North Koreans celebrated the 109th birth anniversary of the state founder Kim Il Sung with a firework display and a dance party, the state media said.

North Koreans celebrates state founder’s birthday with fireworks and dance party

South Korean and US intelligence suspect that North Korea has completed the assembly of a 3,000-tonne submarine and is ready to launch it when the time is right, media reported on Sunday.

"Both South Korea and US intelligence authorities made the assessment that North Korea has already finished building the 3,000-tonne submarine unveiled in July 2019," as per the state Yonhap News Agency.

According to the agency, the news comes from a US think tank that said North Korea had moved a submersible missile test barge to a new position, likely hinting at an upcoming submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test to take place.

"The authorities assess that North Korea is reviewing the right timing to roll out the submarine for a strategic effect, including maximizing pressure against the United States," said a source, as quoted by Yonhap.

According to the US think tank, this would be North Korea's first true ballistic missile submarine. During an annual military parade late last year, Pyongyang showcased a beefed-up nuclear-capable missiles arsenal, with upgraded SLBMs as the main addition.&nbsp;

South Korean and US intelligence suspect that North Korea has completed the assembly of a 3,000-tonne submarine and is ready to launch it when the time is right, media reported on Sunday.

South Korean and US intelligence suspect that North Korea has completed the assembly of a 3,000-tonne submarine and is ready to launch it when the time is right, media reported on Sunday. "Both South Korea and US intelligence authorities made the assessment that North Korea has already finished building the 3,000-tonne submarine unveiled in July 2019," as per the state Yonhap News Agency. According to the agency, the news comes from a US think tank that said North Korea had moved a submersible missile test barge to a new position, likely hinting at an upcoming submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test to take place. "The authorities assess that North Korea is reviewing the right timing to roll out the submarine for a strategic effect, including maximizing pressure against the United States," said a source, as quoted by Yonhap. According to the US think tank, this would be North Korea's first true ballistic missile submarine. During an annual military parade late last year, Pyongyang showcased a beefed-up nuclear-capable missiles arsenal, with upgraded SLBMs as the main addition.

North Korea completes assembly of 3,000-tonne submarine: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster. 
 
"Arduous March" was a term adopted by officials to rally citizens during a famine that killed as many as 3 million North Koreans after the fall of the Soviet Union, which had been a major backer of Pyongyang`s communist founders. 
 
The period is often talked about as a historic event, but Kim`s apparent comparison to current problems comes after he earlier in the week said the country faces the "worst-ever situation." 
 
His comments were made in a speech on Thursday at the closing of a conference for low-level Workers` Party of Korea (WPK) officials, where he had urged them to be more proactive and responsible in carrying out the country`s new five-year economic plan, adopted at a party congress in January. 
 
"I made up my mind to ask the WPK organizations at all levels ... to wage another more difficult `Arduous March` in order to relieve our people of the difficulty, even a little," Kim said, according to a report by state news agency KCNA. 
 
The party must reward the people`s loyalty and become a genuine "servant" to them, he was cited as saying. 
 
North Korea has not reported a single confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, but American and South Korean officials have cast doubt on the notion that it has escaped COVID-19. 
 
The country ended almost all cross-border travel, restricted trade to a trickle, and imposed other restrictions to prevent an outbreak. 
 
Those measures, combined with ongoing international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, have taken a toll on the country`s economy and raised concerns of humanitarian crisis. 
 
An independent panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions recently reported that international aid groups were struggling to reach vulnerable women and children inside North Korea because of the pandemic lockdowns, leaving potentially hundreds of thousands without access to needed nutrients. 
 
An official at North Korea`s Ministry of Public Health released a statement on Tuesday denying that any children face malnutrition and that such reports aim to tarnish the country`s image.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster. "Arduous March" was a term adopted by officials to rally citizens during a famine that killed as many as 3 million North Koreans after the fall of the Soviet Union, which had been a major backer of Pyongyang`s communist founders. The period is often talked about as a historic event, but Kim`s apparent comparison to current problems comes after he earlier in the week said the country faces the "worst-ever situation." His comments were made in a speech on Thursday at the closing of a conference for low-level Workers` Party of Korea (WPK) officials, where he had urged them to be more proactive and responsible in carrying out the country`s new five-year economic plan, adopted at a party congress in January. "I made up my mind to ask the WPK organizations at all levels ... to wage another more difficult `Arduous March` in order to relieve our people of the difficulty, even a little," Kim said, according to a report by state news agency KCNA. The party must reward the people`s loyalty and become a genuine "servant" to them, he was cited as saying. North Korea has not reported a single confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, but American and South Korean officials have cast doubt on the notion that it has escaped COVID-19. The country ended almost all cross-border travel, restricted trade to a trickle, and imposed other restrictions to prevent an outbreak. Those measures, combined with ongoing international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, have taken a toll on the country`s economy and raised concerns of humanitarian crisis. An independent panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions recently reported that international aid groups were struggling to reach vulnerable women and children inside North Korea because of the pandemic lockdowns, leaving potentially hundreds of thousands without access to needed nutrients. An official at North Korea`s Ministry of Public Health released a statement on Tuesday denying that any children face malnutrition and that such reports aim to tarnish the country`s image.

North Korea's Kim cites 1990s famine in urging work to alleviate economic crises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Kim made the comments during an opening speech at a meeting of the Workers' Party's cell secretaries on Tuesday. He addressed thousands of grassroots members in the course of the important political convention in Pyongyang. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blasts-us-attempt-to-initiate-contact-as-cheap-trick-371398">Also read: North Korea blasts US attempt to initiate contact as 'cheap trick'</a>

Experts say Kim is dealing with probably his toughest moment as he finishes 10 years in rule, with North Korea’s coronavirus lockdown unleashing even further shock on a financial system devastated by a long time of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons programme.

“Improving the people's living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organisations of the party,” Kim said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/inside-assassins-a-documentary-that-talks-about-the-strange-murder-of-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-360088">Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother</a>

He urged party members to carry out the decisions made at a party congress in January when he vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent in face of US pressure and announced a new five-year national development plan. The congress took place months after Kim, during another political conference, showed unusual candor by acknowledging that his plans to improve the economy weren't succeeding.

During Tuesday's speech, Kim also criticised the party's grassroots units for unspecified “shortcomings” that should be immediately corrected to ensure the “healthy and sustainable” development of the party.

Party cells, which consist of five to 30 members, are the smallest units of party authority that oversee the works and lives at factories and other places. The network is an important tool for the Workers' Party to perpetuate its power. The previous conference of cell secretaries was held in 2017.

The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which collapsed over disagreements in lifting sanctions for the North's denuclearisation steps.

The North has so far rejected the Biden administration's overture for talks, saying that Washington must discard its “hostile” policies first, and dialled up the pressure by resuming tests of ballistic missiles last month after a yearlong pause.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Kim made the comments during an opening speech at a meeting of the Workers' Party's cell secretaries on Tuesday. He addressed thousands of grassroots members in the course of the important political convention in Pyongyang. Also read: North Korea blasts US attempt to initiate contact as 'cheap trick' Experts say Kim is dealing with probably his toughest moment as he finishes 10 years in rule, with North Korea’s coronavirus lockdown unleashing even further shock on a financial system devastated by a long time of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons programme. “Improving the people's living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organisations of the party,” Kim said. Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother He urged party members to carry out the decisions made at a party congress in January when he vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent in face of US pressure and announced a new five-year national development plan. The congress took place months after Kim, during another political conference, showed unusual candor by acknowledging that his plans to improve the economy weren't succeeding. During Tuesday's speech, Kim also criticised the party's grassroots units for unspecified “shortcomings” that should be immediately corrected to ensure the “healthy and sustainable” development of the party. Party cells, which consist of five to 30 members, are the smallest units of party authority that oversee the works and lives at factories and other places. The network is an important tool for the Workers' Party to perpetuate its power. The previous conference of cell secretaries was held in 2017. The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which collapsed over disagreements in lifting sanctions for the North's denuclearisation steps. The North has so far rejected the Biden administration's overture for talks, saying that Washington must discard its “hostile” policies first, and dialled up the pressure by resuming tests of ballistic missiles last month after a yearlong pause. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

The isolated North's participation in the last Winter Games, hosted by the South in Pyeongchang, was a key catalyst in the diplomatic rapprochement of 2018.

Leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong attended as his envoy in a blaze of publicity, and the South's President Moon Jae-in seized the opportunity to broker talks between Pyongyang and Washington that led to a series of high-profile meetings between Kim and then US president Donald Trump.

But Pyongyang's announcement puts an end to Seoul's hopes of using the postponed Tokyo Games, due to begin in July, to kick off a reset in the now deadlocked talks process.

North Korea's&nbsp;Olympic Committee "decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games in order to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by Covid-19", said the Sports in the DPR Korea website, run by the sports ministry in Pyongyang.

But analysts said other factors may have been at play.

The announcement -- dated Monday -- reported a meeting of the national Olympic committee on March 25.

The North's official KCNA news agency had previously carried a dispatch on the committee meeting, without mentioning the Olympic decision.

Pyongyang is more isolated than ever after imposing a strict border closure more than a year ago in an effort to protect itself from the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China and went on to sweep the world.

The North insists it has had no coronavirus cases, although experts doubt the assertion, but the lockdown has exacerbated the economic pain from multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes.&nbsp;

The new US administration of Joe Biden is in the final stages of a review of North Korea policy, with officials widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits.

On the campaign trail Biden characterised Kim as a "thug" and has sharply criticised Trump's meetings, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy.

Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles.

<h2>- 'Shameless distortion' -</h2>

Inter-Korean relations are also at a standstill, with the North repeatedly saying it has no interest in talking to Seoul, and last year blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border.

Even so Moon in his Independence Day speech on March 1 said: "This year's Tokyo Olympics could be an opportunity for dialogues between South Korea and Japan, the North and the South, North Korea and Japan, and North Korea and the US."

The day commemorates mass protests that took place in 1919 across the Korean peninsula against Tokyo's colonial rule.

Seoul's unification ministry said it was "sorry that the Covid situation" had prevented the Games from serving as "an opportunity to advance peace on the Korean peninsula".

Japan's chief government spokesman&nbsp;Katsunobu Kato said it was monitoring the reports and authorities were seeking to improve the environment, "including infection countermeasures, so that many countries and regions can participate in the Tokyo Games".

Analysts said the virus may not be the only reason behind Pyongyang's decision.&nbsp;

"Pyongyang seems to be protesting against Japan's policies on North Korea, as sensitive issues such as human rights and sanctions have been raised by Tokyo, along with the US," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

The North regularly excoriates Olympic host nation Japan over its brutal 20th-century annexation, with KCNA carrying a report Sunday condemning new Japanese history textbooks as "persistent and shameless distortion of history".

Tokyo regularly demands resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the North, although Pyongyang insists it has returned all those it seized who are still alive.

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour. The isolated North's participation in the last Winter Games, hosted by the South in Pyeongchang, was a key catalyst in the diplomatic rapprochement of 2018. Leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong attended as his envoy in a blaze of publicity, and the South's President Moon Jae-in seized the opportunity to broker talks between Pyongyang and Washington that led to a series of high-profile meetings between Kim and then US president Donald Trump. But Pyongyang's announcement puts an end to Seoul's hopes of using the postponed Tokyo Games, due to begin in July, to kick off a reset in the now deadlocked talks process. North Korea's Olympic Committee "decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games in order to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by Covid-19", said the Sports in the DPR Korea website, run by the sports ministry in Pyongyang. But analysts said other factors may have been at play. The announcement -- dated Monday -- reported a meeting of the national Olympic committee on March 25. The North's official KCNA news agency had previously carried a dispatch on the committee meeting, without mentioning the Olympic decision. Pyongyang is more isolated than ever after imposing a strict border closure more than a year ago in an effort to protect itself from the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China and went on to sweep the world. The North insists it has had no coronavirus cases, although experts doubt the assertion, but the lockdown has exacerbated the economic pain from multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes. The new US administration of Joe Biden is in the final stages of a review of North Korea policy, with officials widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits. On the campaign trail Biden characterised Kim as a "thug" and has sharply criticised Trump's meetings, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy. Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles. - 'Shameless distortion' - Inter-Korean relations are also at a standstill, with the North repeatedly saying it has no interest in talking to Seoul, and last year blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border. Even so Moon in his Independence Day speech on March 1 said: "This year's Tokyo Olympics could be an opportunity for dialogues between South Korea and Japan, the North and the South, North Korea and Japan, and North Korea and the US." The day commemorates mass protests that took place in 1919 across the Korean peninsula against Tokyo's colonial rule. Seoul's unification ministry said it was "sorry that the Covid situation" had prevented the Games from serving as "an opportunity to advance peace on the Korean peninsula". Japan's chief government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said it was monitoring the reports and authorities were seeking to improve the environment, "including infection countermeasures, so that many countries and regions can participate in the Tokyo Games". Analysts said the virus may not be the only reason behind Pyongyang's decision. "Pyongyang seems to be protesting against Japan's policies on North Korea, as sensitive issues such as human rights and sanctions have been raised by Tokyo, along with the US," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. The North regularly excoriates Olympic host nation Japan over its brutal 20th-century annexation, with KCNA carrying a report Sunday condemning new Japanese history textbooks as "persistent and shameless distortion of history". Tokyo regularly demands resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the North, although Pyongyang insists it has returned all those it seized who are still alive.

N. Korea says will not go to Olympics over Covid fears

North Korea has pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics this year to protect its athletes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision comes as a blow to South Korea's hopes of reviving the stalled peace talks during the Games.

North Korea pulls out of Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 pandemic

Gravitas Plus with WION's Palki Sharma | 74 years of family rule, 3 dictators, a war, and several nuclear threats later, North Korea today is the world's most isolated country. Kim Il Sung's promise of Juche (self-reliance) has been lost, Pyongyang does not have money, food or electricity. How did North Korea end up so miserable?

Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country?

In North Korea, an exodus is underway.

From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country.

And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-an-exodus-is-underway-in-north-korea-375052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut.

This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom.

There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions.

Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems.

North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-biden-admin-of-provocation-after-missile-test-373537">North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test</a>

According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys.

All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy.

Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan.

The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea.

"The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said.&nbsp;

On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley.

North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year.

This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy.

But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt.

Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation. Watch | It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut. This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom. There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions. Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems. North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post. Also read | North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys. All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy. Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan. The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea. "The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said. On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley. North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year. This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy. But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt. Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO). How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

Why North Korea is seeing an exodus

The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang has claimed that foreign diplomats are fleeing North Korea. At least 12 countries are said to have shut their missions. Why?

Gravitas: An Exodus is underway in North Korea

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. 
 
The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. 
 
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. 
 
But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. 
 
Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." 
 
"The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. 
 
When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. 
 
A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. 
 
The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. 
 
South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." "The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

Seoul sends bid for co-hosting 2032 Olympics with North Korea despite frosty ties

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong on Tuesday slammed the South Korean president for referring to North Korea’s recent missile tests as “concerning”.

Yo Jong added that South Korea, the United States, and North Korea should not create hurdles in talks, as reported by state outlet KCNA on Tuesday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-launches-2-ballistic-missiles-into-sea-of-japan-373094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last week, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the sea near Japan, signalling steady progress of its weapons programme while piling up pressure on the United States.

Soon after the launches, South Korean President Jae-in Moon said that all three countries (North Korea, South Korea, and US) should continue to pursue dialogue. Kim Yo Jong called Moon’s remarks disgraceful and criticised him for siding with the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/n-korea-accuses-unsc-of-double-standard-over-missile-tests-373966" hreflang="en">N Korea accuses UNSC of 'double standard' over missile tests</a>

The US had condemned the missile test while adding that North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes threaten international peace and security.

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-south-korea-hold-talks-explore-new-domains-in-defence-cooperation-373710" hreflang="en">India,&nbsp;South Korea hold talks, explore new domains in defence cooperation</a>

The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test.

At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry.

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong on Tuesday slammed the South Korean president for referring to North Korea’s recent missile tests as “concerning”.

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong on Tuesday slammed the South Korean president for referring to North Korea’s recent missile tests as “concerning”. Yo Jong added that South Korea, the United States, and North Korea should not create hurdles in talks, as reported by state outlet KCNA on Tuesday. Last week, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the sea near Japan, signalling steady progress of its weapons programme while piling up pressure on the United States. Soon after the launches, South Korean President Jae-in Moon said that all three countries (North Korea, South Korea, and US) should continue to pursue dialogue. Kim Yo Jong called Moon’s remarks disgraceful and criticised him for siding with the United States. Also read: N Korea accuses UNSC of 'double standard' over missile tests The US had condemned the missile test while adding that North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes threaten international peace and security. North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions. Also read: India, South Korea hold talks, explore new domains in defence cooperation The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test. At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry.

Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong slams South Korea for criticising recent missile test

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions.

The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test.

North Korea launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile last week, prompting Washington to request a gathering of the UN Security Council's (UNSC) sanctions committee.

At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry.

Jo said the meeting was "designed to negate the right of our state to self-defence," warning it would devise a "countermeasure."

"It constitutes a denial of sovereign state and an apparent double standard that UNSC takes issue, on the basis of the UN 'resolutions' - direct products of the US hostile policy," Jo said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

"It does not make any sense that only our righteous self-defensive measure should be singled out for denunciation, when many other countries across the globe are firing all kinds of projectiles for the purpose of increasing their military strength."

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions.

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions. The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test. North Korea launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile last week, prompting Washington to request a gathering of the UN Security Council's (UNSC) sanctions committee. At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry. Jo said the meeting was "designed to negate the right of our state to self-defence," warning it would devise a "countermeasure." "It constitutes a denial of sovereign state and an apparent double standard that UNSC takes issue, on the basis of the UN 'resolutions' - direct products of the US hostile policy," Jo said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. "It does not make any sense that only our righteous self-defensive measure should be singled out for denunciation, when many other countries across the globe are firing all kinds of projectiles for the purpose of increasing their military strength."

N Korea accuses UNSC of 'double standard' over missile tests

North Korea on Saturday said the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test.

North Korea on Friday said it had launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile. Biden, in response, said the test violated UN Security Council resolutions.

The US president, however, added&nbsp;he remained open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.

The nuclear-armed North has a long history of using weapons tests to ramp up tensions, in a carefully calibrated process to try to forward its objectives.

Pyongyang had been biding its time since the new administration took office in Washington, not even officially acknowledging its existence until last week.

Ri Pyong Chol, secretary of the North's ruling Worker's Party's Central Committee, Biden's remarks were an "undisguised encroachment on our state's right to self-defence and provocation," and that the test was self-defensive against threats posed by South Korea and the United States with their joint military exercises and advanced weapons.

He added Washington might face "something that is not good" if it continues to make "thoughtless remarks."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-ballistic-missile-into-the-sea-reports-say-37296">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile into the sea, reports say</a>&nbsp;

"We express our deep apprehension over the U.S. chief executive faulting the regular testfire, exercise of our state's right to self-defence, as the violation of U.N. 'resolutions' and openly revealing his deep-seated hostility," Ri said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

"I think that the new US administration obviously took its first step wrong."

He further accused the Biden administration of "exploiting every opportunity" to provoke Pyongyang by branding it as a "security threat."

The test came just days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to work to denuclearise North Korea and criticised its "systemic and widespread" human rights abuses during a visit to Seoul with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

North Korea has also slammed the South Korea-US military exercises which ended last week, even though they were repeatedly scaled back to facilitate a restart of denuclearization talks with Pyongyang.

Ri said Washington insisted on a "gangster-like logic" to be able to bring strategic nuclear assets to South Korea and test intercontinental ballistic missiles at its convenience, but ban North Korea from testing even a tactical weapon.

Experts, to this end, said Ri's remarks meant North Korea would potentially ramp up military tension in the coming months by developing and testing advanced weapons.

Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a report on Friday that commercial satellite imagery showed North Korea has continued to produce uranium concentrate, used to build nuclear weapons, over the past eight months, though it has not tested any bombs since 2017.

Thursday's launch, and an earlier test of short-range, non-ballistic missiles at the weekend, came after joint exercises by the US and South Korean militaries and a visit to the region by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

(with inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Saturday said the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test.

North Korea on Saturday said the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test. North Korea on Friday said it had launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile. Biden, in response, said the test violated UN Security Council resolutions. The US president, however, added he remained open to diplomacy with Pyongyang. The nuclear-armed North has a long history of using weapons tests to ramp up tensions, in a carefully calibrated process to try to forward its objectives. Pyongyang had been biding its time since the new administration took office in Washington, not even officially acknowledging its existence until last week. Ri Pyong Chol, secretary of the North's ruling Worker's Party's Central Committee, Biden's remarks were an "undisguised encroachment on our state's right to self-defence and provocation," and that the test was self-defensive against threats posed by South Korea and the United States with their joint military exercises and advanced weapons. He added Washington might face "something that is not good" if it continues to make "thoughtless remarks." Also read | North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile into the sea, reports say "We express our deep apprehension over the U.S. chief executive faulting the regular testfire, exercise of our state's right to self-defence, as the violation of U.N. 'resolutions' and openly revealing his deep-seated hostility," Ri said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. "I think that the new US administration obviously took its first step wrong." He further accused the Biden administration of "exploiting every opportunity" to provoke Pyongyang by branding it as a "security threat." The test came just days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to work to denuclearise North Korea and criticised its "systemic and widespread" human rights abuses during a visit to Seoul with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. North Korea has also slammed the South Korea-US military exercises which ended last week, even though they were repeatedly scaled back to facilitate a restart of denuclearization talks with Pyongyang. Ri said Washington insisted on a "gangster-like logic" to be able to bring strategic nuclear assets to South Korea and test intercontinental ballistic missiles at its convenience, but ban North Korea from testing even a tactical weapon. Experts, to this end, said Ri's remarks meant North Korea would potentially ramp up military tension in the coming months by developing and testing advanced weapons. Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a report on Friday that commercial satellite imagery showed North Korea has continued to produce uranium concentrate, used to build nuclear weapons, over the past eight months, though it has not tested any bombs since 2017. Thursday's launch, and an earlier test of short-range, non-ballistic missiles at the weekend, came after joint exercises by the US and South Korean militaries and a visit to the region by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. (with inputs from agencies)

North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic.

Casting a pall over celebrations, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles before the relay began.

About 10,000 runners will carry the torch across Japan`s 47 prefectures and far-flung islands, starting from the site of the 2011 quake and tsunami that killed about 20,000 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing radioactive plumes.

"For the past year, as the entire world underwent a difficult period, the Olympic flame was kept alive quietly but powerfully," Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at the opening ceremony, which was closed to spectators.

"The small flame did not lose hope, and just like the cherry blossom buds that are ready to bloom, it was waiting for this day," Hashimoto said.

After the North Korean missile launch, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga assured reporters the national government was cooperating with Tokyo and the International Olympic Committee to host a secure Games.

"We will do our utmost in terms of coronavirus measures and continue to work with related areas to contain the spread of infections and hope to work towards a safe and secure Games," Suga said.

Japan has fared better than most countries during the pandemic, with fewer than 9,000 coronavirus deaths, but Tokyo reported 420 cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day figure this month.

The majority of the public is against the Olympics being held as scheduled, polls show.

NO CROWDS OR CHEERING

The relay, which will culminate with the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, has been hit by several high-profile runner cancellations as celebrities and top-level athletes have pulled out, citing late notice and worries over the pandemic.

The starting ceremony was held at J-Village in Fukushima, a sports complex converted for several years into a staging ground for workers decommissioning the crippled nuclear power plant.

"For the torch relay viewing, please ensure you are wearing a mask, keep a proper distance, don`t stand close to each other and support with things like clapping, instead of using a loud voice," an announcer at the site said.

The brief and solemn ceremony - originally planned for thousands of fans as a celebration of Japan`s recovery - was closed to the public.

It featured several low-key events, including a drum concert and dance performances by a group of residents from Fukushima, followed by a children`s choir.

Members of the Japanese national women`s soccer team used the Olympic flame, flown in from Greece last year, to light the torch.

The runners, some wearing masks and white uniforms decorated with red ran out of J-Village and passed on the flame to the next runner. About a dozen staff escorted the runner, racing together and following a van guiding the relay.

"I’m convinced that, under this coronavirus pandemic, the Olympics will surely bring courage and vigour to people in east Japan, where recovery is still halfway through," Norio Sasaki, coach of the women`s soccer team that won the 2011 World Cup, said after running the first leg of the relay.

Television helicopters followed the run and the number of roadside spectators, waving Olympic flags, increased as the day went on. But they were masked and kept apart.

Organisers have said that the relay will skip areas that are too crowded, or pause until people disperse.

'YOU MUST BE JOKING'

"Fukushima`s recovery is going steadily," Fukushima governor Masao Uchibori said at the launch ceremony.

"But there are still many people who can`t return to their homes, and many difficult issues such as reviving these areas, rebuilding the lives of their residents," he said.

The torch will travel through some of the worst-hit areas first.

Japan has spent nearly $300 billion to revive the region, but many locals are apprehensive about the Games, as areas in Fukushima remain off-limits, worries about radiation linger and many who left have settled elsewhere. Decommissioning will take up to a century and cost billions of dollars.

A protester driving a silver van near the relay shouted over a loudspeaker, questioning how the Olympics could contribute to the region`s recovery.

"You must be joking," the man yelled. "Everyone knows we can`t have the Olympics," he shouted.

The organisers insist the Olympics will go ahead, but doctors and nurses have complained about the strain on hospitals and experts warn about the spread of virus variants.

Adding to the challenge, Japan was the last of the Group of Seven industrialised nations to launch a vaccine drive. Only 700,000 people have been inoculated so far, most of the medical workers.

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic.

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic. Casting a pall over celebrations, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles before the relay began. About 10,000 runners will carry the torch across Japan`s 47 prefectures and far-flung islands, starting from the site of the 2011 quake and tsunami that killed about 20,000 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing radioactive plumes. "For the past year, as the entire world underwent a difficult period, the Olympic flame was kept alive quietly but powerfully," Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at the opening ceremony, which was closed to spectators. "The small flame did not lose hope, and just like the cherry blossom buds that are ready to bloom, it was waiting for this day," Hashimoto said. After the North Korean missile launch, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga assured reporters the national government was cooperating with Tokyo and the International Olympic Committee to host a secure Games. "We will do our utmost in terms of coronavirus measures and continue to work with related areas to contain the spread of infections and hope to work towards a safe and secure Games," Suga said. Japan has fared better than most countries during the pandemic, with fewer than 9,000 coronavirus deaths, but Tokyo reported 420 cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day figure this month. The majority of the public is against the Olympics being held as scheduled, polls show. NO CROWDS OR CHEERING The relay, which will culminate with the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, has been hit by several high-profile runner cancellations as celebrities and top-level athletes have pulled out, citing late notice and worries over the pandemic. The starting ceremony was held at J-Village in Fukushima, a sports complex converted for several years into a staging ground for workers decommissioning the crippled nuclear power plant. "For the torch relay viewing, please ensure you are wearing a mask, keep a proper distance, don`t stand close to each other and support with things like clapping, instead of using a loud voice," an announcer at the site said. The brief and solemn ceremony - originally planned for thousands of fans as a celebration of Japan`s recovery - was closed to the public. It featured several low-key events, including a drum concert and dance performances by a group of residents from Fukushima, followed by a children`s choir. Members of the Japanese national women`s soccer team used the Olympic flame, flown in from Greece last year, to light the torch. The runners, some wearing masks and white uniforms decorated with red ran out of J-Village and passed on the flame to the next runner. About a dozen staff escorted the runner, racing together and following a van guiding the relay. "I’m convinced that, under this coronavirus pandemic, the Olympics will surely bring courage and vigour to people in east Japan, where recovery is still halfway through," Norio Sasaki, coach of the women`s soccer team that won the 2011 World Cup, said after running the first leg of the relay. Television helicopters followed the run and the number of roadside spectators, waving Olympic flags, increased as the day went on. But they were masked and kept apart. Organisers have said that the relay will skip areas that are too crowded, or pause until people disperse. 'YOU MUST BE JOKING' "Fukushima`s recovery is going steadily," Fukushima governor Masao Uchibori said at the launch ceremony. "But there are still many people who can`t return to their homes, and many difficult issues such as reviving these areas, rebuilding the lives of their residents," he said. The torch will travel through some of the worst-hit areas first. Japan has spent nearly $300 billion to revive the region, but many locals are apprehensive about the Games, as areas in Fukushima remain off-limits, worries about radiation linger and many who left have settled elsewhere. Decommissioning will take up to a century and cost billions of dollars. A protester driving a silver van near the relay shouted over a loudspeaker, questioning how the Olympics could contribute to the region`s recovery. "You must be joking," the man yelled. "Everyone knows we can`t have the Olympics," he shouted. The organisers insist the Olympics will go ahead, but doctors and nurses have complained about the strain on hospitals and experts warn about the spread of virus variants. Adding to the challenge, Japan was the last of the Group of Seven industrialised nations to launch a vaccine drive. Only 700,000 people have been inoculated so far, most of the medical workers.

Olympics torch relay starts in Fukushima as North Korea launches missiles

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May.

Human rights activist Park said she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by residents in the northern English town of Bury, her home since 2008, by becoming a councillor in the local government.

She is standing in the May 6 election as a candidate for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in the Moorside electoral ward of Bury, a former industrial town lined with old red brick houses.

"I am really confident because I have already fought totalitarian evils twice, because I escaped North Korea twice," Park, 52, told Reuters from her house adorned with the flag of England and Britain's Union Jack.

"People were really nice to us. I want to pay back this debt," she said.

She grew up in the mountainous North Hamgyong province of North Korea but, hungry and desperate, in 1998 Park fled with her younger brother to China where they fell into the hands of human traffickers.

They were separated - her brother never to be seen again - and she was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave.

"One day I wanted to give up my life but I found that I was pregnant. I had changed my mind because this child was my last family member - and maybe this child would give me hope," she said.

She hid her pregnancy and, fearing arrest in hospital with no ID or papers, gave birth to a boy on her own.

The pair struggled on for five years before Park was captured by the Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea without her son - a parting of "unspeakable" pain, she said.

Imprisoned in a squalid labour camp, she grew seriously ill from a leg injury.

"The police told me that you cannot die inside the camp, you die outside. So they released me," Park said, adding that she prayed to survive so she could be reunited with her son.

She regained enough strength to return to China and in 2005 she found her son, who had been treated badly by her former masters.

Park resolved to find a safe place for them.

She met her now-husband during an abortive move to the Mongolian desert and in 2007 a Korean pastor in Beijing put them in touch with the United Nations, which relocated the family to Britain.

They settled in Bury, birthplace of Robert Peel, a 19th century prime minister and a founder of the modern Conservative Party.

Asked why she joined the Conservatives, whose immigration policies have been criticised by campaign groups like Amnesty International, Park said their emphasis on family values and individual freedom appealed to her.

"Britain taught me what is freedom, and what is human. So that's why I want to help. Last year was a very difficult year and many people lost their family members," Park said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She now spends her time helping other refugees from North Korea adjust to life in Britain.

While Park leads a happy life in Bury and has now raised three children, her thoughts still turn to the past - and her younger brother.

"I still don't know whether he survived or not, but I never give up my hope. One day I want to be reunited with my brother," she said.

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May.

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May. Human rights activist Park said she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by residents in the northern English town of Bury, her home since 2008, by becoming a councillor in the local government. She is standing in the May 6 election as a candidate for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in the Moorside electoral ward of Bury, a former industrial town lined with old red brick houses. "I am really confident because I have already fought totalitarian evils twice, because I escaped North Korea twice," Park, 52, told Reuters from her house adorned with the flag of England and Britain's Union Jack. "People were really nice to us. I want to pay back this debt," she said. She grew up in the mountainous North Hamgyong province of North Korea but, hungry and desperate, in 1998 Park fled with her younger brother to China where they fell into the hands of human traffickers. They were separated - her brother never to be seen again - and she was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave. "One day I wanted to give up my life but I found that I was pregnant. I had changed my mind because this child was my last family member - and maybe this child would give me hope," she said. She hid her pregnancy and, fearing arrest in hospital with no ID or papers, gave birth to a boy on her own. The pair struggled on for five years before Park was captured by the Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea without her son - a parting of "unspeakable" pain, she said. Imprisoned in a squalid labour camp, she grew seriously ill from a leg injury. "The police told me that you cannot die inside the camp, you die outside. So they released me," Park said, adding that she prayed to survive so she could be reunited with her son. She regained enough strength to return to China and in 2005 she found her son, who had been treated badly by her former masters. Park resolved to find a safe place for them. She met her now-husband during an abortive move to the Mongolian desert and in 2007 a Korean pastor in Beijing put them in touch with the United Nations, which relocated the family to Britain. They settled in Bury, birthplace of Robert Peel, a 19th century prime minister and a founder of the modern Conservative Party. Asked why she joined the Conservatives, whose immigration policies have been criticised by campaign groups like Amnesty International, Park said their emphasis on family values and individual freedom appealed to her. "Britain taught me what is freedom, and what is human. So that's why I want to help. Last year was a very difficult year and many people lost their family members," Park said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. She now spends her time helping other refugees from North Korea adjust to life in Britain. While Park leads a happy life in Bury and has now raised three children, her thoughts still turn to the past - and her younger brother. "I still don't know whether he survived or not, but I never give up my hope. One day I want to be reunited with my brother," she said.

From prison camp to ballot box: North Korean defector seeks British election win

North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan which is known as the 'East Sea' in Korea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul amid renewed tensions in the region and called for peace stability in the northeast.

North Korea launches 2 ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan

North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea Thursday, in its first substantive provocation to the new US administration of Joe Biden.

They may have been ballistic missiles, a spokesman for Japan's defence ministry said. "It has not fallen within Japanese territory and is not believed to have come down within Japan's exclusive economic zone," he said.

North Korea's ballistic missiles are banned under United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and if the launch is confirmed it would represent a new challenge to Biden's efforts to engage with Pyongyang, which have so far been rebuffed.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported at least two "unidentified projectiles" were fired into the sea from North Korea's South Hamgyong Province on the east coast.

South Korean and US&nbsp;intelligence authorities were analysing the data of the launch for additional information, the JCS said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tested-two-short-range-missiles-white-house-372639">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House</a>

Earlier the Japanese coast guard warned ships against coming close to any fallen objects and instead asked them to provide information to the coast guard.

Over the weekend North Korea fired two short-range cruise missiles, US and South Korean officials said, but Biden played down&nbsp;those tests as "business as usual" and officials in Washington said they were still open to dialogue with Pyongyang.

Biden's diplomatic overtures to North Korea have gone unanswered, and Pyongyang said it would not engage until Washington drops hostile policies, including carrying out military drills with South Korea.

The nuclear-armed North has a long history of using weapons tests to ramp up tensions, in a carefully calibrated process to try to forward its objectives.

Donald Trump's first year in office was marked by a series of escalating launches, accompanied by a war of words between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang had been biding its time since the new administration took office, not even officially acknowledging its existence until last week.

(with inputs)

North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea Thursday, in its first substantive provocation to the new US administration of Joe Biden. They may have been ballistic missiles, a spokesman for Japan's defence ministry said.

North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea Thursday, in its first substantive provocation to the new US administration of Joe Biden. They may have been ballistic missiles, a spokesman for Japan's defence ministry said. "It has not fallen within Japanese territory and is not believed to have come down within Japan's exclusive economic zone," he said. North Korea's ballistic missiles are banned under United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and if the launch is confirmed it would represent a new challenge to Biden's efforts to engage with Pyongyang, which have so far been rebuffed. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported at least two "unidentified projectiles" were fired into the sea from North Korea's South Hamgyong Province on the east coast. South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analysing the data of the launch for additional information, the JCS said in a statement. Also read | North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House Earlier the Japanese coast guard warned ships against coming close to any fallen objects and instead asked them to provide information to the coast guard. Over the weekend North Korea fired two short-range cruise missiles, US and South Korean officials said, but Biden played down those tests as "business as usual" and officials in Washington said they were still open to dialogue with Pyongyang. Biden's diplomatic overtures to North Korea have gone unanswered, and Pyongyang said it would not engage until Washington drops hostile policies, including carrying out military drills with South Korea. The nuclear-armed North has a long history of using weapons tests to ramp up tensions, in a carefully calibrated process to try to forward its objectives. Donald Trump's first year in office was marked by a series of escalating launches, accompanied by a war of words between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang had been biding its time since the new administration took office, not even officially acknowledging its existence until last week. (with inputs)

North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile into the sea, reports say

The White House officials said on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-diplomats-set-to-leave-malaysia-after-ties-cut-372050">North Korea</a> fired two short-range&nbsp;missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials while describing the tests as "common" military testing.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-china-has-a-critical-role-in-denuclearisation-of-north-korea-371422/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have learned that there's nothing much has changed," President Biden said on the North Korean tests after two short-range missiles were reportedly fired.

The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages. The tests were conducted by North Korea even as the US government has expressed its willingness to engage with Kim Jong-Un in behind-the-scenes diplomatic overtures by the new administration since mid-February.

The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions. The missile tests were reportedly conducted days after US secretary of state Antony Blinken's visit to the Korean peninsula.

North Korea has not tested an ICBM since 2017, however, it has conducted several tests of shorter-ranges missiles.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump had met Kim in 2018 where Kim had moved towards denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, relations between the US and North Korea continued to be stained as the talks between the two sides stalled.

Pyongyang in recent months has expressed displeasure over strengthening US-South Korea military ties. Earlier, Kim Jong-Un's sister had threatened Washington and Seoul for holding joint military exercises.

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials while describing the tests as "common" military testing.

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials while describing the tests as "common" military testing. Watch: "We have learned that there's nothing much has changed," President Biden said on the North Korean tests after two short-range missiles were reportedly fired. The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages. The tests were conducted by North Korea even as the US government has expressed its willingness to engage with Kim Jong-Un in behind-the-scenes diplomatic overtures by the new administration since mid-February. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions. The missile tests were reportedly conducted days after US secretary of state Antony Blinken's visit to the Korean peninsula. North Korea has not tested an ICBM since 2017, however, it has conducted several tests of shorter-ranges missiles. Former US president Donald Trump had met Kim in 2018 where Kim had moved towards denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, relations between the US and North Korea continued to be stained as the talks between the two sides stalled. Pyongyang in recent months has expressed displeasure over strengthening US-South Korea military ties. Earlier, Kim Jong-Un's sister had threatened Washington and Seoul for holding joint military exercises.

North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport.&nbsp;

A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow.&nbsp;

After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up.&nbsp;

Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act".

Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack.

Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus.&nbsp;

They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers.&nbsp;

An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday.&nbsp;

Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China.

Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.&nbsp;

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US. Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure. The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport. A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow. After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up. Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act". Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack. Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus. They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers. An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday. Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China. Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.

North Korean diplomats set to leave Malaysia after ties cut

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges.

State media KCNA reported on Friday that North Korea's foreign affairs ministry warned Washington would "pay a price".

On March 9, Malaysia`s top court ruled that a North Korean man, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges, according to media reports.

Mun had been arrested in 2019 after the United States accused him of laundering funds through front companies and issuing fraudulent documents to support illicit shipments to North Korea. He fought the extradition request, arguing that it was politically motivated.

The ministry called the extradition a "nefarious act and unpardonably heavy crime" by Malaysian authorities, who had "offered our citizen as a sacrifice of the US hostile move in defiance of the acknowledged international laws."

Malaysia's actions had destroyed "the entire foundation of the bilateral relations based on the respect for sovereignty," it said.

Kuala Lumpur's once-close ties with Pyongyang were severely downgraded after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged brother, Kim Jong Nam, was killed at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 when two women smeared his face with VX nerve agent, which the United Nations lists as a weapon of mass destruction.

"We warn in advance that the US - the backstage manipulator and main culprit of this incident - that it will also be made to pay a due price," KCNA reported.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Thursday said that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete a review of its North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with allies.

(with inputs)

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges.

North Korea said it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia in the wake of a court there ruling that a national could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges. State media KCNA reported on Friday that North Korea's foreign affairs ministry warned Washington would "pay a price". On March 9, Malaysia`s top court ruled that a North Korean man, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges, according to media reports. Mun had been arrested in 2019 after the United States accused him of laundering funds through front companies and issuing fraudulent documents to support illicit shipments to North Korea. He fought the extradition request, arguing that it was politically motivated. The ministry called the extradition a "nefarious act and unpardonably heavy crime" by Malaysian authorities, who had "offered our citizen as a sacrifice of the US hostile move in defiance of the acknowledged international laws." Malaysia's actions had destroyed "the entire foundation of the bilateral relations based on the respect for sovereignty," it said. Kuala Lumpur's once-close ties with Pyongyang were severely downgraded after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged brother, Kim Jong Nam, was killed at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 when two women smeared his face with VX nerve agent, which the United Nations lists as a weapon of mass destruction. "We warn in advance that the US - the backstage manipulator and main culprit of this incident - that it will also be made to pay a due price," KCNA reported. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Thursday said that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete a review of its North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with allies. (with inputs)

North Korea to sever ties with Malaysia over extradition of citizen to US

After a key bilateral meeting in Seoul, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated the importance of reducing the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapon program adding that China has a critical role in the denuclearisation of North Korea.

Blinken: China has a critical role in denuclearisation of North Korea

Amidst fortification of alliances by the United States, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State says China has a key role in Denuclearisation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says China has critical 'role' in Denuclearisation

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that both pressure and diplomatic options were on the table for dealing with Pyongyang. The comments came hours after North Korean official Choe Son Hui called the Biden administration's attempts to contact Pyongyang a "cheap trick", in the North's first public statement on the matter.

Blinken told a joint briefing with South Korean officials in Seoul that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete its review of North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with its allies.

Both pressure and diplomatic options were being considered, he added, but declined to elaborate when asked what approach the United States would take after the review.

"President Biden plans to complete a North Korea policy review in the weeks ahead in close cooperation and consultation with the Republic of Korea, with Japan and with other key partners, including resuming pressure options and the potential for future diplomacy," Blinken said.

He declined to elaborate when asked what approach the United States would take after the review.

But when asked at a separate online roundtable with Korean journalists if Biden would meet Kim, Blinken said Washington is exploring how to convince North Korea to make progress on denuclearisation by considering both "different kinds of pressure points" and diplomacy.

"In a sense, everything is on the table. We have a very open mind about it," he said.

Blinken was making his first visit to Asia as secretary of state, alongside US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

They issued a joint statement with their South Korean counterparts, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook, vowing to work together on regional issues from climate change and the coronavirus pandemic to trade and North Korea.

"The ministers and secretaries emphasised that North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile issues are a priority for the alliance, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to address and resolve these issues," they said in the statement.

The pair have repeatedly called for the "complete denuclearisation of North Korea" on their trip, which began in Japan.

The briefing also showed potential sources of future policy discord on North Korea and China. Blinken said its North Korea strategy would not only address security concerns but also the "repressive" Pyongyang government's "widespread, systematic abuses" on its people.

"The goals of this policy are clear: we`re committed to the denuclearisation of North Korea, reducing the broader threat the DPRK poses to the United States and our allies, and improving the lives of all Koreans," Blinken said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in&nbsp;has called for Biden to build on progress made by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un&nbsp;and Trump from their unprecedented summit in Singapore in 2018, which Chung said could provide the groundwork for future talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

"We think the Singapore agreement deserves sufficient consideration as it has basic principles for improving North Korea-U.S. relations, establishing peace and achieving denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula," Chung told the briefing.

Blinken also blamed China at the briefing for undermining regional stability and security with its "aggressive and authoritarian behaviour," and stressed its role in convincing North Korea to denuclearise.

Blinken called for unity among allies, despite Seoul`s hesitance to provoke China, its largest economic partner and an ally of North Korea. "It is more important than ever that we stand together for the values for the interest that unite us," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-warns-china-against-coercion-and-aggression-370894">Also read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-warns-china-against-coercion-and-aggression-370894" hreflang="en">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns China against 'coercion and aggression'</a>

North Korea had earlier said it would ignore all US efforts to foster contact or dialogue unless Washington changes course, hours before President Joe Biden's top envoys held talks in Seoul.

There could be no contact nor dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang "unless the US rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK", Choe said in a statement carried Thursday by the official Korean Central News Agency, referring to the North by its official name.

"Therefore, we will disregard such an attempt of the US in the future, too."

The "new regime" in the US, she added, had only put forward a "lunatic theory of 'threat from north Korea' and groundless rhetoric about 'complete denuclearisation'".

Pyongyang has closed its borders for more than a year to try to protect itself against the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in neighbouring China.

Blinken's comments in Japan had "seriously rattled us", Choe added.&nbsp;

"We are curious what senseless rhetoric he would make in south Korea to take the world by surprise."

Blinken and Austin are consulting on a review of Washington's policy towards the North being carried out by the new administration.

Trump's unorthodox approach to foreign policy saw him trade insults and threats of war with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before an extraordinary diplomatic bromance that saw a series of headline-grabbing meetings, beginning in Singapore. But ultimately no progress was made towards Washington's declared aim of denuclearising North Korea, with a second summit in Hanoi in early 2019 breaking up over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

The North remains under multiple international sanctions for its banned weapons programmes, which it says it needs to deter a possible US invasion.

Seoul and Washington are security allies and kicked off joint military exercises last week. That prompted the North Korean leader's influential sister Kim Yo Jong to warn the new US administration against "causing a stink at its first step" if it wants to "sleep in peace for coming four years".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-warns-china-against-coercion-and-aggression-370894">Also read |&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns China against 'coercion and aggression'</a>

Beijing has rebuked Blinken's similar remarks in Tokyo, and his renewed criticism came ahead of his first in-person meetings with Chinese counterparts in Alaska on Thursday.

(with inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that both pressure and diplomatic options were on the table for dealing with Pyongyang. The comments came hours after North Korean official Choe Son Hui called the Biden administration's attempts to contact Pyongyang a "cheap trick", in the North's first public statement on the matter.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that both pressure and diplomatic options were on the table for dealing with Pyongyang. The comments came hours after North Korean official Choe Son Hui called the Biden administration's attempts to contact Pyongyang a "cheap trick", in the North's first public statement on the matter. Blinken told a joint briefing with South Korean officials in Seoul that the administration of President Joe Biden would complete its review of North Korea policy in the next few weeks in close consultation with its allies. Both pressure and diplomatic options were being considered, he added, but declined to elaborate when asked what approach the United States would take after the review. "President Biden plans to complete a North Korea policy review in the weeks ahead in close cooperation and consultation with the Republic of Korea, with Japan and with other key partners, including resuming pressure options and the potential for future diplomacy," Blinken said. He declined to elaborate when asked what approach the United States would take after the review. But when asked at a separate online roundtable with Korean journalists if Biden would meet Kim, Blinken said Washington is exploring how to convince North Korea to make progress on denuclearisation by considering both "different kinds of pressure points" and diplomacy. "In a sense, everything is on the table. We have a very open mind about it," he said. Blinken was making his first visit to Asia as secretary of state, alongside US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. They issued a joint statement with their South Korean counterparts, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook, vowing to work together on regional issues from climate change and the coronavirus pandemic to trade and North Korea. "The ministers and secretaries emphasised that North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile issues are a priority for the alliance, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to address and resolve these issues," they said in the statement. The pair have repeatedly called for the "complete denuclearisation of North Korea" on their trip, which began in Japan. The briefing also showed potential sources of future policy discord on North Korea and China. Blinken said its North Korea strategy would not only address security concerns but also the "repressive" Pyongyang government's "widespread, systematic abuses" on its people. "The goals of this policy are clear: we`re committed to the denuclearisation of North Korea, reducing the broader threat the DPRK poses to the United States and our allies, and improving the lives of all Koreans," Blinken said. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called for Biden to build on progress made by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Trump from their unprecedented summit in Singapore in 2018, which Chung said could provide the groundwork for future talks between Washington and Pyongyang. "We think the Singapore agreement deserves sufficient consideration as it has basic principles for improving North Korea-U.S. relations, establishing peace and achieving denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula," Chung told the briefing. Blinken also blamed China at the briefing for undermining regional stability and security with its "aggressive and authoritarian behaviour," and stressed its role in convincing North Korea to denuclearise. Blinken called for unity among allies, despite Seoul`s hesitance to provoke China, its largest economic partner and an ally of North Korea. "It is more important than ever that we stand together for the values for the interest that unite us," he said. Also read | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns China against 'coercion and aggression' North Korea had earlier said it would ignore all US efforts to foster contact or dialogue unless Washington changes course, hours before President Joe Biden's top envoys held talks in Seoul. There could be no contact nor dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang "unless the US rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK", Choe said in a statement carried Thursday by the official Korean Central News Agency, referring to the North by its official name. "Therefore, we will disregard such an attempt of the US in the future, too." The "new regime" in the US, she added, had only put forward a "lunatic theory of 'threat from north Korea' and groundless rhetoric about 'complete denuclearisation'". Pyongyang has closed its borders for more than a year to try to protect itself against the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in neighbouring China. Blinken's comments in Japan had "seriously rattled us", Choe added. "We are curious what senseless rhetoric he would make in south Korea to take the world by surprise." Blinken and Austin are consulting on a review of Washington's policy towards the North being carried out by the new administration. Trump's unorthodox approach to foreign policy saw him trade insults and threats of war with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before an extraordinary diplomatic bromance that saw a series of headline-grabbing meetings, beginning in Singapore. But ultimately no progress was made towards Washington's declared aim of denuclearising North Korea, with a second summit in Hanoi in early 2019 breaking up over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return. The North remains under multiple international sanctions for its banned weapons programmes, which it says it needs to deter a possible US invasion. Seoul and Washington are security allies and kicked off joint military exercises last week. That prompted the North Korean leader's influential sister Kim Yo Jong to warn the new US administration against "causing a stink at its first step" if it wants to "sleep in peace for coming four years". Also read | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns China against 'coercion and aggression' Beijing has rebuked Blinken's similar remarks in Tokyo, and his renewed criticism came ahead of his first in-person meetings with Chinese counterparts in Alaska on Thursday. (with inputs from agencies)

Blinken says US weighs pressure, diplomatic options on North Korea

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin arrived in Seoul on Wednesday with top US diplomat Antony Blinken following for talks with South Korean officials to bolster a united front against an increasingly assertive China and the nuclear-armed North.

The South is the second leg of their inaugural overseas trip, and like their first stop, Japan, a leading security ally of the United States.

The Biden administration is focused on rallying alliances with its key Asian partners to counter a rising China.&nbsp;

Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards Taiwan.

"It's important for us to make clear together that China cannot expect&nbsp;to act with impunity," Blinken said.

North Korea is likely to move up the agenda in the South, where the US stations 28,500 troops to defend it against its neighbour.

Meanwhile, in North Korea's first comments directed at the Biden administration, Kim Jong Un's powerful sister on Tuesday warned the United States to "refrain from causing a stink" if it wants to "sleep in peace" for the next four years.

Kim Yo Jong, a senior official who handles inter-Korean affairs, also criticised the US and South Korea for holding military exercises. She also said the North would consider abandoning a 2018 bilateral agreement on reducing military tensions and abolish a decades-old ruling party unit tasked to handle inter-Korean relations if it no longer had to cooperate with the South.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-will-be-watching-kim-jong-uns-sister-warns-us-ahead-of-austin-blinkens-visit-to-seoul-370770">Also read |&nbsp;'North Korea will be watching': Kim Jong Un's sister warns US ahead of Austin, Blinken's visit to Seoul</a>

She said the North would also consider scrapping an office that handled South Korean tours to the North's scenic Diamond Mountain, which Seoul suspended in 2008 after a North Korean guard fatally shot a South Korean tourist.

A senior official from the Biden administration said Saturday that US officials have tried to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, but had yet to receive a response.

The South Korean and US militaries began annual military exercises last week that continue through Thursday.

The drills are command post exercises and computerised simulation and don't involve field training. They said they held the downsized drills after reviewing factors like the status of COVID-19 and diplomatic efforts to resume the nuclear talks with North Korea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-north-korea-loom-as-blinken-austin-head-to-asia-370426">Also read |&nbsp;China, North Korea loom as Blinken, Austin head to Asia&nbsp;</a>

The new US administration is expected to wrap up a review of North Korea policy in coming weeks. And Blinken said Washington is considering whether additional pressure on North Korea could be effective.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin arrived in Seoul on Wednesday with top US diplomat Antony Blinken following for talks with South Korean officials to bolster a united front against an increasingly assertive China and the nuclear-armed North.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin arrived in Seoul on Wednesday with top US diplomat Antony Blinken following for talks with South Korean officials to bolster a united front against an increasingly assertive China and the nuclear-armed North. The South is the second leg of their inaugural overseas trip, and like their first stop, Japan, a leading security ally of the United States. The Biden administration is focused on rallying alliances with its key Asian partners to counter a rising China. Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards Taiwan. "It's important for us to make clear together that China cannot expect to act with impunity," Blinken said. North Korea is likely to move up the agenda in the South, where the US stations 28,500 troops to defend it against its neighbour. Meanwhile, in North Korea's first comments directed at the Biden administration, Kim Jong Un's powerful sister on Tuesday warned the United States to "refrain from causing a stink" if it wants to "sleep in peace" for the next four years. Kim Yo Jong, a senior official who handles inter-Korean affairs, also criticised the US and South Korea for holding military exercises. She also said the North would consider abandoning a 2018 bilateral agreement on reducing military tensions and abolish a decades-old ruling party unit tasked to handle inter-Korean relations if it no longer had to cooperate with the South. Also read | 'North Korea will be watching': Kim Jong Un's sister warns US ahead of Austin, Blinken's visit to Seoul She said the North would also consider scrapping an office that handled South Korean tours to the North's scenic Diamond Mountain, which Seoul suspended in 2008 after a North Korean guard fatally shot a South Korean tourist. A senior official from the Biden administration said Saturday that US officials have tried to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, but had yet to receive a response. The South Korean and US militaries began annual military exercises last week that continue through Thursday. The drills are command post exercises and computerised simulation and don't involve field training. They said they held the downsized drills after reviewing factors like the status of COVID-19 and diplomatic efforts to resume the nuclear talks with North Korea. Also read | China, North Korea loom as Blinken, Austin head to Asia The new US administration is expected to wrap up a review of North Korea policy in coming weeks. And Blinken said Washington is considering whether additional pressure on North Korea could be effective.

Top US officials arrive in Seoul with China, North Korea on agenda

Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Jo Yong has threatened to scrap inter-Korean co-operation as she condemned ongoing military drills between South Korea and the United States, and cautioned the US against “causing a stink” if it wants peace.

North Korea turns up heat on United States President Joe Biden

North Korea has not responded to BTS diplomatic outreach since mid-February by the United States President Joe Biden’s administration, including Pyongyang’s mission to the UN. Joe Biden has also called Kim Jong Un a thug on the campaign trail.

North Korea ignoring United States President Joe Biden's outreach

Joe Biden came to office promising a complete review of America's North Korea policy. But it seems he's already hit the first roadblock. There is radio silence from North Korea, Pyongyang has so far ignored all advances made by the Biden administration.

North Korea ignoring Biden administration's outreach

North Korea has not responded to behind-the-scenes diplomatic outreach since mid-February by President Joe Biden`s administration, including to Pyongyang`s mission to the United Nations, a senior Biden administration official told Reuters on Saturday.

The disclosure of the so-far unsuccessful U.S. outreach, which has not been previously reported, raises questions about how Biden will address mounting tensions with Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

It also adds a new dimension to a visit America`s top diplomat and defense secretary will make next week to South Korea and Japan, where concerns over North Korea`s nuclear arsenal are expected to be high on the agenda.

The senior Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered few details on the diplomatic push. But the official said there had been efforts to reach out to the North Korean government "through several channels starting in mid-February, including in New York."

"To date, we have not received any response from Pyongyang," the official said.

North Korea`s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Biden administration has so far been cautious in publicly describing its approach to North Korea, saying it is carrying out a comprehensive policy review following former President Donald Trump`s unprecedented engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump`s efforts failed to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

The Biden administration official said it appeared there had been no active dialogue between the United States and North Korea for more than a year, including at the end of Trump`s administration, "despite multiple attempts during that time by the United States to engage."

The U.S. official declined to speculate about how the silence from Pyongyang would impact the Biden administration`s North Korea policy review, which was expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

During his election campaign, Biden described Kim as a "thug" and said he would only meet him "on the condition that he would agree that he would be drawing down his nuclear capacity."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held out the possibility of additional sanctions, in coordination with allies, to press North Korea to denuclearise.

Sanctions have so far failed to convince Kim to give up his nuclear weapons.

Blinken is slated to host the first face-to-face discussions between senior Biden administration and Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska. The Trump administration accused China of failing to enforce sanctions against North Korea.

A confidential U.N. report found that North Korea maintained and developed its nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout 2020 in violation of international sanctions, helping fund them with some $300 million stolen through cyber hacks.

The report by independent sanctions monitors said Pyongyang "produced fissile material, maintained nuclear facilities and upgraded its ballistic missile infrastructure" while continuing to seek material and technology for those programs from abroad.

North Korea has not responded to behind-the-scenes diplomatic outreach since mid-February by President Joe Biden`s administration, including to Pyongyang`s mission to the United Nations, a senior Biden administration official told Reuters on Saturday.

North Korea has not responded to behind-the-scenes diplomatic outreach since mid-February by President Joe Biden`s administration, including to Pyongyang`s mission to the United Nations, a senior Biden administration official told Reuters on Saturday. The disclosure of the so-far unsuccessful U.S. outreach, which has not been previously reported, raises questions about how Biden will address mounting tensions with Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. It also adds a new dimension to a visit America`s top diplomat and defense secretary will make next week to South Korea and Japan, where concerns over North Korea`s nuclear arsenal are expected to be high on the agenda. The senior Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered few details on the diplomatic push. But the official said there had been efforts to reach out to the North Korean government "through several channels starting in mid-February, including in New York." "To date, we have not received any response from Pyongyang," the official said. North Korea`s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Biden administration has so far been cautious in publicly describing its approach to North Korea, saying it is carrying out a comprehensive policy review following former President Donald Trump`s unprecedented engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump`s efforts failed to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. The Biden administration official said it appeared there had been no active dialogue between the United States and North Korea for more than a year, including at the end of Trump`s administration, "despite multiple attempts during that time by the United States to engage." The U.S. official declined to speculate about how the silence from Pyongyang would impact the Biden administration`s North Korea policy review, which was expected to be completed in the coming weeks. During his election campaign, Biden described Kim as a "thug" and said he would only meet him "on the condition that he would agree that he would be drawing down his nuclear capacity." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held out the possibility of additional sanctions, in coordination with allies, to press North Korea to denuclearise. Sanctions have so far failed to convince Kim to give up his nuclear weapons. Blinken is slated to host the first face-to-face discussions between senior Biden administration and Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska. The Trump administration accused China of failing to enforce sanctions against North Korea. A confidential U.N. report found that North Korea maintained and developed its nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout 2020 in violation of international sanctions, helping fund them with some $300 million stolen through cyber hacks. The report by independent sanctions monitors said Pyongyang "produced fissile material, maintained nuclear facilities and upgraded its ballistic missile infrastructure" while continuing to seek material and technology for those programs from abroad.

North Korea unresponsive to behind-the-scenes Biden administration outreach, report says

Threats from China and North Korea will loom large over the Biden administration's first Cabinet-level trip abroad, part of a larger effort to bolster US influence and calm concerns about America's role in Asia.&nbsp;

A senior administration said on Saturday that US officials have tried to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, but are yet to receive a response, making consultations with the reclusive country's neighbours, Japan, South Korea and China, all the more critical.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin are heading to Japan and South Korea for four days of talks starting on Monday as the administration seeks to shore up partnerships with the two key regional treaty allies.&nbsp;

Blinken and Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will then meet with senior Chinese officials in Anchorage, Alaska. Their first official overseas visits are intended to restore what Biden hopes will be a calming and even-keeled approach to ties with Tokyo and Seoul after four years of transactional and often temperamental relations under the previous president, Donald Trump.&nbsp;

He had upended diplomatic norms by meeting not once, but three times, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

In addition to their official talks, Blinken and Austin plan virtual meetings with journalists, civil-society members and others. After reassuring their counterparts of US commitments to Japanese and South Korean security, they plan to focus their talks on cooperating to confront an increasingly assertive China, the nuclear challenge from North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

In his first months in office, Biden has already signaled his desire to return the Asia-Pacific - or Indo-Pacific, as has become more common in officialese - to the top of the US foreign policy agenda.&nbsp;

In keeping with his broader America is back diplomatic theme, Biden has pledged to keep stability in the region at the core of his international initiatives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Threats from China and North Korea will loom large over the Biden administration's first Cabinet-level trip abroad, part of a larger effort to bolster US influence and calm concerns about America's role in Asia.

Threats from China and North Korea will loom large over the Biden administration's first Cabinet-level trip abroad, part of a larger effort to bolster US influence and calm concerns about America's role in Asia. A senior administration said on Saturday that US officials have tried to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, but are yet to receive a response, making consultations with the reclusive country's neighbours, Japan, South Korea and China, all the more critical. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin are heading to Japan and South Korea for four days of talks starting on Monday as the administration seeks to shore up partnerships with the two key regional treaty allies. Blinken and Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will then meet with senior Chinese officials in Anchorage, Alaska. Their first official overseas visits are intended to restore what Biden hopes will be a calming and even-keeled approach to ties with Tokyo and Seoul after four years of transactional and often temperamental relations under the previous president, Donald Trump. He had upended diplomatic norms by meeting not once, but three times, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In addition to their official talks, Blinken and Austin plan virtual meetings with journalists, civil-society members and others. After reassuring their counterparts of US commitments to Japanese and South Korean security, they plan to focus their talks on cooperating to confront an increasingly assertive China, the nuclear challenge from North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic. In his first months in office, Biden has already signaled his desire to return the Asia-Pacific - or Indo-Pacific, as has become more common in officialese - to the top of the US foreign policy agenda. In keeping with his broader America is back diplomatic theme, Biden has pledged to keep stability in the region at the core of his international initiatives. (With inputs from agencies)

China, North Korea loom as Blinken, Austin head to Asia 

World powers bear responsibility for ignoring crimes against humanity that may still be perpetrated by authorities in North Korea amid a focus on its nuclear program, a UN human rights investigator said on Wednesday.

Tomas Ojea-Quintana urged the UN Security Council to refer grave violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.

He voiced concern at reports of severe punishments imposed for breaking COVID-19 lockdown measures, including alleged orders to "shoot on sight" anyone trying to cross the border.

"Crimes against humanity may be ongoing," Ojea-Quintana told the UN Human Rights Council.

He had received information confirming the findings of a landmark 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry on extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, rape, forced abortion, sexual violence, political persecution and "the inhumane act of knowingly causing prolonged starvation".

"The urgency to stop violations of such a scale, gravity and nature cannot take a back seat to national interests or geopolitical interests," Ojea-Quintana told the Geneva forum.

This was not justifiable under the UN Charter, he said, adding: "I believe that the Security Council bears responsibility for its inaction against the continuation of crimes against humanity in the DPR Korea."

Ojea-Quintana presented his latest report, issued last week, which said that drastic measures taken by North Korea to contain the novel coronavirus have exacerbated abuses and economic hardship for its citizens, including reports of starvation.

North Korea's mission to the UN in Geneva did not respond to Reuters' queries for comment. Pyongyang does not recognise the UN investigator's mandate and boycotted Wednesday's debate.

It has previously rejected UN allegations of crimes against humanity.

"Unconfirmed reports indicated that officials have authorized law enforcement agencies to 'shoot on sight' anyone attempting to cross the country’s borders," Ojea-Quintana said.

He cited reports that a new detention facility for people violating COVID-19 quarantine measures had been built in North Hwanghae province. The situation of political prison camps remained of utmost concern, he added.

World powers bear responsibility for ignoring crimes against humanity that may still be perpetrated by authorities in North Korea amid a focus on its nuclear program, a UN human rights investigator said on Wednesday.

World powers bear responsibility for ignoring crimes against humanity that may still be perpetrated by authorities in North Korea amid a focus on its nuclear program, a UN human rights investigator said on Wednesday. Tomas Ojea-Quintana urged the UN Security Council to refer grave violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the International Criminal Court for prosecution. He voiced concern at reports of severe punishments imposed for breaking COVID-19 lockdown measures, including alleged orders to "shoot on sight" anyone trying to cross the border. "Crimes against humanity may be ongoing," Ojea-Quintana told the UN Human Rights Council. He had received information confirming the findings of a landmark 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry on extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, rape, forced abortion, sexual violence, political persecution and "the inhumane act of knowingly causing prolonged starvation". "The urgency to stop violations of such a scale, gravity and nature cannot take a back seat to national interests or geopolitical interests," Ojea-Quintana told the Geneva forum. This was not justifiable under the UN Charter, he said, adding: "I believe that the Security Council bears responsibility for its inaction against the continuation of crimes against humanity in the DPR Korea." Ojea-Quintana presented his latest report, issued last week, which said that drastic measures taken by North Korea to contain the novel coronavirus have exacerbated abuses and economic hardship for its citizens, including reports of starvation. North Korea's mission to the UN in Geneva did not respond to Reuters' queries for comment. Pyongyang does not recognise the UN investigator's mandate and boycotted Wednesday's debate. It has previously rejected UN allegations of crimes against humanity. "Unconfirmed reports indicated that officials have authorized law enforcement agencies to 'shoot on sight' anyone attempting to cross the country’s borders," Ojea-Quintana said. He cited reports that a new detention facility for people violating COVID-19 quarantine measures had been built in North Hwanghae province. The situation of political prison camps remained of utmost concern, he added.

World powers ignoring North Korea crimes against humanity amid nuclear program focus: UN expert

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