and South Korea have warned of a swift reply if North Korea conducts a nuclear test. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had the US has&nbsp; "no hostile intent" towards Kim Jong-Un's regime while pursuing a "diplomatic approach".

"This proves the hypocrisy of the US rhetoric of 'diplomatic engagement' and 'dialogue without preconditions', while at the same time revealing again that there is no change in the US ambition to overthrow our system by force," North Korea said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid the war in Ukraine, North Korea has accussed the United States of trying to "establish an Asia-style NATO". "While blatantly holding joint military exercises with Japan and South Korea, the United States is making a full-fledged move to establish an Asia-style NATO," North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Amid the war in Ukraine, North Korea has accussed the United States of trying to "establish an Asia-style NATO". "While blatantly holding joint military exercises with Japan and South Korea, the United States is making a full-fledged move to establish an Asia-style NATO," North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement. Also Read: The dark economy of North Korea The US and South Korea recently conducted a naval exercise which ended earlier this month. The three-day exercise took place off the Japanese island of Okinawa. Significantly, US aircraft carriers also took part in the naval exercise as the US Navy's 7th Fleet said it was meant to strengthen the interoperability of the two navies amid tensions between South Korea and North Korea. Watch: North Korea working to include 2nd tunnel at nuclear test site The development comes as reports claim North Korea may be preparing to test nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted a number of ballistic missile tests this year including ICBM missile launch. The United States and South Korea have warned of a swift reply if North Korea conducts a nuclear test. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had the US has "no hostile intent" towards Kim Jong-Un's regime while pursuing a "diplomatic approach". "This proves the hypocrisy of the US rhetoric of 'diplomatic engagement' and 'dialogue without preconditions', while at the same time revealing again that there is no change in the US ambition to overthrow our system by force," North Korea said. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US moving to establish an Asia-style NATO, says North Korea

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;appears to be expanding work at its nuclear test site to include a second tunnel, a U.S.-based think tank said on Thursday, as South&nbsp;Korean and U.S. officials say&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;might conduct a nuclear test any day.

Preparation work at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility's Tunnel No. 3 was apparently complete and ready for a possible nuclear test, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a report, citing commercial satellite imagery.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;conducted six underground nuclear tests at the site from 2006 to 2017.

The research group said that for the first time, analysts spotted new construction activity at the facility's Tunnel No. 4, "strongly suggesting an effort to re-enable it for potential future testing".

Outside Tunnel No. 3, images showed a retaining wall and some minor landscaping with small trees or bushes, likely in anticipation of a visit by senior officials, it said.

The two tunnels were never previously used for nuclear tests and their entrances were demolished in 2018, when&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;declared a self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons and its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Leader Kim Jong Un has said he is no longer bound by that moratorium because of a lack of reciprocal steps by the United States during denuclearisation talks, and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;resumed testing ICBMs this year.

South&nbsp;Korean officials said this week that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;was poised to conduct a nuclear test "at any time" and that the timing would be decided by Kim.

South&nbsp;Korea's defence ministry spokesman, when asked about the report, said it was closely monitoring developments on&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's nuclear activity together with U.S. intelligence authorities but declined to make any further comment.

South&nbsp;Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said on Monday after talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington that any provocation by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, including a nuclear test, would be met with a united, firm response.

He urged China, for years&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's only major ally, to use its influence.

Park also vowed to work to normalise an intelligence sharing pact with Japan "as soon as possible" to boost their responses to&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

The accord, the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), had been a backbone of trilateral security information sharing by South&nbsp;Korea, the United States and Japan.

But South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;had considered scrapping the pact with Japan in late 2019, during a period of strained ties, before a last-minute decision https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-japan-idUSKBN1XW087 to renew it in the face of U.S. pressure.

South&nbsp;Korean officials have said that since then, intelligence sharing with Japan had not been as smooth as it was before.

North Korea appears to be expanding work at its nuclear test site to include a second tunnel, a U.S.-based think tank said on Thursday, as South Korean and U.S. officials say North Korea might conduct a nuclear test any day.

North Korea appears to be expanding work at its nuclear test site to include a second tunnel, a U.S.-based think tank said on Thursday, as South Korean and U.S. officials say North Korea might conduct a nuclear test any day. Preparation work at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility's Tunnel No. 3 was apparently complete and ready for a possible nuclear test, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a report, citing commercial satellite imagery. North Korea conducted six underground nuclear tests at the site from 2006 to 2017. The research group said that for the first time, analysts spotted new construction activity at the facility's Tunnel No. 4, "strongly suggesting an effort to re-enable it for potential future testing". Outside Tunnel No. 3, images showed a retaining wall and some minor landscaping with small trees or bushes, likely in anticipation of a visit by senior officials, it said. The two tunnels were never previously used for nuclear tests and their entrances were demolished in 2018, when North Korea declared a self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons and its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Leader Kim Jong Un has said he is no longer bound by that moratorium because of a lack of reciprocal steps by the United States during denuclearisation talks, and North Korea resumed testing ICBMs this year. South Korean officials said this week that North Korea was poised to conduct a nuclear test "at any time" and that the timing would be decided by Kim. South Korea's defence ministry spokesman, when asked about the report, said it was closely monitoring developments on North Korea's nuclear activity together with U.S. intelligence authorities but declined to make any further comment. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said on Monday after talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington that any provocation by North Korea, including a nuclear test, would be met with a united, firm response. He urged China, for years North Korea's only major ally, to use its influence. Park also vowed to work to normalise an intelligence sharing pact with Japan "as soon as possible" to boost their responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. The accord, the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), had been a backbone of trilateral security information sharing by South Korea, the United States and Japan. But South Korea had considered scrapping the pact with Japan in late 2019, during a period of strained ties, before a last-minute decision https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-japan-idUSKBN1XW087 to renew it in the face of U.S. pressure. South Korean officials have said that since then, intelligence sharing with Japan had not been as smooth as it was before.

North Korea expands work at nuclear test site to second tunnel: Report

North Korea celebrated the 110th anniversary of the birth of late founder Kim Il Sung on Friday with fireworks, a procession, and an evening gala in Pyongyang's main square, with thousands of people in colourful traditional dress singing and dancing.

North Korea celebrates founder's birthday with dance, music but no military parade

Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country's main nuclear facility, a US-based think-tank said on Thursday.

Analysts at 38 North, a website that monitors North Korea, said commercial satellite imagery from August 6-11 showed how vulnerable the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center`s nuclear reactor cooling systems are to extreme weather events.

The Korean peninsula has been hammered by one of the longest rainy spells in recent history, with floods and landslides causing damage and deaths in both North and South Korea.

Located on the bank of the Kuryong River about 100 km (60 miles) north of North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, Yongbyon is home to nuclear reactors, fuel re-processing plants and uranium enrichment facilities that are thought to be used in the country's nuclear weapons programme.

The five-megawatt reactor - believed to be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium - does not appear to have been operating for some time, and an Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) has not yet come online, but such flooding in the future would likely force a shutdown, the 38 North report said.

"Damage to the pumps and piping within the pump houses presents the biggest vulnerability to the reactors," the report said. "If the reactors were operating, for instance, the inability to cool them would require them to be shut down."

While there was further flooding downstream, it did not appear to reach the Yongbyon facility`s Uranium Enrichment Plant and by August 11 the waters appear to have somewhat receded, 38 North said.

South Korea's Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the report, but said it is always monitoring developments related to North Korea`s nuclear and missile programmes and maintaining close cooperation with the U.S. government.

At a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam in 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered to dismantle&nbsp;Yongbyon in exchange for relief from a range of international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

At the time Trump said he rejected that deal because Yongbyon is only one part of the North's nuclear programme, and was not enough of a concession to warrant loosening so many sanctions.

Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country's main nuclear facility, a US-based think-tank said on Thursday.

Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country's main nuclear facility, a US-based think-tank said on Thursday. Analysts at 38 North, a website that monitors North Korea, said commercial satellite imagery from August 6-11 showed how vulnerable the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center`s nuclear reactor cooling systems are to extreme weather events. The Korean peninsula has been hammered by one of the longest rainy spells in recent history, with floods and landslides causing damage and deaths in both North and South Korea. Located on the bank of the Kuryong River about 100 km (60 miles) north of North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, Yongbyon is home to nuclear reactors, fuel re-processing plants and uranium enrichment facilities that are thought to be used in the country's nuclear weapons programme. The five-megawatt reactor - believed to be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium - does not appear to have been operating for some time, and an Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) has not yet come online, but such flooding in the future would likely force a shutdown, the 38 North report said. "Damage to the pumps and piping within the pump houses presents the biggest vulnerability to the reactors," the report said. "If the reactors were operating, for instance, the inability to cool them would require them to be shut down." While there was further flooding downstream, it did not appear to reach the Yongbyon facility`s Uranium Enrichment Plant and by August 11 the waters appear to have somewhat receded, 38 North said. South Korea's Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the report, but said it is always monitoring developments related to North Korea`s nuclear and missile programmes and maintaining close cooperation with the U.S. government. At a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam in 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered to dismantle Yongbyon in exchange for relief from a range of international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. At the time Trump said he rejected that deal because Yongbyon is only one part of the North's nuclear programme, and was not enough of a concession to warrant loosening so many sanctions.

North Korea nuclear reactor site threatened by recent flooding, US think-tank says

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads.

According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme. The said site is in the village of Wollo-ri near the country's capital city of Pyongyang and has not been previously disclosed to the public.

The facility was first identified in 2015 by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

The public disclosure of yet another previously unidentified North Korean facility again negates President Donald Trump's infamous claim in 2018 that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat.

It also comes as talks between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled.

Additionally, the site appears to contain an underground facility, according to satellite images, though experts acknowledge it is difficult to assess how extensive that facility is.

Satellite photos also reveal consistent vehicle movement at the site, indicating it remains active and has a continuing role in North Korea's nuclear development.

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads. According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme.

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads. According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme. The said site is in the village of Wollo-ri near the country's capital city of Pyongyang and has not been previously disclosed to the public. The facility was first identified in 2015 by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. The public disclosure of yet another previously unidentified North Korean facility again negates President Donald Trump's infamous claim in 2018 that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. It also comes as talks between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled. Additionally, the site appears to contain an underground facility, according to satellite images, though experts acknowledge it is difficult to assess how extensive that facility is. Satellite photos also reveal consistent vehicle movement at the site, indicating it remains active and has a continuing role in North Korea's nuclear development.

New satellite images show activity at suspected North Korean nuclear facility

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve's December policy meeting.

Spot gold was up 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,523.12 per ounce as of 1248 GMT, having touched its highest since Sept. 25 at $1,525.20 on Tuesday. The US&nbsp;gold futures were up 0.2 per cent&nbsp;at $1,525.80.

"We are seeing a bit of a bounce-back&nbsp;in the dollar but if you look at the movements that we saw (in the past few days), it is probably supporting gold in the interim," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam.

The negative correlation between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-snaps-six-day-losing-streak-a-flat-start-for-2020-271653">dollar</a> and bullion is what really propelled gold from $1,480 to $1,520, he said, but further upside in the US&nbsp;currency could put pressure on gold.

Against key rivals, the dollar was up 0.3 per cent&nbsp;this session but was trading not far from the six-month low it touched on Tuesday.

Beijing's decision to ease monetary policy further supported bullion, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sterling-rebounds-on-eve-of-uk-election-267749">Erlam</a> added.

China's central bank on Wednesday said it was cutting the amount of cash that all banks must hold as reserves, releasing funds to shore up the slowing economy.

Bullion prices posted their biggest annual rise in nearly a decade in 2019, boosted by the drawn-out trade war between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-halts-british-stock-link-over-political-tensions-sources-271591">United States and China</a> that dragged on global economic growth.

Many analysts said prices were likely to rise further in 2020, with shaky growth and global stock markets potentially looking unsustainable at record highs.

"A key thing to look out for is stock markets, which have been setting new highs," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "In case there is some correction, we (could) see some capital flows into gold."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Brexit</a>, the US&nbsp;presidential election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">protests in Hong Kong</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-says-north-korea-to-show-new-strategic-weapon-leaves-room-for-talks-271331">tensions with North Korea</a> would be the other key factors for the market this year, he said.

Investor focus has now turned to the minutes of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Federal Reserve's</a> December&nbsp;10-11 policy meeting, due at 1900 GMT on Friday. Lower interest rates encourage the buying of non-interest-paying bullion.

"Friday's US&nbsp;manufacturing ISM and the December <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">Federal Open Market Committee</a> (FOMC) minutes could provide an impulse," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Stephen Innes</a>, a market strategist at AxiTrader said in a note.

Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to $17.92 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.7 per cent&nbsp;to $979.65 and palladium edged up 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,947.37 per ounce.

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US Federal Reserve's December policy meeting.

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US Federal Reserve's December policy meeting. Spot gold was up 0.4 per cent to $1,523.12 per ounce as of 1248 GMT, having touched its highest since Sept. 25 at $1,525.20 on Tuesday. The US gold futures were up 0.2 per cent at $1,525.80. "We are seeing a bit of a bounce-back in the dollar but if you look at the movements that we saw (in the past few days), it is probably supporting gold in the interim," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. The negative correlation between the dollar and bullion is what really propelled gold from $1,480 to $1,520, he said, but further upside in the US currency could put pressure on gold. Against key rivals, the dollar was up 0.3 per cent this session but was trading not far from the six-month low it touched on Tuesday. Beijing's decision to ease monetary policy further supported bullion, Erlam added. China's central bank on Wednesday said it was cutting the amount of cash that all banks must hold as reserves, releasing funds to shore up the slowing economy. Bullion prices posted their biggest annual rise in nearly a decade in 2019, boosted by the drawn-out trade war between the United States and China that dragged on global economic growth. Many analysts said prices were likely to rise further in 2020, with shaky growth and global stock markets potentially looking unsustainable at record highs. "A key thing to look out for is stock markets, which have been setting new highs," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "In case there is some correction, we (could) see some capital flows into gold." Brexit, the US presidential election, protests in Hong Kong and tensions with North Korea would be the other key factors for the market this year, he said. Investor focus has now turned to the minutes of the Federal Reserve's December 10-11 policy meeting, due at 1900 GMT on Friday. Lower interest rates encourage the buying of non-interest-paying bullion. "Friday's US manufacturing ISM and the December Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes could provide an impulse," Stephen Innes, a market strategist at AxiTrader said in a note. Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.5 per cent to $17.92 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.7 per cent to $979.65 and palladium edged up 0.4 per cent to $1,947.37 per ounce.

Gold rises back towards three-month high, markets eye Fed minutes

South&nbsp;Korean and US&nbsp;special forces troops recently conducted drills simulating the infiltration of an enemy facility,&nbsp;as tensions with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;ratchet up ahead of a year-end deadline.

South&nbsp;Korean and US&nbsp;commandos raided the facility and led out a man with his hands tied behind the back during the exercise described as a joint regular close-quarters battle training last month at a US&nbsp;military base in the&nbsp;southwestern&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean city of Gunsan.

A&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean official said the drill was designed as a hostage rescue operation training as part of a counter-terrorism drill conducted quarterly by the allies. The US&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;did not respond to a request for comment.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea rules out Denuclearisation Talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-rules-out-denuclearisation-talks-266890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The rare release of the photos by the US&nbsp;Defense Visual Information Distribution Service comes ahead of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-test-fires-rockets-in-thanksgiving-reminder-of-year-end-deadline-for-us-265157">year-end deadline</a> set by Pyongyang for Washington to soften its stance in stalled talks.

The service is operated by an arm of the US&nbsp;Department of Defence.

South&nbsp;Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper, which first reported the training, said the drills were intended to simulate a scenario to capture North&nbsp;Korean executives. Sources identified a man in military uniforms akin to that of North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;collapse upon a gunshot from one of the commandos, Chosun Ilbo said.

Pyongyang has in the past accused the United States and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;of seeking to topple its regime with "hostile policy", while slamming their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-military-drills-violate-agreement-north-korea-state-media-176737">regular joint military exercises</a> as plots to "decapitate" its leadership and a rehearsal for war.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;under a previous administration had planned to launch a special unit in 2017 tasked with "removing or paralysing" North&nbsp;Korea's top command in the event of a war.

Tension has been growing in recent weeks as North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;conducts a series of weapons tests and waged a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">war of words</a> with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in an apparent bid to underscore its year-end deadline.

Earlier this month, Trump said the United States reserved the right to use military force against North&nbsp;Korea.

General Charles Brown, commander of US&nbsp;Pacific Air Forces, said last week the US&nbsp;military could "dust off pretty quickly and be ready to use" options it had developed during the height of tensions in 2017.

South Korean and US special forces troops recently conducted drills simulating the infiltration of an enemy facility, as tensions with North Korea ratchet up ahead of a year-end deadline.

South Korean and US special forces troops recently conducted drills simulating the infiltration of an enemy facility, as tensions with North Korea ratchet up ahead of a year-end deadline. South Korean and US commandos raided the facility and led out a man with his hands tied behind the back during the exercise described as a joint regular close-quarters battle training last month at a US military base in the southwestern South Korean city of Gunsan. A South Korean official said the drill was designed as a hostage rescue operation training as part of a counter-terrorism drill conducted quarterly by the allies. The US Forces Korea did not respond to a request for comment. Watch: North Korea rules out Denuclearisation Talks The rare release of the photos by the US Defense Visual Information Distribution Service comes ahead of a year-end deadline set by Pyongyang for Washington to soften its stance in stalled talks. The service is operated by an arm of the US Department of Defence. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper, which first reported the training, said the drills were intended to simulate a scenario to capture North Korean executives. Sources identified a man in military uniforms akin to that of North Korea collapse upon a gunshot from one of the commandos, Chosun Ilbo said. Pyongyang has in the past accused the United States and South Korea of seeking to topple its regime with "hostile policy", while slamming their regular joint military exercises as plots to "decapitate" its leadership and a rehearsal for war. South Korea under a previous administration had planned to launch a special unit in 2017 tasked with "removing or paralysing" North Korea's top command in the event of a war. Tension has been growing in recent weeks as North Korea conducts a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US President Donald Trump in an apparent bid to underscore its year-end deadline. Earlier this month, Trump said the United States reserved the right to use military force against North Korea. General Charles Brown, commander of US Pacific Air Forces, said last week the US military could "dust off pretty quickly and be ready to use" options it had developed during the height of tensions in 2017.

South Korea, US commandos practice raiding enemy facility as North Korea tensions rise

US President Donald Trump started a storm on Twitter with a post threatening North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un over his nuclear button comment.

&quot;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the &#39;nuclear button is on his desk at all times.&#39; Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a nuclear button, but it is a much bigger and more powerful one than his, and my Button works!&quot; Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the &ldquo;Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.&rdquo; Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/948355557022420992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This led to questions from users who wanted to know whether Trump&#39;s tweet which raised prospect of nuclear war with North Korea violated Twitter&#39;s revised <a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-rules">terms of service</a>. The new rules put in place by Twitter recently targets violent and hateful content posted on the micro-blogging platform; in order to curb violence, Twitter takes down such tweets and suspends the account too.

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<a href="https://t.co/vYQyvVoDEr">pic.twitter.com/vYQyvVoDEr</a>
&mdash; amy brown (@arb) <a href="https://twitter.com/arb/status/948362687360090112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/6gq9ROMPpx">pic.twitter.com/6gq9ROMPpx</a>
&mdash; Camille Fournier (@skamille) <a href="https://twitter.com/skamille/status/948375452275666944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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But much to the surprise of users, Twitter sent them replies on email saying Trump&#39;s post did not violate &quot;Twitter Rules against abusive behavior.&quot;

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that was fast <a href="https://t.co/E7KmG5wPs7">pic.twitter.com/E7KmG5wPs7</a>
&mdash; amy brown (@arb) <a href="https://twitter.com/arb/status/948363265377210369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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They didn&#39;t even pretend to care about this one <a href="https://t.co/7YMhLfIrXO">pic.twitter.com/7YMhLfIrXO</a>
&mdash; Camille Fournier (@skamille) <a href="https://twitter.com/skamille/status/948376571756318721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The White House too has defended President Trump&#39;s tweet directed at the North Korean leader, saying it was not &#39;taunting&#39;.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said what the American public should be concerned about is the mental fitness of the North Korean leader, not Trump.

&quot;I don&#39;t think that it&#39;s taunting to stand up for the people of this country,&quot; Sanders said.

Trump and Kim have exchanged insults in recent months, raising alarm worldwide, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

The new rules put in place by Twitter recently targets violent and hateful content posted on the micro-blogging platform.

US President Donald Trump started a storm on Twitter with a post threatening North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un over his nuclear button comment. "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'nuclear button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a nuclear button, but it is a much bigger and more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump tweeted on Tuesday. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 × This led to questions from users who wanted to know whether Trump's tweet which raised prospect of nuclear war with North Korea violated Twitter's revised terms of service. The new rules put in place by Twitter recently targets violent and hateful content posted on the micro-blogging platform; in order to curb violence, Twitter takes down such tweets and suspends the account too. pic.twitter.com/vYQyvVoDEr — amy brown (@arb) January 3, 2018 × pic.twitter.com/6gq9ROMPpx — Camille Fournier (@skamille) January 3, 2018 × But much to the surprise of users, Twitter sent them replies on email saying Trump's post did not violate "Twitter Rules against abusive behavior." that was fast pic.twitter.com/E7KmG5wPs7 — amy brown (@arb) January 3, 2018 × They didn't even pretend to care about this one pic.twitter.com/7YMhLfIrXO — Camille Fournier (@skamille) January 3, 2018 × The White House too has defended President Trump's tweet directed at the North Korean leader, saying it was not 'taunting'. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said what the American public should be concerned about is the mental fitness of the North Korean leader, not Trump. "I don't think that it's taunting to stand up for the people of this country," Sanders said. Trump and Kim have exchanged insults in recent months, raising alarm worldwide, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

Users say Trump's North Korea tweet threatens nuclear war, ban him; Twitter says no

North Korea held mass celebrations for its latest successful long-range missile test, Pyongyang&#39;s state media said Saturday, with a propaganda-filled display of fireworks and dancing in public squares.

The ruling Workers Party official daily Rodong Sinmun covered its front page with colour photographs showing thousands of tightly packed soldiers and people applauding in Pyongyang&#39;s Kim Il-Sung square, which was decorated with large portraits of the North&#39;s late leaders.&nbsp;

&quot;We heartily celebrate the successful test launch of the Hwasong-15 which showed Chosun (North Korea)&#39;s power and greatness to the whole world&quot;, read one banner held up by the crowd, referring to the missile.&nbsp;

North Korea on Wednesday successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong-Un declaring his country had now achieved full nuclear statehood.

The US in response warned that Kim Jong-Un&#39;s regime would be &quot;utterly destroyed&quot; if its pursuit of a long-range nuclear missile arsenal provokes a military clash, and has battled to maintain international solidarity in the face of North Korea&#39;s nuclear threat.

Kim himself was absent from the celebrations -- he usually stays away from such events -- but Friday&#39;s gathering drew key military, party and government leaders.

&quot;Long Live the General Kim Jong-Un who has brought us the great historic cause of nuclear statehood&quot;, another banner read.

Vice Chairman Pak Kwang-Ho of the party&#39;s decision-making Central Committee told the crowd that, after Wednesday&#39;s test launch, &quot;now no one can infringe our sovereignty and rights to survive and develop&quot;, according to the daily.

He said that the United States had been &quot;jolted&quot; at the strengthening of North Korea&#39;s nuclear force and could attempt to commit &quot;robber-like&quot; provocative acts.&nbsp;

He repeated Kim&#39;s warning that the North would respond with the &quot;highest level of hard-line countermeasure in history&quot;.

Kim first made the threat in September in response to US President Donald Trump&#39;s UN speech threatening to destroy the North and mocking him as &quot;Little Rocket Man&quot;.

The ICBM Hwasong-15 type weaponry system used in Wednesday&#39;s test is an intercontinental ballistic rocket tipped with super-large heavy warhead capable of striking the whole mainland of the US, the North said.

But analysts remain unconvinced that the North has mastered the technology required to launch and direct a missile, and ensure it survives the difficult re-entry into the Earth&#39;s atmosphere.

Tensions are expected to rise further in the coming week as South Korea and the United States launch a massive air force drill mobilising some 230 aircraft including six US F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters.

North Korea on Wednesday successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong-Un declaring his country had now achieved full nuclear statehood

North Korea held mass celebrations for its latest successful long-range missile test, Pyongyang's state media said Saturday, with a propaganda-filled display of fireworks and dancing in public squares. The ruling Workers Party official daily Rodong Sinmun covered its front page with colour photographs showing thousands of tightly packed soldiers and people applauding in Pyongyang's Kim Il-Sung square, which was decorated with large portraits of the North's late leaders. "We heartily celebrate the successful test launch of the Hwasong-15 which showed Chosun (North Korea)'s power and greatness to the whole world", read one banner held up by the crowd, referring to the missile. North Korea on Wednesday successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong-Un declaring his country had now achieved full nuclear statehood. The US in response warned that Kim Jong-Un's regime would be "utterly destroyed" if its pursuit of a long-range nuclear missile arsenal provokes a military clash, and has battled to maintain international solidarity in the face of North Korea's nuclear threat. Kim himself was absent from the celebrations -- he usually stays away from such events -- but Friday's gathering drew key military, party and government leaders. "Long Live the General Kim Jong-Un who has brought us the great historic cause of nuclear statehood", another banner read. Vice Chairman Pak Kwang-Ho of the party's decision-making Central Committee told the crowd that, after Wednesday's test launch, "now no one can infringe our sovereignty and rights to survive and develop", according to the daily. He said that the United States had been "jolted" at the strengthening of North Korea's nuclear force and could attempt to commit "robber-like" provocative acts. He repeated Kim's warning that the North would respond with the "highest level of hard-line countermeasure in history". Kim first made the threat in September in response to US President Donald Trump's UN speech threatening to destroy the North and mocking him as "Little Rocket Man". The ICBM Hwasong-15 type weaponry system used in Wednesday's test is an intercontinental ballistic rocket tipped with super-large heavy warhead capable of striking the whole mainland of the US, the North said. But analysts remain unconvinced that the North has mastered the technology required to launch and direct a missile, and ensure it survives the difficult re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Tensions are expected to rise further in the coming week as South Korea and the United States launch a massive air force drill mobilising some 230 aircraft including six US F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters.

North Korea holds mass celebrations for latest missile test

The United States said on Saturday it was directly communicating with North Korea on its nuclear and missile programs but Pyongyang had shown no interest in dialogue.

The disclosure by US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a trip to China represented the first time he has spoken to such an extent about US&nbsp;outreach to North Korea over its pursuit of a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile.

&quot;We are probing so stay tuned,&quot; Tillerson told a group of reporters in Beijing.

&quot;We ask: &#39;Would you like to talk?&#39; We have lines of communications to Pyongyang. We&#39;re not in a dark situation, a blackout.&quot;

He said that communication was happening directly and cited two or three US&nbsp;channels open to Pyongyang.

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<h5>We can talk to them. We do talk to them,&#39; Tillerson said, without elaborating about which Americans were involved in those contacts or how frequent or substantive they were</h5>
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&quot;We can talk to them. We do talk to them,&quot; he said, without elaborating about which Americans were involved in those contacts or how frequent or substantive they were.

The goal of any initial dialogue would be simple: finding out directly from North Korea what it wants to discuss.

&quot;We haven&#39;t even gotten that far yet,&quot; he said.

Trying to tamp down expectations, the State Department said later there were no signs Pyongyang was interested in talks.

&quot;North Korean officials have shown no indication that they are interested in or are ready for talks regarding denuclearization,&quot; department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Tillerson previously had offered little detail about US&nbsp;outreach. On September 20, he acknowledged only &quot;very, very limited&quot; contact with Pyongyang&#39;s UN&nbsp;envoy.

When asked about Tillerson&#39;s assertion and what communication there might be between Pyongyang and Washington, a spokesman for the North Korean mission to the United Nations said he &quot;can&#39;t go further into detail.&quot;

Overheated situation

Tillerson&#39;s remarks followed a day of meetings in Beijing, which has been alarmed by recent exchanges of war-like threats and personal insults between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

&quot;I think the whole situation&#39;s a bit overheated right now,&quot; Tillerson said. &quot;I think everyone would like for it to calm down.

&quot;Obviously it would help if North Korea would stop firing off missiles. That&#39;d calm things down a lot.&quot;

South Korean officials have voiced concerns that North Korea could conduct more provocative acts near the anniversary of the founding of its communist party on October 10, or possibly when China holds its Communist Party Congress on October 18.

North Korea is fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US&nbsp;mainland. It conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 3 and has threatened to test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific.

US&nbsp;officials including Tillerson say Beijing, after long accounting for some 90 per cent of North Korea&#39;s foreign trade, appears increasingly willing to cut ties to its neighbor&#39;s economy by adopting U.N. sanctions.

Tillerson said China&#39;s more assertive posture was due to its realization that North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile capabilities had advanced too far.

&quot;I think they also have a sense that we&#39;re beginning to run out of time and that we really have to change the dynamic,&quot; Tillerson said.

The goal of the sanctions would be getting North Korea&#39;s Kim to view nuclear weapons as a liability, not a strength.

Still, the US&nbsp;intelligence community does not believe Kim is likely to give up his weapons program willingly, regardless of sanctions.

&quot;(Tillerson&#39;s) working against the unified view of our intelligence agencies, which say there&#39;s no amount of pressure that can be put on them to stop,&quot; Senator Bob Corker told a hearing at the chamber on Thursday.

Kim sees nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles as &quot;his ticket to survival,&quot; Corker said.

Tillerson agreed that Kim&#39;s nuclear and missile programs were aimed at ensuring his own security, and renewed assurances that the United States did not seek to topple Kim&#39;s government.

&quot;Look, our objective is denuclearization (of North Korea),&quot; he said. &quot;Our objective is not to get rid of you. Our objective is not to collapse your regime.&quot;

Incremental steps

It is unclear how and when any actual negotiations with Pyongyang might be possible.

White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster said on Monday there were no set preconditions for talks. He added, however, that Pyongyang&#39;s capabilities were too far advanced to simply freeze its program in return for concessions.

He also dismissed the idea of negotiating with Pyongyang even as it continued to develop its nuclear weapons program.

Tillerson in March suggested the United States would only engage North Korea in negotiations once it gave up nuclear weapons.

But he acknowledged on Saturday that denuclearization would be an &quot;incremental process.&quot;

&quot;You&#39;d be foolish to think you&rsquo;re going to sit down and say: OK, done. Nuclear weapons, gone. This is going to be a process of engagement with North Korea,&quot; he said.

Trump, who is due to visit China in November, has called for it to do more regarding North Korea and has promised to take steps to rebalance a trade relationship that his administration says puts US&nbsp;businesses at a disadvantage.

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not mention North Korea in his opening remarks while meeting Tillerson on Saturday. He instead offered warm words about Trump, saying he expected the US&nbsp;president&#39;s visit to be &quot;wonderful.&quot;

&quot;The two of us have also maintained a good working relationship and personal friendship,&quot; Xi said in comments in front of reporters.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said communication with North Korea was happening directly and cited two or three US?channels open to Pyongyang

The United States said on Saturday it was directly communicating with North Korea on its nuclear and missile programs but Pyongyang had shown no interest in dialogue. The disclosure by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a trip to China represented the first time he has spoken to such an extent about US outreach to North Korea over its pursuit of a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile. "We are probing so stay tuned," Tillerson told a group of reporters in Beijing. "We ask: 'Would you like to talk?' We have lines of communications to Pyongyang. We're not in a dark situation, a blackout." He said that communication was happening directly and cited two or three US channels open to Pyongyang. We can talk to them. We do talk to them,' Tillerson said, without elaborating about which Americans were involved in those contacts or how frequent or substantive they were × "We can talk to them. We do talk to them," he said, without elaborating about which Americans were involved in those contacts or how frequent or substantive they were. The goal of any initial dialogue would be simple: finding out directly from North Korea what it wants to discuss. "We haven't even gotten that far yet," he said. Trying to tamp down expectations, the State Department said later there were no signs Pyongyang was interested in talks. "North Korean officials have shown no indication that they are interested in or are ready for talks regarding denuclearization," department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. Tillerson previously had offered little detail about US outreach. On September 20, he acknowledged only "very, very limited" contact with Pyongyang's UN envoy. When asked about Tillerson's assertion and what communication there might be between Pyongyang and Washington, a spokesman for the North Korean mission to the United Nations said he "can't go further into detail." Overheated situation Tillerson's remarks followed a day of meetings in Beijing, which has been alarmed by recent exchanges of war-like threats and personal insults between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. "I think the whole situation's a bit overheated right now," Tillerson said. "I think everyone would like for it to calm down. "Obviously it would help if North Korea would stop firing off missiles. That'd calm things down a lot." South Korean officials have voiced concerns that North Korea could conduct more provocative acts near the anniversary of the founding of its communist party on October 10, or possibly when China holds its Communist Party Congress on October 18. North Korea is fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. It conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 3 and has threatened to test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific. US officials including Tillerson say Beijing, after long accounting for some 90 per cent of North Korea's foreign trade, appears increasingly willing to cut ties to its neighbor's economy by adopting U.N. sanctions. Tillerson said China's more assertive posture was due to its realization that North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities had advanced too far. "I think they also have a sense that we're beginning to run out of time and that we really have to change the dynamic," Tillerson said. The goal of the sanctions would be getting North Korea's Kim to view nuclear weapons as a liability, not a strength. Still, the US intelligence community does not believe Kim is likely to give up his weapons program willingly, regardless of sanctions. "(Tillerson's) working against the unified view of our intelligence agencies, which say there's no amount of pressure that can be put on them to stop," Senator Bob Corker told a hearing at the chamber on Thursday. Kim sees nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles as "his ticket to survival," Corker said. Tillerson agreed that Kim's nuclear and missile programs were aimed at ensuring his own security, and renewed assurances that the United States did not seek to topple Kim's government. "Look, our objective is denuclearization (of North Korea)," he said. "Our objective is not to get rid of you. Our objective is not to collapse your regime." Incremental steps It is unclear how and when any actual negotiations with Pyongyang might be possible. White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster said on Monday there were no set preconditions for talks. He added, however, that Pyongyang's capabilities were too far advanced to simply freeze its program in return for concessions. He also dismissed the idea of negotiating with Pyongyang even as it continued to develop its nuclear weapons program. Tillerson in March suggested the United States would only engage North Korea in negotiations once it gave up nuclear weapons. But he acknowledged on Saturday that denuclearization would be an "incremental process." "You'd be foolish to think you’re going to sit down and say: OK, done. Nuclear weapons, gone. This is going to be a process of engagement with North Korea," he said. Trump, who is due to visit China in November, has called for it to do more regarding North Korea and has promised to take steps to rebalance a trade relationship that his administration says puts US businesses at a disadvantage. Chinese President Xi Jinping did not mention North Korea in his opening remarks while meeting Tillerson on Saturday. He instead offered warm words about Trump, saying he expected the US president's visit to be "wonderful." "The two of us have also maintained a good working relationship and personal friendship," Xi said in comments in front of reporters.

US says it's talking directly to North Korea which has shown no interest in dialogue

Hundreds of residents of a small Japanese coastal town took part in an evacuation drill Sunday as fears grow that a North Korean missile could hit the country.&nbsp;

The drill in the town of Abu, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) west of Tokyo facing the Sea of Japan, simulated a ballistic missile attack in the surrounding mountains in Yamaguchi prefecture which hosts a major US Marine Corps air station, a disaster agency official said.

It came less than a week after the nuclear-armed North test-fired a short-range projectile which fell provocatively close to Japan, its 12th ballistic missile test this year --&nbsp;in defiance of UN sanctions warnings and US threats of possible military action.

TV footage from Abu showed young children holding hands as they ran to a school gymnasium doubling as an evacuation centre after a siren began blaring early Sunday.

&quot;I was able to stay calm and evacuated in a few minutes,&quot; 67-year-old Yuriko Suewaka, who was among the 280 people involved in the exercise, told Jiji Press.

The drill, organised by central and local authorities, followed a similar exercise in March in the northern &nbsp;prefecture of Akita.

There are plans to conduct drills later this month in Yamagata and Niigata, north of Tokyo, both of which face the Sea of Japan, the official said.

&quot;The government has requested local communities to prepare for the holding of an evacuation drill,&quot; he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The southwestern city of Onojo in Fukuoka prefecture also held a drill on Sunday, independently from the central government, the official added.

Japan has been on edge over North Korean launches since a mid-range ballistic missile flew without warning over the northern part of the country and into the western Pacific in 1998.

The pace of the North&#39;s missile development has intensified and its projectiles have since last year been landing ever closer to Japan&#39;s coast.

(AFP)

Hundreds of residents in the small town of Abu, 800 kilometres from Tokyo, took part in the exercise

Hundreds of residents of a small Japanese coastal town took part in an evacuation drill Sunday as fears grow that a North Korean missile could hit the country. The drill in the town of Abu, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) west of Tokyo facing the Sea of Japan, simulated a ballistic missile attack in the surrounding mountains in Yamaguchi prefecture which hosts a major US Marine Corps air station, a disaster agency official said. It came less than a week after the nuclear-armed North test-fired a short-range projectile which fell provocatively close to Japan, its 12th ballistic missile test this year -- in defiance of UN sanctions warnings and US threats of possible military action. TV footage from Abu showed young children holding hands as they ran to a school gymnasium doubling as an evacuation centre after a siren began blaring early Sunday. "I was able to stay calm and evacuated in a few minutes," 67-year-old Yuriko Suewaka, who was among the 280 people involved in the exercise, told Jiji Press. The drill, organised by central and local authorities, followed a similar exercise in March in the northern prefecture of Akita. There are plans to conduct drills later this month in Yamagata and Niigata, north of Tokyo, both of which face the Sea of Japan, the official said. "The government has requested local communities to prepare for the holding of an evacuation drill," he told AFP on condition of anonymity. The southwestern city of Onojo in Fukuoka prefecture also held a drill on Sunday, independently from the central government, the official added. Japan has been on edge over North Korean launches since a mid-range ballistic missile flew without warning over the northern part of the country and into the western Pacific in 1998. The pace of the North's missile development has intensified and its projectiles have since last year been landing ever closer to Japan's coast. (AFP)

Japan starts evacuation drill amid fears of North Korea attack

The US military said Tuesday it had intercepted a mock-up of an intercontinental ballistic missile in a first-of-its-kind test that comes amid concerns over North Korea&#39;s weapons program.

A ground-based interceptor launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California &quot;successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target&quot; fired from the Reagan Test Site in the Marshall Islands, the military said in a statement.

&quot;This system is vitally important to the defense of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat,&quot; Vice Admiral Jim Syring, director of the US Missile Defense Agency, was quoted as saying.

The exercise aimed to check the performance of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which has had a checkered record in previous tests.

Though it succeeded in the last test in 2014, it failed during the three prior attempts against slower-moving, non-ICBM missiles.

&quot;The intercept of a complex, threat-representative ICBM target is an incredible accomplishment for the GMD system and a critical milestone for this program,&quot; said Syring.

The success of Tuesday&#39;s test marks a key step for the US military&#39;s effort to establish an effective -- though limited -- ground-based defense against ICBMs.&nbsp;

It comes a day after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile, the latest in a series of launches that have ratcheted up tensions over Pyongyang&#39;s quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis had said the test was not timed specifically in response to tensions with Pyongyang but that &quot;in a broad sense, North Korea is one of the reasons why we have this capability.&quot;

The technology behind the GMD is extremely complex, and the system uses globally deployed sensors to detect and track ballistic missile threats.&nbsp;

In a move that the Pentagon says is akin to hitting a bullet with another bullet -- though at far higher speeds -- the missile launches into space, then deploys an &quot;Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle&quot; that uses kinetic energy to destroy the incoming target.

&quot;Initial indications are that the test met its primary objective, but program officials will continue to evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test,&quot; said the US military statement.

The missile defense system will comprise 44 interceptors by the end of the year, so it could thwart an attack from a rogue state or a volley of rockets.

But the interceptors, based in California and Alaska, would be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from countries like Russia or China, which could fire dozens of missiles at a time.

(AFP)

The test comes amid concerns over North Korea's nuclear programme

The US military said Tuesday it had intercepted a mock-up of an intercontinental ballistic missile in a first-of-its-kind test that comes amid concerns over North Korea's weapons program. A ground-based interceptor launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California "successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target" fired from the Reagan Test Site in the Marshall Islands, the military said in a statement. "This system is vitally important to the defense of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat," Vice Admiral Jim Syring, director of the US Missile Defense Agency, was quoted as saying. The exercise aimed to check the performance of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which has had a checkered record in previous tests. Though it succeeded in the last test in 2014, it failed during the three prior attempts against slower-moving, non-ICBM missiles. "The intercept of a complex, threat-representative ICBM target is an incredible accomplishment for the GMD system and a critical milestone for this program," said Syring. The success of Tuesday's test marks a key step for the US military's effort to establish an effective -- though limited -- ground-based defense against ICBMs. It comes a day after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile, the latest in a series of launches that have ratcheted up tensions over Pyongyang's quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States. Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis had said the test was not timed specifically in response to tensions with Pyongyang but that "in a broad sense, North Korea is one of the reasons why we have this capability." The technology behind the GMD is extremely complex, and the system uses globally deployed sensors to detect and track ballistic missile threats. In a move that the Pentagon says is akin to hitting a bullet with another bullet -- though at far higher speeds -- the missile launches into space, then deploys an "Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle" that uses kinetic energy to destroy the incoming target. "Initial indications are that the test met its primary objective, but program officials will continue to evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test," said the US military statement. The missile defense system will comprise 44 interceptors by the end of the year, so it could thwart an attack from a rogue state or a volley of rockets. But the interceptors, based in California and Alaska, would be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from countries like Russia or China, which could fire dozens of missiles at a time. (AFP)

US successfully tests rocket that can intercept ICBM

A foreign-funded university in North Korea confirmed Monday the arrest of a US citizen -- the second person linked to the school held in two weeks amid tensions on the peninsula.

The detention of Kim Hak-Song means that the North is now holding four US citizens, with the two countries at loggerheads over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear and missile ambitions.

The North detained Kim on Saturday for &quot;hostile acts&quot;, the official KCNA news agency said Sunday, adding he had worked for the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST).

The school -- founded by evangelical Christians from overseas and opened in 2010 -- is known to have a number of American faculty members. Students are generally the children of the country&#39;s elite.

PUST confirmed Kim&#39;s arrest, saying he was detained as he was about to leave the country after a visit of several weeks.

&quot;During that visit, Mr Kim was at PUST to do agricultural development work with PUST&#39;s experimental farm,&quot; it said in a statement.

It did not comment on the reason for Kim&#39;s arrest but said it was &quot;not connected in any way with the work of PUST.&quot;

Two weeks ago the North arrested Tony Kim, a US citizen and accounting professor who was lecturing at PUST, accusing him of trying to &quot;overturn&quot; the regime.

Little is known about Kim Hak-Song. &nbsp;

The arrests of two Americans in such a short span of time comes as Pyongyang exchanges hostile rhetoric with the US over its banned missile and nuclear weapons programmes.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has carried out two nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches since the beginning of last year in its quest to build a rocket capable of delivering an atomic warhead to the US mainland.&nbsp;

Washington has suggested military action could be on the table but President Donald Trump has has softened his message more recently, saying he would be &quot;honoured&quot; to meet the North&#39;s young leader, Kim Jong-Un.&nbsp;

The four American citizens held in the North also include college student Otto Warmbier and Korean-American pastor Kim Dong-Chul, who received lengthy jail terms for &quot;crimes against the state&quot; and spying, respectively.

The North has occasionally jailed US citizens and released them only after visits by high-profile political figures including former president Bill Clinton.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The detention of Kim Hak-Song means that the North is now holding four US citizens

A foreign-funded university in North Korea confirmed Monday the arrest of a US citizen -- the second person linked to the school held in two weeks amid tensions on the peninsula. The detention of Kim Hak-Song means that the North is now holding four US citizens, with the two countries at loggerheads over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile ambitions. The North detained Kim on Saturday for "hostile acts", the official KCNA news agency said Sunday, adding he had worked for the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST). The school -- founded by evangelical Christians from overseas and opened in 2010 -- is known to have a number of American faculty members. Students are generally the children of the country's elite. PUST confirmed Kim's arrest, saying he was detained as he was about to leave the country after a visit of several weeks. "During that visit, Mr Kim was at PUST to do agricultural development work with PUST's experimental farm," it said in a statement. It did not comment on the reason for Kim's arrest but said it was "not connected in any way with the work of PUST." Two weeks ago the North arrested Tony Kim, a US citizen and accounting professor who was lecturing at PUST, accusing him of trying to "overturn" the regime. Little is known about Kim Hak-Song. The arrests of two Americans in such a short span of time comes as Pyongyang exchanges hostile rhetoric with the US over its banned missile and nuclear weapons programmes. Pyongyang has carried out two nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches since the beginning of last year in its quest to build a rocket capable of delivering an atomic warhead to the US mainland. Washington has suggested military action could be on the table but President Donald Trump has has softened his message more recently, saying he would be "honoured" to meet the North's young leader, Kim Jong-Un. The four American citizens held in the North also include college student Otto Warmbier and Korean-American pastor Kim Dong-Chul, who received lengthy jail terms for "crimes against the state" and spying, respectively. The North has occasionally jailed US citizens and released them only after visits by high-profile political figures including former president Bill Clinton. (AFP)

North Korea arrests another US citizens amid tensions in flashpoint region

&nbsp;The US&nbsp;House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday to tighten&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;by targeting its shipping industry and companies that do business with the reclusive state.

The vote was 419 to 1.

Supporters said the legislation was intended to send a strong message to&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, amid international concern over the escalation of its nuclear programme.

The measure would have to be approved by the Senate before it could be sent to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign into law.

Although legislation addressing&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been introduced in the Senate, there was no immediate word on when or if the Senate might take up a bill.

Any new US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;would likely affect China, the&nbsp;North&#39;s most important trade partner.

While China has been angered by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile tests, it has signed up for increasingly tough UN&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against it, and says it is committed to enforcing them.

Asked about the latest US&nbsp;legislation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated that China opposed other countries using their own domestic law to impose unilateralsanctions.

With the situation tense on the&nbsp;Korean Peninsula, all sides need to exercise restraint and not irritate each other to avoid the situation worsening, he said.

(Reuters)

The US House of Representatives approved a legislation targeting shipping industry and companies that do business with the reclusive state

The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday to tighten sanctions on North Korea by targeting its shipping industry and companies that do business with the reclusive state. The vote was 419 to 1. Supporters said the legislation was intended to send a strong message to North Korea, amid international concern over the escalation of its nuclear programme. The measure would have to be approved by the Senate before it could be sent to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign into law. Although legislation addressing North Korea has been introduced in the Senate, there was no immediate word on when or if the Senate might take up a bill. Any new US sanctions against North Korea would likely affect China, the North's most important trade partner. While China has been angered by North Korea's nuclear and missile tests, it has signed up for increasingly tough UN sanctions against it, and says it is committed to enforcing them. Asked about the latest US legislation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated that China opposed other countries using their own domestic law to impose unilateralsanctions. With the situation tense on the Korean Peninsula, all sides need to exercise restraint and not irritate each other to avoid the situation worsening, he said. (Reuters)

US House tightens sanctions on nuclear-armed North Korea

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