A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said.

Because of good behavior and time served, the soldier was released, according to the lawyer.

Travis King was facing 14 charges related to him fleeing across the border from South Korea into the North in July 2023 while on a sightseeing tour of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, and prior incidents.

But he pleaded guilty to just five -- desertion, assault on a noncommissioned officer, and three counts of disobeying an officer -- as part of a deal that was accepted on Friday by a military judge.

"The judge, under the terms of the plea deal, sentenced Travis to one year of confinement, reduction in rank to private (E-1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonourable discharge," a statement from King's attorney Franklin Rosenblatt said.

"With time already served and credit for good behavior, Travis is now free and will return home," the statement said.

"Travis King has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and struggles with mental health," Rosenblatt said. "All these factors have compounded the hardships he faced in the military."

In a statement, the US Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed King's guilty plea as part of a deal and said that "pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, all other charges and specifications were dismissed."

"The outcome of today's court martial is a fair and just result that reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed by Pvt. King," prosecutor Major Allyson Montgomery said in the statement.

At the time of the incident, King had been stationed in South Korea, and after a drunken bar fight and a stay in South Korean jail, he was supposed to fly back to Texas to face disciplinary hearings.

Instead of doing so, he walked out of the Seoul-area airport, joined a DMZ sightseeing trip and slipped over the fortified border where he was detained by the communist North's authorities.

Pyongyang had said that King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US Army."

But after completing its investigation, North Korea "decided to expel" King in September for illegally intruding into its territory.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said.

A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said. Because of good behavior and time served, the soldier was released, according to the lawyer. Travis King was facing 14 charges related to him fleeing across the border from South Korea into the North in July 2023 while on a sightseeing tour of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, and prior incidents. But he pleaded guilty to just five -- desertion, assault on a noncommissioned officer, and three counts of disobeying an officer -- as part of a deal that was accepted on Friday by a military judge. "The judge, under the terms of the plea deal, sentenced Travis to one year of confinement, reduction in rank to private (E-1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonourable discharge," a statement from King's attorney Franklin Rosenblatt said. "With time already served and credit for good behavior, Travis is now free and will return home," the statement said. "Travis King has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and struggles with mental health," Rosenblatt said. "All these factors have compounded the hardships he faced in the military." In a statement, the US Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed King's guilty plea as part of a deal and said that "pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, all other charges and specifications were dismissed." "The outcome of today's court martial is a fair and just result that reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed by Pvt. King," prosecutor Major Allyson Montgomery said in the statement. At the time of the incident, King had been stationed in South Korea, and after a drunken bar fight and a stay in South Korean jail, he was supposed to fly back to Texas to face disciplinary hearings. Instead of doing so, he walked out of the Seoul-area airport, joined a DMZ sightseeing trip and slipped over the fortified border where he was detained by the communist North's authorities. Pyongyang had said that King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US Army." But after completing its investigation, North Korea "decided to expel" King in September for illegally intruding into its territory. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US soldier Travis King who entered North Korea pleads guilty to desertion, receives one-year sentence

Travis King, the United States soldier who made headlines for spending months in North Korea detention, has been charged with desertion.

As per a Reuters report, the 23-year-old soldier has also been hit with other charges, like assault against fellow soldiers and solicitation of child pornography.

<h2>Charges against the soldier</h2>

The US Army has hit Travis King with eight distinct charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Reuters reports that the Army chargesheet accuses King of broad misconduct, including an attempt to escape US custody in October 2022.

Additionally, he has been accused of soliciting a Snapchat user to "knowingly and willingly produce child pornography" in July 2023. King has also been charged with possession of child pornography.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-detained-american-soldier-was-seeking-refuge-from-inhuman-treatment-in-us-army-625863">North Korea claims detained American soldier was seeking refuge from inhuman treatment in US Army</a>

Furthermore, insubordination for leaving the base after hours and drinking alcohol in violation of army regulations are among the charges against King.

He has also been charged with desertion. The army said that King left the Army in South Korea with the intention of staying away permanently, "and did remain so absent in desertion until on or about 27 September 2023."

<h2>'Presumption of innocence'</h2>

In a statement expressing her unconditional love, the soldier's mother, Claudine Gates, asked that her son "be afforded the presumption of innocence."

"The man I raised, the man I dropped off at boot camp, the man who spent the holidays with me before deploying did not drink," said Gates.&nbsp;

"A mother knows her son, and I believe something happened to mine while he was deployed. The Army promised to investigate what happened at Camp Humphreys, and I await the results," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-committed-to-bring-home-american-soldier-travis-king-from-north-korea-626214">US says committed to 'bring home' American soldier Travis King from North Korea</a>

The charges come less than a month after King's release from North Korean custody. On September 28, he returned to the US after weeks of negotiations, and with the Swedish government's help.

For weeks, the army has deferred questions regarding potential disciplinary action against King. Instead, it said that their priority was ensuring that King received proper care after spending two months in detention.

<h2>Who is King?</h2>

Twenty-three-year-old King enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, and was assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, reports Reuters.

However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea, and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle.&nbsp;

This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, instead, King "wilfully and without authorisation" crossed the border at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Travis King, the United States soldier who made headlines for spending months in North Korea detention, has been charged with desertion. As per a Reuters report, the 23-year-old soldier has also been hit with other charges, like assault against fellow soldiers and solicitation of child pornography.

Travis King, the United States soldier who made headlines for spending months in North Korea detention, has been charged with desertion. As per a Reuters report, the 23-year-old soldier has also been hit with other charges, like assault against fellow soldiers and solicitation of child pornography. Charges against the soldier The US Army has hit Travis King with eight distinct charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Reuters reports that the Army chargesheet accuses King of broad misconduct, including an attempt to escape US custody in October 2022. Additionally, he has been accused of soliciting a Snapchat user to "knowingly and willingly produce child pornography" in July 2023. King has also been charged with possession of child pornography. Also read | North Korea claims detained American soldier was seeking refuge from inhuman treatment in US Army Furthermore, insubordination for leaving the base after hours and drinking alcohol in violation of army regulations are among the charges against King. He has also been charged with desertion. The army said that King left the Army in South Korea with the intention of staying away permanently, "and did remain so absent in desertion until on or about 27 September 2023." 'Presumption of innocence' In a statement expressing her unconditional love, the soldier's mother, Claudine Gates, asked that her son "be afforded the presumption of innocence." "The man I raised, the man I dropped off at boot camp, the man who spent the holidays with me before deploying did not drink," said Gates. "A mother knows her son, and I believe something happened to mine while he was deployed. The Army promised to investigate what happened at Camp Humphreys, and I await the results," she added. Also read | US says committed to 'bring home' American soldier Travis King from North Korea The charges come less than a month after King's release from North Korean custody. On September 28, he returned to the US after weeks of negotiations, and with the Swedish government's help. For weeks, the army has deferred questions regarding potential disciplinary action against King. Instead, it said that their priority was ensuring that King received proper care after spending two months in detention. Who is King? Twenty-three-year-old King enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, and was assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, reports Reuters. However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea, and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle. This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, instead, King "wilfully and without authorisation" crossed the border at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea. (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.

US Army accuses Travis King of desertion, solicitation of child pornography, among other charges

North Korea's state media reports claim that detained US soldier Travis King crossed into the country&nbsp;due to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army". This marks the first time that the communist country has addressed&nbsp;the incident involving Travis King.

<h2>Narrative surrounding King&nbsp;</h2>

Travis King, a soldier in the US military, reportedly entered North Korea during a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) situated along the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas.&nbsp;

Reuters reports that US officials have previously stated that King appeared to have intentionally crossed the border. This has now been confirmed by North Korean investigators, who say that&nbsp;King deliberately and unlawfully entered North Korea with the intention of remaining there or seeking refuge in a third country, according to the state news agency KCNA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-offers-brief-response-to-un-command-on-us-soldier-travis-king-621536">North Korea offers brief response to UN Command on US soldier Travis King</a>

On Wednesday, as per KCNA reports, during the investigation, Travis King purportedly confessed to his decision to come to North Korea, citing grievances related to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army."&nbsp;

The state news agency KCNA claims that&nbsp;King expressed disillusionment with what he perceived as an unequal American society.&nbsp;

"During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US&nbsp;Army," claims the KCNA report. (Here, the initials "DPRK" refer to North Korea's official name.)

He also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was "disillusioned at the unequal American society," it added.

<h2>Who is King?</h2>

Twenty-three-year-old King, who enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, had been assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, reports Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-communicating-with-north-korea-over-detained-american-soldier-travis-king-618876">UN communicating with North Korea over detained American soldier Travis King</a>

However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea, and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle.&nbsp;

This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korea's state media reports claim that detained US soldier Travis King crossed into the country due to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army".

North Korea's state media reports claim that detained US soldier Travis King crossed into the country due to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army". This marks the first time that the communist country has addressed the incident involving Travis King. Narrative surrounding King Travis King, a soldier in the US military, reportedly entered North Korea during a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) situated along the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas. Reuters reports that US officials have previously stated that King appeared to have intentionally crossed the border. This has now been confirmed by North Korean investigators, who say that King deliberately and unlawfully entered North Korea with the intention of remaining there or seeking refuge in a third country, according to the state news agency KCNA. Also read | North Korea offers brief response to UN Command on US soldier Travis King On Wednesday, as per KCNA reports, during the investigation, Travis King purportedly confessed to his decision to come to North Korea, citing grievances related to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army." The state news agency KCNA claims that King expressed disillusionment with what he perceived as an unequal American society. "During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army," claims the KCNA report. (Here, the initials "DPRK" refer to North Korea's official name.) He also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was "disillusioned at the unequal American society," it added. Who is King? Twenty-three-year-old King, who enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, had been assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, reports Reuters. Also read | UN communicating with North Korea over detained American soldier Travis King However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea, and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle. This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea claims detained American soldier was seeking refuge from inhuman treatment in US Army

North Korea on Friday (Oct 13) slammed the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan, an American aircraft carrier, to a South Korean port.

Pyongyang denounced the move as a significant escalation of preparations by the United States for a potential nuclear conflict.

<h2>'Undisguised military provocation'</h2>

North Korea's state media outlet KCNA condemned the drills, which simulated the interception of North Korean smuggling vessels, calling it an "undisguised military provocation".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-weapon-supply-to-hamas-accuses-us-the-empire-of-evil-of-blame-shifting-646120">North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting</a>

"The US scheme for nuclear attack on the DPRK and its implementation have reached the most serious phase of systematisation and visualisation," said the KCNA on Friday.

"It is as clear as noonday what result will be brought to the Korean peninsula, where huge armed forces and nuclear weapons are standing in confrontation with one another, even if a spark is produced," it added.

<h2>US carrier in South Korea</h2>

US nuclear-powered carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, is currently stationed in Busan, South Korea, following a recent two-day joint maritime exercise with ships from South Korea and Japan, reports AFP.&nbsp;

The exercise follows the most recent edition of the annual US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom exercises. Pyongyang, as per the news agency, perceives the US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom exercises as a rehearsal for invasion.&nbsp;

Additional drills are scheduled for next week, announced Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-makes-nuclear-weapons-status-part-of-its-constitution-640373">North Korea changes constitution and declares itself&nbsp;a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;state</a>

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has actively sought to improve historically strained relations with Japan, a former colonial ruler of the country, even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.&nbsp;

In August, President Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida engaged in a three-way summit hosted by US President Joe Biden at Camp David, where they agreed on a multi-year plan of regular joint exercises.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had previously labelled the burgeoning defence alliance between South Korea, Japan, and the United States as "the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity" faced by the isolated nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korea on Friday (Oct 13) slammed the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan, an American aircraft carrier, to a South Korean port. Pyongyang denounced the move as a significant escalation of preparations by the United States for a potential nuclear conflict.

North Korea on Friday (Oct 13) slammed the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan, an American aircraft carrier, to a South Korean port. Pyongyang denounced the move as a significant escalation of preparations by the United States for a potential nuclear conflict. 'Undisguised military provocation' North Korea's state media outlet KCNA condemned the drills, which simulated the interception of North Korean smuggling vessels, calling it an "undisguised military provocation". Also read | North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting "The US scheme for nuclear attack on the DPRK and its implementation have reached the most serious phase of systematisation and visualisation," said the KCNA on Friday. "It is as clear as noonday what result will be brought to the Korean peninsula, where huge armed forces and nuclear weapons are standing in confrontation with one another, even if a spark is produced," it added. US carrier in South Korea US nuclear-powered carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, is currently stationed in Busan, South Korea, following a recent two-day joint maritime exercise with ships from South Korea and Japan, reports AFP. The exercise follows the most recent edition of the annual US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom exercises. Pyongyang, as per the news agency, perceives the US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom exercises as a rehearsal for invasion. Additional drills are scheduled for next week, announced Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also read | North Korea changes constitution and declares itself a nuclear state South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has actively sought to improve historically strained relations with Japan, a former colonial ruler of the country, even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled. In August, President Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida engaged in a three-way summit hosted by US President Joe Biden at Camp David, where they agreed on a multi-year plan of regular joint exercises. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had previously labelled the burgeoning defence alliance between South Korea, Japan, and the United States as "the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity" faced by the isolated nation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea slams US aircraft carrier visit to South Korean port, calls it 'undisguised provocation'

The United States on Wednesday said it was determined to secure the release of Travis King, an American soldier who crossed into North Korea. Further, the nation advised a cautious approach to the remarks attributed to the soldier by North Korea.

On Tuesday (August 15th), North Korea broke its silence over Travis King&nbsp;crossing into its territory last month. The nation stated that the soldier, who is Black, fled due to "racial discrimination" and that he bore "ill feelings" towards the US Army.

<h2>Cautionary advice</h2>

Talking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged careful consideration given the source of the remarks. &nbsp;

"We would caution everyone to consider the source here. That is incredibly important," said Jean-Pierre, when questioned about North Korea's remarks on King.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-detained-american-soldier-was-seeking-refuge-from-inhuman-treatment-in-us-army-625863">North Korea claims detained American soldier was seeking refuge from inhuman treatment in US Army</a>

As per AFP, North Korean propaganda often highlights instances of racial discrimination in the United States.&nbsp;

Jean-Pierre further stated that despite the comments, the US's goal remains unchanged: ensuring King's safe return.

"It doesn't change anything. We want to make sure that he gets home safely."

State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel also echoed this sentiment and said that the United States is focused on facilitating King's secure return.&nbsp;

He stated, "Our priority is to bring Private King home through all available channels to achieve that outcome. And his well-being continues to be a top priority for us."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-offers-brief-response-to-un-command-on-us-soldier-travis-king-621536">North Korea offers brief response to UN Command on US soldier Travis King</a>

Patel also noted that there has been no contact with North Korea since its statement on Tuesday. He further revealed that the United States is engaging Sweden, which represents US interests in Pyongyang, in its efforts to bring back King.

<h2>Evasion of justice</h2>

Previously, the US had said that King had "willfully and without authorisation" crossed the border at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea

Twenty-three-year-old King&nbsp;had been in the custody of South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident and the destruction of public property. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, he managed to evade this return and joined a tourist excursion to the DMZ.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United States on Wednesday said it was determined to secure the release of Travis King, an American soldier who crossed into North Korea. Further, the nation advised a cautious approach to the remarks attributed to the soldier by North Korea.

The United States on Wednesday said it was determined to secure the release of Travis King, an American soldier who crossed into North Korea. Further, the nation advised a cautious approach to the remarks attributed to the soldier by North Korea. On Tuesday (August 15th), North Korea broke its silence over Travis King crossing into its territory last month. The nation stated that the soldier, who is Black, fled due to "racial discrimination" and that he bore "ill feelings" towards the US Army. Cautionary advice Talking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged careful consideration given the source of the remarks. "We would caution everyone to consider the source here. That is incredibly important," said Jean-Pierre, when questioned about North Korea's remarks on King. Also read | North Korea claims detained American soldier was seeking refuge from inhuman treatment in US Army As per AFP, North Korean propaganda often highlights instances of racial discrimination in the United States. Jean-Pierre further stated that despite the comments, the US's goal remains unchanged: ensuring King's safe return. "It doesn't change anything. We want to make sure that he gets home safely." State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel also echoed this sentiment and said that the United States is focused on facilitating King's secure return. He stated, "Our priority is to bring Private King home through all available channels to achieve that outcome. And his well-being continues to be a top priority for us." Also read | North Korea offers brief response to UN Command on US soldier Travis King Patel also noted that there has been no contact with North Korea since its statement on Tuesday. He further revealed that the United States is engaging Sweden, which represents US interests in Pyongyang, in its efforts to bring back King. Evasion of justice Previously, the US had said that King had "willfully and without authorisation" crossed the border at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea Twenty-three-year-old King had been in the custody of South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident and the destruction of public property. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, he managed to evade this return and joined a tourist excursion to the DMZ. (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.

US says committed to 'bring home' American soldier Travis King from North Korea

In the wake of indications North Korea&nbsp;may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States. According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim made the comments during a speech at a celebration to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on July 27.&nbsp;As per a Reuters report, Kim said, the confrontation with the US presented a nuclear danger because it forced the North to complete an "urgent historical task" of bolstering its self-defence.

"Our armed forces are thoroughly prepared to respond to any crisis, and our nation's nuclear war deterrence is also fully ready to mobilise its absolute strength faithfully, accurately and promptly to its mission," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-declares-gravest-national-emergency-485133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The declaration that Pyongyang has finished making preparations to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 was already&nbsp;made by South Korean and American officials prior to Jong Un's address.

In the address, Kim said that 70 years after the war, Washington still engages in "dangerous, illegal hostile acts" with South Korea against the North and tries to "demonise" the nation to support its actions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-declares-gravest-national-emergency-485133">North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency'</a>

"I once again make it clear that North Korea is fully ready for any military confrontation with the United States," Kim said.

The North has long accused the United States of double standards in military activities and of having a hostile foreign policy toward Pyongyang. They claim that this undermines efforts to restart negotiations designed to curtail the nation's nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-photos-of-kim-jong-un-when-was-a-teenager-unveiled-in-new-documentary-490280">Rare photos of Kim Jong-un, when he was teenager, unveiled in new documentary</a>

"The duplex act of the United States, which is misleading all the routine actions of our armed forces as 'provocation' and 'threat' while holding large-scale joint military exercises that seriously threaten our security, is literally a robbery," Kim said.

"That is driving bilateral relations to the point where it is difficult to turn back, into a state of conflict."

If the test is conducted, North Korea is likely to face further penalties, including steps to limit its ability to conduct cyberattacks, the foreign minister of South Korea warned on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In the wake of indications North Korea may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States.

In the wake of indications North Korea may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States. According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim made the comments during a speech at a celebration to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on July 27. As per a Reuters report, Kim said, the confrontation with the US presented a nuclear danger because it forced the North to complete an "urgent historical task" of bolstering its self-defence. "Our armed forces are thoroughly prepared to respond to any crisis, and our nation's nuclear war deterrence is also fully ready to mobilise its absolute strength faithfully, accurately and promptly to its mission," he said. Watch | North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency' The declaration that Pyongyang has finished making preparations to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 was already made by South Korean and American officials prior to Jong Un's address. In the address, Kim said that 70 years after the war, Washington still engages in "dangerous, illegal hostile acts" with South Korea against the North and tries to "demonise" the nation to support its actions. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency' "I once again make it clear that North Korea is fully ready for any military confrontation with the United States," Kim said. The North has long accused the United States of double standards in military activities and of having a hostile foreign policy toward Pyongyang. They claim that this undermines efforts to restart negotiations designed to curtail the nation's nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Also read | Rare photos of Kim Jong-un, when he was teenager, unveiled in new documentary "The duplex act of the United States, which is misleading all the routine actions of our armed forces as 'provocation' and 'threat' while holding large-scale joint military exercises that seriously threaten our security, is literally a robbery," Kim said. "That is driving bilateral relations to the point where it is difficult to turn back, into a state of conflict." If the test is conducted, North Korea is likely to face further penalties, including steps to limit its ability to conduct cyberattacks, the foreign minister of South Korea warned on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea ready to use nukes against the United States: Kim Jong Un

As per a report by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) new agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of a new kind of tactical guided weapon that will enhance the country’s “efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes”.

The test came after months of a record-breaking flurry of sanctions-breaking launches, signalling the end of a self-imposed moratorium on long-range and nuclear tests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-says-north-korea-could-hold-nuclear-test-on-coming-anniversary-469120">US envoy says North Korea could hold nuclear test on coming anniversary</a>

As per US officials and the country’s neighbour South Korea, this signals that North Korea may soon resume nuclear testing. &nbsp;

Kim issued significant directions on further "building up the defence capabilities and nuclear combat forces of the country," after directing the test, according to the KCNA.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea celebrates founder's birthday with dance, music but no military parade

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-celebrates-founder-with-dance-music-but-no-military-parade-471526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, South Korea's military reported that it had detected two projectiles launched from the North's east coast towards the sea late on Saturday. The projectiles flew about &nbsp;110 kilometres (68 miles) with an apogee of 25 kilometres and a maximum speed of under Mach 4.

"The new-type tactical guided weapon system ... is of great significance in drastically improving the firepower of the frontline long-range artillery units and enhancing the efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes," said KCNA in its report.

However, no details are available about the location of the test or the missiles involved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-marks-10-years-since-kim-jong-uns-election-as-top-party-leader-470244">North Korea marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un's election as top party leader</a>

In a report by Reuters a senior fellow at the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ankit Panda speculates that it was most likely a short-range ballistic missile and potentially the nation’s first tactical nuclear weapon delivery system.

Following Biden's election, North Korea conducted a series of 13 missile tests, culminating last month with the launch of a ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear bomb to the United States' eastern flank.

The tests come shortly after the 110th anniversary of the nation’s founder Kim Il Sung, who is also the grandfather of the current leader Kim Jong Un.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per a report by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) new agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of a new kind of tactical guided weapon that will enhance the country’s “efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes”.

As per a report by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) new agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of a new kind of tactical guided weapon that will enhance the country’s “efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes”. The test came after months of a record-breaking flurry of sanctions-breaking launches, signalling the end of a self-imposed moratorium on long-range and nuclear tests. Also read | US envoy says North Korea could hold nuclear test on coming anniversary As per US officials and the country’s neighbour South Korea, this signals that North Korea may soon resume nuclear testing. Kim issued significant directions on further "building up the defence capabilities and nuclear combat forces of the country," after directing the test, according to the KCNA. Watch | North Korea celebrates founder's birthday with dance, music but no military parade On Sunday, South Korea's military reported that it had detected two projectiles launched from the North's east coast towards the sea late on Saturday. The projectiles flew about 110 kilometres (68 miles) with an apogee of 25 kilometres and a maximum speed of under Mach 4. "The new-type tactical guided weapon system ... is of great significance in drastically improving the firepower of the frontline long-range artillery units and enhancing the efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes," said KCNA in its report. However, no details are available about the location of the test or the missiles involved. Also read | North Korea marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un's election as top party leader In a report by Reuters a senior fellow at the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ankit Panda speculates that it was most likely a short-range ballistic missile and potentially the nation’s first tactical nuclear weapon delivery system. Following Biden's election, North Korea conducted a series of 13 missile tests, culminating last month with the launch of a ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear bomb to the United States' eastern flank. The tests come shortly after the 110th anniversary of the nation’s founder Kim Il Sung, who is also the grandfather of the current leader Kim Jong Un. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises new weapon test to enhance nation's 'tactical capabilities'

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship.

As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond.

"Rafa lets do Instagram live together.&nbsp;I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram.

Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court.

Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico.

Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty".

They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges. So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond. "Rafa lets do Instagram live together. I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram. Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court. Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico. Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty". They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.

North Korea warns of 'security crisis' over US-Seoul drills

North Korea on Thursday&nbsp;blasted the recent attempt made by the&nbsp;United States to&nbsp;initiate contact as&nbsp;a "cheap trick" that would never be answered until Washington dropped hostile policies.

The statement by Choe Son Hui, the first vice minister of foreign affairs for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, is the first formal rejection of tentative approaches by the new US&nbsp;administration under President Joe Biden, who took office in January.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-weighs-pressure-diplomatic-options-on-north-korea-371295">Blinken says US weighs pressure, diplomatic options on North Korea</a>

It came as US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a first overseas trip by top-level members of Biden's administration.

The attempts at contact were made by sending e-mails and telephone messages via various routes, including by a third country, Choe said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-officials-antony-blinken-and-lloyd-austin-hold-talks-in-seoul-371293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She called the attempts at contact a "cheap trick" for gaining time and building up public opinion.

"What has been heard from the US&nbsp;since the emergence of the new regime is only lunatic theory of 'threat from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea' and groundless rhetoric about 'complete denuclearisation,' Choe said.

The White House said earlier this month it had reached out to&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, but received no response, and did not elaborate.

Speaking in Seoul on Wednesday, Blinken accused&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;of committing "systemic and widespread abuses" against its own people and said the United States and its allies were committed to the denuclearisation of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.

Blinken and Austin are due to continue meetings with South&nbsp;Korean leaders on Thursday, before flying to Alaska for the administration's first talks with Chinese officials, where the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;standoff is expected to be discussed.

Talks aimed at reducing tensions with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and persuading it to give up its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles have been stalled since 2019, after a series of historic summits between then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Choe criticized the United States for continuing military drills, and for maintaining sanctions aimed at pressuring Pyongyang.

No dialogue would be possible until the United States rolled back its hostile policy toward&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and both parties were able to exchange words on an equal basis, she said.

North Korea on Thursday blasted the recent attempt made by the United States to initiate contact as a "cheap trick" that would never be answered until Washington dropped hostile policies.

North Korea on Thursday blasted the recent attempt made by the United States to initiate contact as a "cheap trick" that would never be answered until Washington dropped hostile policies. The statement by Choe Son Hui, the first vice minister of foreign affairs for North Korea, is the first formal rejection of tentative approaches by the new US administration under President Joe Biden, who took office in January. Also read| Blinken says US weighs pressure, diplomatic options on North Korea It came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a first overseas trip by top-level members of Biden's administration. The attempts at contact were made by sending e-mails and telephone messages via various routes, including by a third country, Choe said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. She called the attempts at contact a "cheap trick" for gaining time and building up public opinion. "What has been heard from the US since the emergence of the new regime is only lunatic theory of 'threat from North Korea' and groundless rhetoric about 'complete denuclearisation,' Choe said. The White House said earlier this month it had reached out to North Korea, but received no response, and did not elaborate. Speaking in Seoul on Wednesday, Blinken accused North Korea of committing "systemic and widespread abuses" against its own people and said the United States and its allies were committed to the denuclearisation of North Korea. Blinken and Austin are due to continue meetings with South Korean leaders on Thursday, before flying to Alaska for the administration's first talks with Chinese officials, where the North Korea standoff is expected to be discussed. Talks aimed at reducing tensions with North Korea and persuading it to give up its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles have been stalled since 2019, after a series of historic summits between then-US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Choe criticized the United States for continuing military drills, and for maintaining sanctions aimed at pressuring Pyongyang. No dialogue would be possible until the United States rolled back its hostile policy toward North Korea and both parties were able to exchange words on an equal basis, she said.

North Korea blasts US attempt to initiate contact as 'cheap trick'

The United States has charged three&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

The first action against Pyongyang by President Joe Biden's administration took aim at what the department called "a global campaign of criminality" being waged by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

The indictment alleges that Jon Chang Hyok, 31, Kim Il, 27, and Park Jin Hyok, 36, stole money while working for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's military intelligence services.&nbsp;

In addition to the earlier charges, the three allegedly operated out of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, Russia and China to hack computers using spearfishing techniques, and to promote cryptocurrency applications loaded with malicious software that allowed them to empty victims' crypto-wallets.

They allegedly robbed digital currency exchanges in Slovenia and Indonesia and extorted a New York exchange of $11.8 million.

In a 2018 scheme, they robbed $6.1 million from ATM machines from Pakistan's BankIslami after gaining access to its computer network.

Over at least seven years, the officials created malicious cryptocurrency applications that opened back doors into targets' computers; hacked into companies marketing and trading digital currencies like bitcoin; and developed a blockchain platform to evade sanctions and secretly raise funds, the department said.

The Justice Department said the hackers were responsible for a wide range of criminal activity and high-profile intrusions, including a retaliatory 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment for producing "The Interview" movie, which depicted the assassination of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's leader.

The group is alleged to have targeted the staff of AMC Theatres and broken into computers belonging to Mammoth Screen, a UK film company that was working on a drama series about&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.

The Justice Department also alleged that the trio participated in the creation of the destructive WannaCry 2.0 ransomware - which hit Britain's National Health Service hard when it was set loose in 2017.

The indictment pins the blame on the hackers for breaking into banks across South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Africa by penetrating the financial institutions' networks and abusing the SWIFT protocol to steal money. They are also alleged to have deployed malicious applications from March 2018 through September 2020 to target cryptocurrency users.

The overall amount of money stolen by the hackers is not clear because in some cases the thefts were either halted or reversed. But the figures are significant. In one 2016 heist alone - at the Bangladesh Bank - the hackers are alleged to have made off with $81 million.

"North&nbsp;Korea's operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world's leading 21st-century nation-state bank robbers," US&nbsp;Assistant Attorney General John Demers told a news briefing.

The United States has charged three North Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

The United States has charged three North Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday. The first action against Pyongyang by President Joe Biden's administration took aim at what the department called "a global campaign of criminality" being waged by North Korea. The indictment alleges that Jon Chang Hyok, 31, Kim Il, 27, and Park Jin Hyok, 36, stole money while working for North Korea's military intelligence services. In addition to the earlier charges, the three allegedly operated out of North Korea, Russia and China to hack computers using spearfishing techniques, and to promote cryptocurrency applications loaded with malicious software that allowed them to empty victims' crypto-wallets. They allegedly robbed digital currency exchanges in Slovenia and Indonesia and extorted a New York exchange of $11.8 million. In a 2018 scheme, they robbed $6.1 million from ATM machines from Pakistan's BankIslami after gaining access to its computer network. Over at least seven years, the officials created malicious cryptocurrency applications that opened back doors into targets' computers; hacked into companies marketing and trading digital currencies like bitcoin; and developed a blockchain platform to evade sanctions and secretly raise funds, the department said. The Justice Department said the hackers were responsible for a wide range of criminal activity and high-profile intrusions, including a retaliatory 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment for producing "The Interview" movie, which depicted the assassination of North Korea's leader. The group is alleged to have targeted the staff of AMC Theatres and broken into computers belonging to Mammoth Screen, a UK film company that was working on a drama series about North Korea. The Justice Department also alleged that the trio participated in the creation of the destructive WannaCry 2.0 ransomware - which hit Britain's National Health Service hard when it was set loose in 2017. The indictment pins the blame on the hackers for breaking into banks across South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Africa by penetrating the financial institutions' networks and abusing the SWIFT protocol to steal money. They are also alleged to have deployed malicious applications from March 2018 through September 2020 to target cryptocurrency users. The overall amount of money stolen by the hackers is not clear because in some cases the thefts were either halted or reversed. But the figures are significant. In one 2016 heist alone - at the Bangladesh Bank - the hackers are alleged to have made off with $81 million. "North Korea's operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world's leading 21st-century nation-state bank robbers," US Assistant Attorney General John Demers told a news briefing.

US charges three North Korean hackers in $1.3 billion theft spree

The possibility of talks between nuclear-armed North Korea and Washington is "narrowing", Pyongyang said Tuesday after the US State Department reaffirmed its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Last month the North walked away from working-level nuclear talks with the US in Sweden, saying it was disappointed at the lack of "new and creative" solutions offered by Washington.

The process has been deadlocked since the Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump broke up in February amid disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.

Pyongyang has since demanded Washington come forward with a new approach by the end of this year and has carried out a series of launches, the latest of them last week, when it said it fired a "super-large multiple rocket launcher".

On Friday the State Department in an annual report reaffirmed the North's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reiterating that it was "implicated in assassinations on foreign soil".

Kim's older half-brother Kim Jong Nam was killed at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in 2017. Authorities implicated Pyongyang but in April Malaysian prosecutors dropped murder charges against a Vietnamese woman who was the only remaining suspect.

North Korea's foreign ministry condemned the document as "a grave politically-motivated provocation", the official KCNA news agency reported Tuesday, a spokesperson calling the US a "hotbed and ringleader of terrorism" itself.

"The channel of the dialogue between the DPRK and the US is more and more narrowing due to such attitude and stand of the US," he added using the initials for the North's official name.

The possibility of talks between nuclear-armed North Korea and Washington is "narrowing", Pyongyang said Tuesday after the US State Department reaffirmed its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The possibility of talks between nuclear-armed North Korea and Washington is "narrowing", Pyongyang said Tuesday after the US State Department reaffirmed its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Last month the North walked away from working-level nuclear talks with the US in Sweden, saying it was disappointed at the lack of "new and creative" solutions offered by Washington. The process has been deadlocked since the Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump broke up in February amid disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return. Pyongyang has since demanded Washington come forward with a new approach by the end of this year and has carried out a series of launches, the latest of them last week, when it said it fired a "super-large multiple rocket launcher". On Friday the State Department in an annual report reaffirmed the North's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reiterating that it was "implicated in assassinations on foreign soil". Kim's older half-brother Kim Jong Nam was killed at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in 2017. Authorities implicated Pyongyang but in April Malaysian prosecutors dropped murder charges against a Vietnamese woman who was the only remaining suspect. North Korea's foreign ministry condemned the document as "a grave politically-motivated provocation", the official KCNA news agency reported Tuesday, a spokesperson calling the US a "hotbed and ringleader of terrorism" itself. "The channel of the dialogue between the DPRK and the US is more and more narrowing due to such attitude and stand of the US," he added using the initials for the North's official name.

North Korea says chance of talks with US 'narrowing'

North Korea and the United States could hold another round of working-level talks as soon as mid-November to expedite progress before a year-end deadline set by Pyongyang, a South Korean lawmaker said on Monday.

North Korean and US officials met for the first time last month in Stockholm since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met and agreed in June to reopen denuclearisation talks that stalled after their failed summit in Vietnam in February.

But that meeting also collapsed as the North's envoy said the United States was not ready and failed to show flexibility.

Both sides are expected to meet again no later than early December to kick-start negotiations before a year-end deadline set by Kim, South Korean lawmaker Lee Eun-jae said after attending a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

"The NIS expected the talks would resume this month or early December at the latest," Lee told reporters.

"It's time for them to enter negotiations in earnest after checking each other's stance in Stockholm, and there's a deadline given by Chairman Kim."

Kim is eyeing another summit with Trump in December, Lee said.

North Korea and the United States could hold another round of working-level talks as soon as mid-November to expedite progress before a year-end deadline set by Pyongyang, a South Korean lawmaker said on Monday.

North Korea and the United States could hold another round of working-level talks as soon as mid-November to expedite progress before a year-end deadline set by Pyongyang, a South Korean lawmaker said on Monday. North Korean and US officials met for the first time last month in Stockholm since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met and agreed in June to reopen denuclearisation talks that stalled after their failed summit in Vietnam in February. But that meeting also collapsed as the North's envoy said the United States was not ready and failed to show flexibility. Both sides are expected to meet again no later than early December to kick-start negotiations before a year-end deadline set by Kim, South Korean lawmaker Lee Eun-jae said after attending a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS). "The NIS expected the talks would resume this month or early December at the latest," Lee told reporters. "It's time for them to enter negotiations in earnest after checking each other's stance in Stockholm, and there's a deadline given by Chairman Kim." Kim is eyeing another summit with Trump in December, Lee said.

North Korea, US could hold talks in mid-November: South Korean lawmaker

Donald Trump & Kim Jong Un Have A Bizarre Relationship. They Started With Choice Words & Then Held Two Summits Who Eventually Yielded Next To Nothing. Trump's engagement with North Korea has only pushed Kim Jong Un further into China's lap. The two mercurial leaders first called each other the choicest of names before settling down to initiate talks. After two rounds of talks, has there been any change? Here's a report

Gravitas: Trump & Kim Jong Un: The road travelled

There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang.

"I personally think that lots of good things will come with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-still-has-confidence-in-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-221636">North Korea</a>, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that" Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

"We've come a long way," the US leader added.

"There's good respect built, maybe great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea."

The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-missile-test-violated-un-resolution-john-bolton-221446">National Security Advisor John Bolton</a> said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me".

The US president is in Tokyo for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-becomes-first-foreign-leader-to-meet-japans-new-emperor-221846">state visit that included a meeting with ship the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito</a> on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne.

Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks.

"I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said.

"Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added.

Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade.

"We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries".

Watch: North Korea demands immediate return of Cargo Ship seized by US

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-demands-immediate-return-of-cargo-ship-seized-by-us-218720/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly."

There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang.

There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that" Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "We've come a long way," the US leader added. "There's good respect built, maybe great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea." The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own National Security Advisor John Bolton said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". The US president is in Tokyo for a state visit that included a meeting with ship the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne. Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added. Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade. "We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries". Watch: North Korea demands immediate return of Cargo Ship seized by US × "We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly."

'Great respect' between US and North Korea: Donald Trump

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks.

The US has insisted on maintaining stringent international sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons, even as the two countries' leaders are expected to hold a second summit soon.

"We think that sanctions and pressure do more harm than good," Song Il Hyok, deputy director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's Institute for Disarmament and Peace, said at a defence forum in Beijing.

The sanctions, Song said, "are not at all" confidence-building measures "but confidence-destroying measures".

At their first summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then as both sides spar over how to interpret the text.

Song said Trump and Kim "recognised that the mutual confidence-building can promote the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" during their meeting in Singapore.

He called on Washington to "lift immediately the sanctions and this hindrance" to confidence-building.

Song spoke at the Xiangshan Forum, a regional defence dialogue hosted by China since 2006 as part of Beijing's efforts to step up its global influence.

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks.

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks. The US has insisted on maintaining stringent international sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons, even as the two countries' leaders are expected to hold a second summit soon. "We think that sanctions and pressure do more harm than good," Song Il Hyok, deputy director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's Institute for Disarmament and Peace, said at a defence forum in Beijing. The sanctions, Song said, "are not at all" confidence-building measures "but confidence-destroying measures". At their first summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then as both sides spar over how to interpret the text. Song said Trump and Kim "recognised that the mutual confidence-building can promote the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" during their meeting in Singapore. He called on Washington to "lift immediately the sanctions and this hindrance" to confidence-building. Song spoke at the Xiangshan Forum, a regional defence dialogue hosted by China since 2006 as part of Beijing's efforts to step up its global influence.

North Korea warns US against 'confidence-destroying measures'

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner.

Speaking shortly before beginning his long journey to Singapore, Trump told reporters that contacts between the US and North Korean negotiators had been positive in the build-up to Tuesday's historic meeting and talked up its prospects of success.

"It's unknown territory in the truest sense but I really feel confident," Trump said as he prepared to leave the ongoing G7 summit in Canada early and head to Asia.

"I feel that Kim Jong Un wants to do something great for his people and he has that opportunity... It's a one-time shot," he said at a press conference, adding that the North Koreans had been working "very well with us" ahead of the summit.

Trump and Kim are due to have the first ever US-North Korea summit in Singapore on Tuesday, with the American leader hoping his counterpart will scrap his nuclear weapons program in return for security guarantees.

The US president is the first of the G7 leaders to leave the summit in Canada where he has briefed his peers on the meeting.

"I am on a mission of peace and we're going to be carrying the hearts of millions of people from all," he said.

"We have to get denuclearization, we have to get something going."

Asked how long it would take for him to work out if Kim was serious about striking some kind of peace deal, Trump replied: "I think within the first minute I'll know.

"I think I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen. And if I think it won't happen, I'm not going to waste my time. I don't want to waste his time."

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner. Speaking shortly before beginning his long journey to Singapore, Trump told reporters that contacts between the US and North Korean negotiators had been positive in the build-up to Tuesday's historic meeting and talked up its prospects of success. "It's unknown territory in the truest sense but I really feel confident," Trump said as he prepared to leave the ongoing G7 summit in Canada early and head to Asia. "I feel that Kim Jong Un wants to do something great for his people and he has that opportunity... It's a one-time shot," he said at a press conference, adding that the North Koreans had been working "very well with us" ahead of the summit. Trump and Kim are due to have the first ever US-North Korea summit in Singapore on Tuesday, with the American leader hoping his counterpart will scrap his nuclear weapons program in return for security guarantees. The US president is the first of the G7 leaders to leave the summit in Canada where he has briefed his peers on the meeting. "I am on a mission of peace and we're going to be carrying the hearts of millions of people from all," he said. "We have to get denuclearization, we have to get something going." Asked how long it would take for him to work out if Kim was serious about striking some kind of peace deal, Trump replied: "I think within the first minute I'll know. "I think I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen. And if I think it won't happen, I'm not going to waste my time. I don't want to waste his time."

'One time shot' for peace with North Korea: Trump

North Korea has restarted production of plutonium fuel, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said on Tuesday, showing that it plans to pursue its nuclear weapons programme in defiance of international sanctions.

The US&nbsp;assessment came a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog said it had &ldquo;indications&rdquo; that Pyongyang has reactivated a plant to recover plutonium from spent reactor fuel at Yongbyon, its main nuclear complex.

The latest developments suggest North Korea&#39;s reclusive regime is working to ensure a steady supply of materials for its drive to build warheads, despite tightened international sanctions after its fourth nuclear test in January.

The US&nbsp;official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Washington is worried by the new plutonium reprocessing effort, but he offered no explicit word on any US&nbsp;response.

&quot;Everything in North Korea is a cause for concern,&quot; the official told Reuters.

&quot;They take the spent fuel from the 5 megawatt reactor at Yongbyon and let it cool and then take it to the reprocessing facility, and that&rsquo;s where they&rsquo;ve obtained the plutonium for their previous nuclear tests. So they are repeating that process,&quot; the official said. &quot;That&rsquo;s what they&rsquo;re doing.&rdquo;

North Korea, which conducted its fourth nuclear test in January, vowed in 2013 to restart all nuclear facilities, including the main reactor and the smaller plant at Yongbyon, which was shut down in 2007 as part of an international disarmament-for-aid deal that later collapsed.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has no access to North Korea and mainly monitors its activities by satellite, said last year it had seen signs of a resumption of activity at Yongbyon.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano told a news conference in Vienna on Monday that there have been indications of renewed plutonium reprocessing activities at Yongbyon. Reprocessing involves extracting plutonium from spent reactor fuel, one route to obtaining bomb fuel other than uranium enrichment.

&quot;I would agree that there are indications,&quot; the US&nbsp;official said.

The official declined to confirm whether this determination was made from satellite imagery or intelligence sources, or to say how much plutonium North Korea could produce by this method.

South Korea&#39;s Unification Ministry spokesman Cheong Joon-hee said Seoul was closely watching movements related to the North&#39;s nuclear facility &quot;with grave concern&quot; but declined to comment directly on plutonium production.

&nbsp;

SHROUDED IN SECRECY

North Korea announced at a rare congress of its ruling Workers&#39; Party last month that it would strengthen its defensive nuclear weapons capability.

It had already declared itself &quot;a responsible nuclear weapons state&quot; and disavowed the use of nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty is first infringed by others with nuclear arms.

While North Korea, in the past, has often obtained key components for its nuclear program from other countries despite international sanctions, there was no sign of any recent outside procurement involved in reactivating its plutonium reprocessing, the US&nbsp;official said.

There is little proven knowledge about the quantities of weapons-grade uranium or plutonium that North Korea possesses, or its ability to produce either, though plutonium from spent fuel at Yongbyon is widely believed to have been used in its nuclear bombs.

South Korea&#39;s Defence Minister Han Min-koo said last month the North probably had about 40 kg (88 lb) of plutonium. That would be enough to make eight to 10 bombs, according to experts.

Operating the 5 megawatt reactor could yield about 5-6 kg of plutonium a year, they said.

Experts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University&#39;s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington predicted last year that North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons stockpile could grow to 20, 50 or 100 bombs within five years, from an estimated 10 to 16 weapons at that time.

North Korea has come under tightening international pressure over its nuclear weapons program, including tougher U.N. sanctions adopted in March backed by its lone major ally China, following its most recent nuclear blast and ballistic missile tests.

The website 38 North reported last week, based on commercial satellite imagery, that exhaust plumes had been detected twice in May from the thermal plant at Yongbyon&#39;s Radiochemical Laboratory, the site&#39;s main reprocessing installation.

The Institute for&nbsp;Science&nbsp;and International Security also reported exhaust emissions from a chimney at the plant, which it said was often associated with reprocessing activities there.

A US state department official reported reinstatement of plutonium manufacture in North Korea indicating possibility of nuclear weapon production

North Korea has restarted production of plutonium fuel, a senior US State Department official said on Tuesday, showing that it plans to pursue its nuclear weapons programme in defiance of international sanctions. The US assessment came a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog said it had “indications” that Pyongyang has reactivated a plant to recover plutonium from spent reactor fuel at Yongbyon, its main nuclear complex. The latest developments suggest North Korea's reclusive regime is working to ensure a steady supply of materials for its drive to build warheads, despite tightened international sanctions after its fourth nuclear test in January. The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Washington is worried by the new plutonium reprocessing effort, but he offered no explicit word on any US response. "Everything in North Korea is a cause for concern," the official told Reuters. "They take the spent fuel from the 5 megawatt reactor at Yongbyon and let it cool and then take it to the reprocessing facility, and that’s where they’ve obtained the plutonium for their previous nuclear tests. So they are repeating that process," the official said. "That’s what they’re doing.” North Korea, which conducted its fourth nuclear test in January, vowed in 2013 to restart all nuclear facilities, including the main reactor and the smaller plant at Yongbyon, which was shut down in 2007 as part of an international disarmament-for-aid deal that later collapsed. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has no access to North Korea and mainly monitors its activities by satellite, said last year it had seen signs of a resumption of activity at Yongbyon. IAEA chief Yukiya Amano told a news conference in Vienna on Monday that there have been indications of renewed plutonium reprocessing activities at Yongbyon. Reprocessing involves extracting plutonium from spent reactor fuel, one route to obtaining bomb fuel other than uranium enrichment. "I would agree that there are indications," the US official said. The official declined to confirm whether this determination was made from satellite imagery or intelligence sources, or to say how much plutonium North Korea could produce by this method. South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Cheong Joon-hee said Seoul was closely watching movements related to the North's nuclear facility "with grave concern" but declined to comment directly on plutonium production. SHROUDED IN SECRECY North Korea announced at a rare congress of its ruling Workers' Party last month that it would strengthen its defensive nuclear weapons capability. It had already declared itself "a responsible nuclear weapons state" and disavowed the use of nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty is first infringed by others with nuclear arms. While North Korea, in the past, has often obtained key components for its nuclear program from other countries despite international sanctions, there was no sign of any recent outside procurement involved in reactivating its plutonium reprocessing, the US official said. There is little proven knowledge about the quantities of weapons-grade uranium or plutonium that North Korea possesses, or its ability to produce either, though plutonium from spent fuel at Yongbyon is widely believed to have been used in its nuclear bombs. South Korea's Defence Minister Han Min-koo said last month the North probably had about 40 kg (88 lb) of plutonium. That would be enough to make eight to 10 bombs, according to experts. Operating the 5 megawatt reactor could yield about 5-6 kg of plutonium a year, they said. Experts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington predicted last year that North Korea's nuclear weapons stockpile could grow to 20, 50 or 100 bombs within five years, from an estimated 10 to 16 weapons at that time. North Korea has come under tightening international pressure over its nuclear weapons program, including tougher U.N. sanctions adopted in March backed by its lone major ally China, following its most recent nuclear blast and ballistic missile tests. The website 38 North reported last week, based on commercial satellite imagery, that exhaust plumes had been detected twice in May from the thermal plant at Yongbyon's Radiochemical Laboratory, the site's main reprocessing installation. The Institute for Science and International Security also reported exhaust emissions from a chimney at the plant, which it said was often associated with reprocessing activities there.

North Korea restarts plutonium production for nuclear bombs: US official

north-korea-us

North Korea Us, News on North Korea Us, stories on North Korea Us, articles on North Korea Us, North Korea Us stories at Wion, North Korea Us news, North Korea Us latest news

north korea-us