Top Chinese, North Korean generals met to boost military ties. China and North Korea committed to strengthening the exchanges. Watch this video to know more.

Top Chinese, North Korean generals met to boost military ties

North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles on Friday which was its 6th launch within a month. Otherside, Japan's Shinzo Abe said that no threat to security from North Korea projectile launch. Watch this video to know more.

6th launch of N. Korea within a month, Japan's Abe says no threat to security from projectile launch

North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-no-talks-with-south-due-to-drills-kim-oversaw-test-of-new-weapon-kcna-242223">Kim Jong-un oversaw the test-firing</a> of a new weapon again on Friday morning, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles on Friday, South Korea's military said, its sixth round of weapons launches since late July, complicating efforts to restart talks between the United States and North Korea over Pyongyang's weapons programmes.

Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea will travel to Japan and South Korea next week to coordinate efforts to secure the denuclearization of North Korea, the State Department said on Friday.

News of Biegun's trip came after US President Donald Trump said last Saturday that Kim had told him he was ready to resume stalled denuclearization talks with the United States and would stop recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises that have been held this month-end.

The North has protested against joint US-South Korea military drills, which kicked off last week, calling them a rehearsal for war.

An official at Seoul's defence ministry said on Friday that there was a possibility that the North fired the same type of missiles it used on August 10, which Pyongyang also called "a new weapon" at that time.

Last week, Trump played down the North's recent missile tests, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. Trump also said that he had just received a "very beautiful letter' from Kim and added that he could have another meeting with him.

The denuclearization talks have been in a stalemate since a June 30 meeting between the two leaders.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test-firing of a new weapon again on Friday morning, state media KCNA said on Saturday. North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles on Friday, South Korea's military said, its sixth round of weapons launches since late July, complicating efforts to restart talks between the United States and North Korea over Pyongyang's weapons programmes.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test-firing of a new weapon again on Friday morning, state media KCNA said on Saturday. North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles on Friday, South Korea's military said, its sixth round of weapons launches since late July, complicating efforts to restart talks between the United States and North Korea over Pyongyang's weapons programmes. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea will travel to Japan and South Korea next week to coordinate efforts to secure the denuclearization of North Korea, the State Department said on Friday. News of Biegun's trip came after US President Donald Trump said last Saturday that Kim had told him he was ready to resume stalled denuclearization talks with the United States and would stop recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises that have been held this month-end. The North has protested against joint US-South Korea military drills, which kicked off last week, calling them a rehearsal for war. An official at Seoul's defence ministry said on Friday that there was a possibility that the North fired the same type of missiles it used on August 10, which Pyongyang also called "a new weapon" at that time. Last week, Trump played down the North's recent missile tests, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. Trump also said that he had just received a "very beautiful letter' from Kim and added that he could have another meeting with him. The denuclearization talks have been in a stalemate since a June 30 meeting between the two leaders.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un oversaw test-firing of new weapon again: State media

How people stay informed in the Hermit State of North Korea is always a question, and US President Donald Trump may have answered it Thursday&nbsp;&nbsp;by Twitter alerts.

Trump said it only took Kim Jong Un 10 minutes to respond to his tweeted proposal for a landmark meeting in June at the border of North and South Korea.

That suggested that someone in Pyongyang -- perhaps Kim himself -- keeps a minute-by-minute watch on what the US tweet master-in-chief is saying on social media.

"When I was flying to South Korea I had the idea, you know what, I am going to South Korea, right next to North Korea, right with the border, right near there," Trump told the New Hampshire Today radio program.

"There was no way that anybody knows how to get Kim Jong Un. How do you get him?" Trump said.

"I put out a tweet: 'Hey, I am going to South Korea. If you want to meet for a couple of minutes, let's meet.'"

"And I put it out and he was calling within 10 minutes."

Trump appeared to reject speculation that the meeting had already been discussed quietly before he tweeted on June 29 from the G20 summit in Osaka: "If Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!"

A little more than a day later, Trump became the first serving US president to step foot in North Korea, where he held<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377"> brief talks</a> with Kim.

"I mean it's the craziest thing," Trump, an early and now prolific Twitter user, told the radio program.

Twitter, he said, is "an incredible way of communicating for me ... It's a way of getting the word out."

Kim himself has not taken up tweets to communicate his edicts and invitations.

But he appears to be watching.

How people stay informed in the Hermit State of North Korea is always a question, and US President Donald Trump may have answered it Thursday by Twitter alerts. Trump said it only took Kim Jong Un 10 minutes to respond to his tweeted proposal for a landmark meeting in June at the border of North and South Korea.

How people stay informed in the Hermit State of North Korea is always a question, and US President Donald Trump may have answered it Thursday by Twitter alerts. Trump said it only took Kim Jong Un 10 minutes to respond to his tweeted proposal for a landmark meeting in June at the border of North and South Korea. That suggested that someone in Pyongyang -- perhaps Kim himself -- keeps a minute-by-minute watch on what the US tweet master-in-chief is saying on social media. "When I was flying to South Korea I had the idea, you know what, I am going to South Korea, right next to North Korea, right with the border, right near there," Trump told the New Hampshire Today radio program. "There was no way that anybody knows how to get Kim Jong Un. How do you get him?" Trump said. "I put out a tweet: 'Hey, I am going to South Korea. If you want to meet for a couple of minutes, let's meet.'" "And I put it out and he was calling within 10 minutes." Trump appeared to reject speculation that the meeting had already been discussed quietly before he tweeted on June 29 from the G20 summit in Osaka: "If Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!" A little more than a day later, Trump became the first serving US president to step foot in North Korea, where he held brief talks with Kim. "I mean it's the craziest thing," Trump, an early and now prolific Twitter user, told the radio program. Twitter, he said, is "an incredible way of communicating for me ... It's a way of getting the word out." Kim himself has not taken up tweets to communicate his edicts and invitations. But he appears to be watching.

Does North Korea's Kim get US President Donald Trump's tweet alerts?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-united-nations-security-council-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-kashmir-today-243241">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today</a>

Following a request from China, the&nbsp;United Nations Security Council&nbsp;(UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-projectiles-rejects-south-koreas-dialogue-pledge-243231">North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge</a>

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South&nbsp;Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South&nbsp;Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-mass-shootings-on-mentally-ill-calls-for-more-mental-institutions-243232">Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions</a>

President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-talks-productive-beijing-vows-tariff-retaliation-243233">Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-decides-to-free-seized-iranian-tanker-us-opens-new-case-to-hold-it-243219">Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it</a>

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized&nbsp;Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

&nbsp;

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday.

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up. North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge North Korea launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over. Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions. Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1. Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korea launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South Korea`s military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South Korea`s president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over.

North Korea fires 2 projectiles into sea, rules out talks with South Korea

The bodies of a&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;defector&nbsp;and&nbsp;her&nbsp;young&nbsp;son&nbsp;have been&nbsp;found&nbsp;in their apartment,&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;police&nbsp;said Tuesday,&nbsp;with local media reporting they appeared to have died of starvation.

The mother, only identified by the surname Han, and&nbsp;her&nbsp;six-year-old&nbsp;son&nbsp;were&nbsp;found&nbsp;on July 31, about two months after their deaths, authorities said.

"We did not see any signs of murder or suicide," an officer at&nbsp;Seoul's Gwanak&nbsp;Police Station&nbsp;told AFP.

"We are waiting to get the autopsy results from the National Forensic Service."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-sacks-army-commander-over-north-korea-defector-boat-232730">Defectors in South&nbsp;Korea</a>&nbsp;are eligible for subsidies from the authorities, but some struggle to integrate into the South's very different society.

Han, believed to be in&nbsp;her&nbsp;40s, withdrew the 3,858 won (US$3.16) she had in&nbsp;her&nbsp;bank account two months ago, according to the South's Dong-A Ilbo newspaper.

Her&nbsp;monthly rent and gas bills were more than a year overdue, it reported, and there was no food in&nbsp;her&nbsp;fridge when the bodies were&nbsp;found.

The newspaper said she had defected to the South via China and Thailand in 2009, later marrying a Korean-Chinese man and moving to China. After a divorce, she returned to&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;last year with&nbsp;her&nbsp;son but had difficulty finding work.

The bodies of a North Korean defector and her young son have been found in their apartment, Seoul police said Tuesday, with local media reporting they appeared to have died of starvation.

The bodies of a North Korean defector and her young son have been found in their apartment, Seoul police said Tuesday, with local media reporting they appeared to have died of starvation. The mother, only identified by the surname Han, and her six-year-old son were found on July 31, about two months after their deaths, authorities said. "We did not see any signs of murder or suicide," an officer at Seoul's Gwanak Police Station told AFP. "We are waiting to get the autopsy results from the National Forensic Service." Defectors in South Korea are eligible for subsidies from the authorities, but some struggle to integrate into the South's very different society. Han, believed to be in her 40s, withdrew the 3,858 won (US$3.16) she had in her bank account two months ago, according to the South's Dong-A Ilbo newspaper. Her monthly rent and gas bills were more than a year overdue, it reported, and there was no food in her fridge when the bodies were found. The newspaper said she had defected to the South via China and Thailand in 2009, later marrying a Korean-Chinese man and moving to China. After a divorce, she returned to Seoul last year with her son but had difficulty finding work.

North Korea defector and her son found dead: Seoul police

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The current ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, is due to step down in October after two years in the post, the State Department said last week, amid speculation he plans to run for Utah governor.

Vox news on Friday quoted two people familiar with internal White House discussions as saying that Biegun, the current US special representative for North Korea, was Trump’s likely choice for Moscow.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Biegun's name was under consideration.

Biegun did not immediately respond when asked about the Vox report. The State Department said it had no administrative announcements to make.

If Biegun, a Russia specialist, was to get the Moscow post, it would leave a significant hole in the US&nbsp;effort to resume talks aim at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, a policy priority for Trump.

Biegun led US working-level negotiations with North Korea in the run-up to a failed second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February.

Trump and Kim met again at the end of June and agreed to resume working-level talks, but this has yet to happen.

Trump said on Saturday Kim had told him he was ready to resume talks and would stop his recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises being held this month-end.

The allies kicked off the largely computer-simulated exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful working-level talks would resume in the coming weeks and said the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks.

Biegun gave up a job at Ford as head of international government relations to take on his current role, which many consider a near-impossible job. He previously had worked for decades as a congressional staffer and as a White House foreign policy aide under President George W. Bush.

Biegun, 56, studied political science and Russian language at the University of Michigan and was a resident director for the International Republican Institute in Moscow from 1992-1994. He has also as served on the board of the non-profit US-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law. 
&nbsp;

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday. The current ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, is due to step down in October after two years in the post, the State Department said last week, amid speculation he plans to run for Utah governor. Vox news on Friday quoted two people familiar with internal White House discussions as saying that Biegun, the current US special representative for North Korea, was Trump’s likely choice for Moscow. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Biegun's name was under consideration. Biegun did not immediately respond when asked about the Vox report. The State Department said it had no administrative announcements to make. If Biegun, a Russia specialist, was to get the Moscow post, it would leave a significant hole in the US effort to resume talks aim at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, a policy priority for Trump. Biegun led US working-level negotiations with North Korea in the run-up to a failed second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February. Trump and Kim met again at the end of June and agreed to resume working-level talks, but this has yet to happen. Trump said on Saturday Kim had told him he was ready to resume talks and would stop his recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises being held this month-end. The allies kicked off the largely computer-simulated exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful working-level talks would resume in the coming weeks and said the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks. Biegun gave up a job at Ford as head of international government relations to take on his current role, which many consider a near-impossible job. He previously had worked for decades as a congressional staffer and as a White House foreign policy aide under President George W. Bush. Biegun, 56, studied political science and Russian language at the University of Michigan and was a resident director for the International Republican Institute in Moscow from 1992-1994. He has also as served on the board of the non-profit US-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law.

Donald Trump considering North Korea envoy as next ambassador to Russia: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the "test-fire of a new weapon", the latest in a series of missile launches, state media reported Sunday -- as US President Donald Trump said Pyongyang wants to resume denuclearisation talks.

The country's official Korean Central News Agency did not specify the nature of the weapon tested in Saturday's launch.&nbsp;

But a statement from the North Korean foreign ministry called it a "test for developing the conventional weapons".

The missile launches -- Saturday's test was the fifth in two weeks -- are in protest at regular US-South Korean war games already in progress, which have long angered Pyongyang.

Kim "mounted the observation post and guided the test-fire", KCNA said of Saturday's launch, adding that he expressed "great satisfaction" with the result.

Defence officials in Seoul said what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles were fired at daybreak Saturday from near the northeastern city of Hamhung, flying 400 kilometres (250 miles) before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan.&nbsp;

Kim had ordered that the test be carried out "immediately" after getting a report on the development of the new weapon, KCNA said.

"The detailed analysis of the test-fire result proved that the new weapon system's advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met," it added.

In the foreign ministry statement carried by KCNA, Pyongyang said Seoul had "defiantly staged an aggressive war exercise against us".

Any future talks will be "held strictly between the DPRK and the US, not between the north and the south", it said.

'Small apology'

Trump has appeared determined to secure a denuclearisation agreement with North Korea ahead of next year's US presidential elections, despite a breakdown in talks since he first met Kim in a historic summit in Singapore in June 2018.

Even after their abortive second summit in February -- and even as Pyongyang has continued to test short-range missiles -- &nbsp;Trump has been reluctant to criticise the North Korean leader.

On Friday, the Republican president said he agreed with Kim's opposition to the war games -– albeit for financial rather than military reasons -- and indicated the missile launches were not important.

"I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said.

Then on Saturday, Trump said Kim had expressed willingness to meet and resume negotiations once the US-South Korean exercises are over.

Kim also offered a "small apology for testing the short-range missiles," the US leader noted and said the tests would end once the military drills wrap up on August 20.

Trump said he looks "forward to seeing Kim Jong Un in the not too distant future!"

The pair last met in late June for brief talks in the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas -- and Trump became the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North.

The North Korean foreign ministry said Trump's comment "in effect recognizes the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state, saying that it is a small missile test which a lot of countries do."

It added that any contact with Seoul would be difficult going forward unless the military exercises stop or a "plausible excuse" is given.

Washington and Seoul pledged in March to scale down their joint drills in an effort to foster denuclearisation efforts.&nbsp;

While past exercises involved extensive combat field training -- with thousands of American troops coming in from several countries to take part -- the current games are decidedly low-key, with the emphasis on computer-simulated scenarios.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the "test-fire of a new weapon", the latest in a series of missile launches, state media reported Sunday -- as US President Donald Trump said Pyongyang wants to resume denuclearisation talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the "test-fire of a new weapon", the latest in a series of missile launches, state media reported Sunday -- as US President Donald Trump said Pyongyang wants to resume denuclearisation talks. The country's official Korean Central News Agency did not specify the nature of the weapon tested in Saturday's launch. But a statement from the North Korean foreign ministry called it a "test for developing the conventional weapons". The missile launches -- Saturday's test was the fifth in two weeks -- are in protest at regular US-South Korean war games already in progress, which have long angered Pyongyang. Kim "mounted the observation post and guided the test-fire", KCNA said of Saturday's launch, adding that he expressed "great satisfaction" with the result. Defence officials in Seoul said what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles were fired at daybreak Saturday from near the northeastern city of Hamhung, flying 400 kilometres (250 miles) before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. Kim had ordered that the test be carried out "immediately" after getting a report on the development of the new weapon, KCNA said. "The detailed analysis of the test-fire result proved that the new weapon system's advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met," it added. In the foreign ministry statement carried by KCNA, Pyongyang said Seoul had "defiantly staged an aggressive war exercise against us". Any future talks will be "held strictly between the DPRK and the US, not between the north and the south", it said. 'Small apology' Trump has appeared determined to secure a denuclearisation agreement with North Korea ahead of next year's US presidential elections, despite a breakdown in talks since he first met Kim in a historic summit in Singapore in June 2018. Even after their abortive second summit in February -- and even as Pyongyang has continued to test short-range missiles -- Trump has been reluctant to criticise the North Korean leader. On Friday, the Republican president said he agreed with Kim's opposition to the war games -– albeit for financial rather than military reasons -- and indicated the missile launches were not important. "I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said. Then on Saturday, Trump said Kim had expressed willingness to meet and resume negotiations once the US-South Korean exercises are over. Kim also offered a "small apology for testing the short-range missiles," the US leader noted and said the tests would end once the military drills wrap up on August 20. Trump said he looks "forward to seeing Kim Jong Un in the not too distant future!" The pair last met in late June for brief talks in the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas -- and Trump became the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North. The North Korean foreign ministry said Trump's comment "in effect recognizes the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state, saying that it is a small missile test which a lot of countries do." It added that any contact with Seoul would be difficult going forward unless the military exercises stop or a "plausible excuse" is given. Washington and Seoul pledged in March to scale down their joint drills in an effort to foster denuclearisation efforts. While past exercises involved extensive combat field training -- with thousands of American troops coming in from several countries to take part -- the current games are decidedly low-key, with the emphasis on computer-simulated scenarios.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un oversaw test of 'new weapon': Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-US&nbsp;military drills.

North Korea fired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tests-two-missiles-shortly-after-donald-trump-says-received-beautiful-letter-from-kim-jong-un-241899">two short-range missiles</a> on Saturday, its fifth within two weeks, in what South Korea called a show of force against joint new military drills with the United States.

The allies kicked off largely computer-simulated small-scale exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

North Korea calls such exercises a "rehearsal for war" and has countered them with its own military action.

The new "projectiles" were developed to suit the country's terrain, and the latest test proved their "advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met," KCNA said.

Missile experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California said photos released by KCNA appear to show a new type of short-range ballistic missile, though detailed analysis is necessary.

In a separate statement carried by KCNA, a senior North Korean diplomat said there will not be inter-Korean talks unless the allies end their military exercises that still maintain "aggressive nature."

"Given that the military exercise clearly puts us as an enemy in its concept," said Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for American affairs at the foreign ministry.

"They should think that an inter-Korean contact itself will be difficult to be made unless they put an end to such a military exercise or before they make a plausible excuse or an explanation in a sincere manner."

Kwon said South Korea talked "nonsense" by urging the North to stop missile tests which served its right to self-defence.

"Even the US&nbsp;president made a remark which in effect recognises the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state, saying that it is a small missile test which a lot of countries do," Kwon said.

Pyongyang has lauded Trump and his personal ties with Kim while chastising South Korea as a "puppet" regime following the orders of its master, the United States.

Keen to tout his North Korea policy ahead of his 2020 re-election bid, Trump has played down the recent series of missile tests, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests.

Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Kim has sent a letter saying "very nicely" that he was ready to resume negotiations once the "ridiculous and expensive" joint exercises were over.

He said called the offer "a small apology for testing the short-range missiles, and that this testing would stop when the exercises end."

Trump and Kim have met twice since their first summit in Singapore last year, but little progress has been made on the North's stated commitment to denuclearise.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-US military drills.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-US military drills. North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Saturday, its fifth within two weeks, in what South Korea called a show of force against joint new military drills with the United States. The allies kicked off largely computer-simulated small-scale exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea calls such exercises a "rehearsal for war" and has countered them with its own military action. The new "projectiles" were developed to suit the country's terrain, and the latest test proved their "advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met," KCNA said. Missile experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California said photos released by KCNA appear to show a new type of short-range ballistic missile, though detailed analysis is necessary. In a separate statement carried by KCNA, a senior North Korean diplomat said there will not be inter-Korean talks unless the allies end their military exercises that still maintain "aggressive nature." "Given that the military exercise clearly puts us as an enemy in its concept," said Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for American affairs at the foreign ministry. "They should think that an inter-Korean contact itself will be difficult to be made unless they put an end to such a military exercise or before they make a plausible excuse or an explanation in a sincere manner." Kwon said South Korea talked "nonsense" by urging the North to stop missile tests which served its right to self-defence. "Even the US president made a remark which in effect recognises the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state, saying that it is a small missile test which a lot of countries do," Kwon said. Pyongyang has lauded Trump and his personal ties with Kim while chastising South Korea as a "puppet" regime following the orders of its master, the United States. Keen to tout his North Korea policy ahead of his 2020 re-election bid, Trump has played down the recent series of missile tests, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Kim has sent a letter saying "very nicely" that he was ready to resume negotiations once the "ridiculous and expensive" joint exercises were over. He said called the offer "a small apology for testing the short-range missiles, and that this testing would stop when the exercises end." Trump and Kim have met twice since their first summit in Singapore last year, but little progress has been made on the North's stated commitment to denuclearise.

North Korea says no talks with South due to drills, Kim oversaw test of 'new weapon' :Report

North Korea conducts fresh missile tests, the fifth launch over two weeks. Watch this complete video to know more.

North Korea conduct fresh missile tests, fifth launch over two weeks

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-lack-political-willon-peace-talks-north-korea-241083">US-South Korea war games</a>, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises.

Trump said he had received a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-koreas-kim-sent-very-beautiful-letter-new-meeting-possible-241874">"beautiful letter" from Kim</a> expressing Pyongyang's anger over the joint war games, which spurred the series of tests of extremely fast, short-range guided missiles.

But hours after Trump said he foresaw having another meeting with Kim, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired two more apparent rockets into the East Sea or the Sea of Japan.

It was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-new-launches-threatens-to-take-new-road-240949">fifth round of missile launches in two weeks</a>, and came just days after US and South Korean forces began their defence readiness exercises, which Kim's government has said are a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.

Watch: North Korea issues warning to US

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Keeping the door open&nbsp;

The newest launch came after Trump strained to keep the door open for denuclearisation negotiations with Kim after months in which no progress has been made.

While other US officials have called the launches "provocations," Trump said he agreed with the North Korean leader and was hoping to meet him again, with talks having been frozen for months.

"I got a very beautiful letter from Kim Jong Un yesterday," Trump said. "It was a very positive letter."

"He wasn't happy with the war games," Trump said, referring to the US-South Korean military exercises.

"As you know, I've never liked it either. I've never been a fan. And you know why? I don't like paying for it."

Hours later, the White House had no immediate comment on the newest rocket tests.

"We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are consulting closely with our Japanese and South Korean allies," a senior administration official told AFP.

Faltering nuclear talks

Trump has appeared determined to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377">secure a denuclearisation agreement</a> with North Korea ahead of the November 2020 US presidential elections, despite faltering talks since he first met Kim in a historic ice-breaking summit in Singapore in June 2018.

At the time, the US temporarily froze military exercises with South Korea and Trump claimed Kim had agreed to give up his newly-acquired nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles.

But Pyongyang has maintained that the United States must lift its economic embargo and sanctions on the country to make any progress in nuclear talks.

Yet even after their abortive second summit in Hanoi in February, Trump has been loath to criticize the North Korean leader. &nbsp;

In June he offered an olive branch by meeting Kim in the Panmunjon truce village on the North Korea-South Korea border, the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North.

And on Friday, he said the missile launches weren't important.

"I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said.

That contrasted with his tough words Friday for Washington's key East Asia allies, who have been locked in a searing trade row.

"South Korea and Japan are fighting all the time," he said. "They have to get along with each other. If they don't get along, what are we doing?"

Missile 'provocations'

But others in the Trump administration sound less enthusiastic about Kim's missiles.

After Pyongyang's fourth launch early this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was ready to resume talks, but that the target of the "full, final denuclearisation of North Korea" had not changed.&nbsp;

A senior State Department official who refused to be named told journalists last week that the missile tests were an impediment to peace.

"The missile launches, any kind of provocations, are not helpful to advancing the cause of diplomacy," the official said.

The official said there was a unified message going to the North Koreans from China and Russia that they need to "cease the provocations, reengage in diplomacy to achieve complete denuclearisation."

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to US-South Korea war games, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to US-South Korea war games, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises. Trump said he had received a "beautiful letter" from Kim expressing Pyongyang's anger over the joint war games, which spurred the series of tests of extremely fast, short-range guided missiles. But hours after Trump said he foresaw having another meeting with Kim, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired two more apparent rockets into the East Sea or the Sea of Japan. It was the fifth round of missile launches in two weeks, and came just days after US and South Korean forces began their defence readiness exercises, which Kim's government has said are a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul. Watch: North Korea issues warning to US × Keeping the door open The newest launch came after Trump strained to keep the door open for denuclearisation negotiations with Kim after months in which no progress has been made. While other US officials have called the launches "provocations," Trump said he agreed with the North Korean leader and was hoping to meet him again, with talks having been frozen for months. "I got a very beautiful letter from Kim Jong Un yesterday," Trump said. "It was a very positive letter." "He wasn't happy with the war games," Trump said, referring to the US-South Korean military exercises. "As you know, I've never liked it either. I've never been a fan. And you know why? I don't like paying for it." Hours later, the White House had no immediate comment on the newest rocket tests. "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are consulting closely with our Japanese and South Korean allies," a senior administration official told AFP. Faltering nuclear talks Trump has appeared determined to secure a denuclearisation agreement with North Korea ahead of the November 2020 US presidential elections, despite faltering talks since he first met Kim in a historic ice-breaking summit in Singapore in June 2018. At the time, the US temporarily froze military exercises with South Korea and Trump claimed Kim had agreed to give up his newly-acquired nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles. But Pyongyang has maintained that the United States must lift its economic embargo and sanctions on the country to make any progress in nuclear talks. Yet even after their abortive second summit in Hanoi in February, Trump has been loath to criticize the North Korean leader. In June he offered an olive branch by meeting Kim in the Panmunjon truce village on the North Korea-South Korea border, the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North. And on Friday, he said the missile launches weren't important. "I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said. That contrasted with his tough words Friday for Washington's key East Asia allies, who have been locked in a searing trade row. "South Korea and Japan are fighting all the time," he said. "They have to get along with each other. If they don't get along, what are we doing?" Missile 'provocations' But others in the Trump administration sound less enthusiastic about Kim's missiles. After Pyongyang's fourth launch early this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was ready to resume talks, but that the target of the "full, final denuclearisation of North Korea" had not changed. A senior State Department official who refused to be named told journalists last week that the missile tests were an impediment to peace. "The missile launches, any kind of provocations, are not helpful to advancing the cause of diplomacy," the official said. The official said there was a unified message going to the North Koreans from China and Russia that they need to "cease the provocations, reengage in diplomacy to achieve complete denuclearisation."

North Korea tests two missiles shortly after Donald Trump says received 'beautiful letter' from Kim Jong-un

President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> and added that he could have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-president-donald-trump-and-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-have-to-find-real-common-ground-233182">another meeting </a>with him.

Speaking to reporters,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;did not say when such a meeting would take place. North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled working-level talks, which have yet to resume.

Trump&nbsp;and Kim have met three times since last year to discuss ways to resolve a crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but progress has been scant on Washington's aim of getting the North Korea leader to give up his weapons.

The recent missile tests have raised questions about the future of dialogue. Pyongyang has warned of a possible end to its freeze of nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has repeatedly pointed to that freeze as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim.

Keen to tout his North Korea policy as a success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has sought to play down the missile launches, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful talks would resume in coming and that the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks.

A summit between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Kim in Hanoi in February collapsed over a failure to narrow differences over US demands for North Korea to give up all of its nuclear weapons and Pyongyang's demands for relief from punishing sanctions. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and added that he could have another meeting with him.

President Donald Trump said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and added that he could have another meeting with him. Speaking to reporters, Trump did not say when such a meeting would take place. North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between Trump and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled working-level talks, which have yet to resume. Trump and Kim have met three times since last year to discuss ways to resolve a crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but progress has been scant on Washington's aim of getting the North Korea leader to give up his weapons. The recent missile tests have raised questions about the future of dialogue. Pyongyang has warned of a possible end to its freeze of nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly pointed to that freeze as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim. Keen to tout his North Korea policy as a success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid, Trump has sought to play down the missile launches, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful talks would resume in coming and that the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks. A summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February collapsed over a failure to narrow differences over US demands for North Korea to give up all of its nuclear weapons and Pyongyang's demands for relief from punishing sanctions.

Trump says North Korea's Kim sent 'very beautiful letter'; new meeting possible

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-says-talks-with-south-korea-underway-over-increasing-defence-costs-241360">The US government</a> has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korea</a>, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment.

The helicopters bolster anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and handle secondary missions like replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay, the agency said.

"The Republic of Korea will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence," it said.

The Seahawk is made by the Sikorsky division of US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The sale was approved after Trump tweeted Wednesday that the two countries had entered negotiations on South Korea paying for the defence umbrella the United States provides the country.

"Over the past many decades, the US has been paid very little by South Korea," Trump wrote.

"South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America. The relationship between the two countries is a very good one!"

The two countries have been in a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, which ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty -- with more than 28,000 US troops stationed in the South to guard against threats from North Korea.

The US government has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to South Korea, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country.

The US government has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to South Korea, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment. The helicopters bolster anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and handle secondary missions like replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay, the agency said. "The Republic of Korea will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence," it said. The Seahawk is made by the Sikorsky division of US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The sale was approved after Trump tweeted Wednesday that the two countries had entered negotiations on South Korea paying for the defence umbrella the United States provides the country. "Over the past many decades, the US has been paid very little by South Korea," Trump wrote. "South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America. The relationship between the two countries is a very good one!" The two countries have been in a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, which ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty -- with more than 28,000 US troops stationed in the South to guard against threats from North Korea.

US approves $800 million helicopter deal with South Korea

On the left, North Korea, and on the right, South Korea: beauty Youtuber Kang Na-ra puts foundations, lipsticks and mascaras from the two countries on her face for a side-by-side comparison. The 21-year-old defected to South Korea from the North in 2014 and is now a beauty YouTuber in Seoul. She said while the South Korean products still triumph, those from North Korea were better than expected.

North Korean blush, lipstick, foundation: luxury beauty's next big thing?

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula are escalating. North Korea's official news agency KCNA on August 7 released still photographs of leader Kim Jong Un watching latest missile launch which they said it is a warning to the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills.

North Korea issues warning to US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-lack-political-willon-peace-talks-north-korea-241083">North Korea</a>'s leader Kim Jong-un&nbsp;says the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-new-launches-threatens-to-take-new-road-240949">latest missile launches</a> were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-defy-norths-warnings-start-joint-drills-240816">joint war games</a>, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula.

The latest launch by the nuclear-armed North came after the South Korean and US militaries began mainly computer-simulated joint exercises on Monday to test Seoul's ability to take operational control in wartime.

Those drills are taking place despite Pyongyang's warnings that the exercises would jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

KCNA said Kim had watched the launches early Tuesday, which verified the "war capacity" of the "new-type tactical guided missiles".

With the launches carried out satisfactorily, "Kim Jong Un noted that the said military action would be an occasion to send an adequate warning to the joint military drill now underway by the US and South Korean authorities," KCNA said.

Pyongyang on Tuesday fired two projectiles that "are assumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into the sea, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier.

The latest weapons tests were the fourth pair of projectiles fired in less than two weeks, and the North has threatened more.

US President Donald Trump last week downplayed the North's launches, saying Kim would not want to "disappoint" him.

Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where the North made a vague pledge on denuclearisation.&nbsp;

A second summit in Hanoi this February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang might be willing to give up in return.

The two agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Analysts say the military manoeuvres on both sides could see discussions pushed back until the autumn, and Pyongyang signalled Tuesday that it was in no mood to talk.

It called the drills a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.

Pyongyang has always been infuriated by military exercises between the South and US, seeing them as rehearsals for invasion, but in the past it has tended to avoid carrying out missile tests while the war games were taking place.

After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's own description of them as "provocative".

War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended and the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Tuesday said the latest drills are "consistent with the partnership we have with South Korea.&nbsp;

"North Korea has continued its exercises unabated. So they don't really have a lot to complain about," he told the "Fox and Friends" television show.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un says the country's latest missile launches were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their joint war games, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un says the country's latest missile launches were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their joint war games, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula. The latest launch by the nuclear-armed North came after the South Korean and US militaries began mainly computer-simulated joint exercises on Monday to test Seoul's ability to take operational control in wartime. Those drills are taking place despite Pyongyang's warnings that the exercises would jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. KCNA said Kim had watched the launches early Tuesday, which verified the "war capacity" of the "new-type tactical guided missiles". With the launches carried out satisfactorily, "Kim Jong Un noted that the said military action would be an occasion to send an adequate warning to the joint military drill now underway by the US and South Korean authorities," KCNA said. Pyongyang on Tuesday fired two projectiles that "are assumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into the sea, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier. The latest weapons tests were the fourth pair of projectiles fired in less than two weeks, and the North has threatened more. US President Donald Trump last week downplayed the North's launches, saying Kim would not want to "disappoint" him. Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where the North made a vague pledge on denuclearisation. A second summit in Hanoi this February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang might be willing to give up in return. The two agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but working-level dialogue has yet to begin. Analysts say the military manoeuvres on both sides could see discussions pushed back until the autumn, and Pyongyang signalled Tuesday that it was in no mood to talk. It called the drills a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul. Pyongyang has always been infuriated by military exercises between the South and US, seeing them as rehearsals for invasion, but in the past it has tended to avoid carrying out missile tests while the war games were taking place. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's own description of them as "provocative". War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended and the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Tuesday said the latest drills are "consistent with the partnership we have with South Korea. "North Korea has continued its exercises unabated. So they don't really have a lot to complain about," he told the "Fox and Friends" television show.

Kim Jong-un sends missile 'warning' to South Korea, US as tensions rise

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme.

Also read--<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377">US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official</a>

But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas.

The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. &nbsp;

The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years.

It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour.

South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September.

A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment.

US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry. The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme. Also read--US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas. The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years. It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour. South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment. US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

US ends visa-free entry for visitors to North Korea

North Korea has fired two unidentified missiles, its fourth such launch in less than two weeks. Watch video to know more.

North Korea fires two more projectiles

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 6th, 2019

Hiroshima marks 74th anniversary of bloody atomic bombing

North Korea fired two unidentified projectiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, as Pyongyang's foreign ministry protested that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-defy-norths-warnings-start-joint-drills-240816">joint US-South Korea military drills</a> violated diplomatic agreements.

The North, criticising the US-South Korean drills and their use of high-tech weapons, has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">fired a series of missiles and rockets</a> since its leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump agreed at a June 30 meeting to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

Trump has played down the tests by saying they<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/north-koreas-missile-tests-not-breach-of-trust-us-president-donald-trump-217629"> did not break any agreement </a>he had with Kim but the talks have yet to resume. Analysts believe the tests are designed both to improve North Korean military capabilities and to pressure Washington to offer more concessions.

A senior Trump administration official said, "We continue to monitor the situation and are consulting closely with our South Korean and Japanese allies."

In Seoul, South Korea`s defence minister and the heads of the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Agency were meeting to discuss North Korea`s firing of short-range projectiles, said Ko Min-jung, a spokeswoman for the presidential office.

South Korea`s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the latest projectiles, the fourth set of launches since July 25, were fired from South Hwanghae province early on Tuesday.

The Yonhap news agency in South Korea said the projectiles flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 37 km (23 miles).

The July 25 launches were the first since Trump and Kim met at the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas on June 30.

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement released through state news agency KCNA that North Korea remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue.

However, Pyongyang "will be compelled to seek a new road as we have already indicated" if South Korea and the United States continue with hostile military moves, he said.&nbsp;

The arrival of new, US-made F-35A stealth fighters in South Korea, the visit of a US nuclear-powered submarine to a South Korean port, and US tests of ballistic missiles are among the steps that have forced North Korea to continue its own weapons development, the spokesman said.

"The US and South Korean authorities remain outwardly talkative about dialogue," he said. "But when they sit back, they sharpen a sword to do us harm."

North Korea has repeatedly complained that the United States and South Korea`s joint military drills violate a pledge made by Trump to Kim.

South Korean media reported that US-South Korea joint military exercises had started on Monday. A senior South Korean official said previously the drills would mainly involve computer simulations.

A JCS spokesman told a regular news briefing on Monday the allies were preparing for a joint exercise in the second half of the year but would not confirm the name of the exercise or whether it had already started.

A United Nations report said on Monday Pyongyang has "continued to enhance its nuclear and missile programmes" and used cyberattacks to take in $2 billion to fund the development.&nbsp;

The testing of short-range missiles by North Korea is covered by a 2006 United Nations Security Council resolution demanding that North Korea suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme.&nbsp;

Short-range missiles pose no threat to US territory but do put at risk US allies Japan and South Korea and the tens of thousands of US troops stationed in both countries.

Japan's defence ministry said it did not see any imminent threat to Japanese security from the latest projectile launch by North Korea.&nbsp;

North Korea fired two unidentified projectiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, as Pyongyang's foreign ministry protested that joint US-South Korea military drills violated diplomatic agreements.

North Korea fired two unidentified projectiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, as Pyongyang's foreign ministry protested that joint US-South Korea military drills violated diplomatic agreements. The North, criticising the US-South Korean drills and their use of high-tech weapons, has fired a series of missiles and rockets since its leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump agreed at a June 30 meeting to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. Trump has played down the tests by saying they did not break any agreement he had with Kim but the talks have yet to resume. Analysts believe the tests are designed both to improve North Korean military capabilities and to pressure Washington to offer more concessions. A senior Trump administration official said, "We continue to monitor the situation and are consulting closely with our South Korean and Japanese allies." In Seoul, South Korea`s defence minister and the heads of the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Agency were meeting to discuss North Korea`s firing of short-range projectiles, said Ko Min-jung, a spokeswoman for the presidential office. South Korea`s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the latest projectiles, the fourth set of launches since July 25, were fired from South Hwanghae province early on Tuesday. The Yonhap news agency in South Korea said the projectiles flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 37 km (23 miles). The July 25 launches were the first since Trump and Kim met at the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas on June 30. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement released through state news agency KCNA that North Korea remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue. However, Pyongyang "will be compelled to seek a new road as we have already indicated" if South Korea and the United States continue with hostile military moves, he said. The arrival of new, US-made F-35A stealth fighters in South Korea, the visit of a US nuclear-powered submarine to a South Korean port, and US tests of ballistic missiles are among the steps that have forced North Korea to continue its own weapons development, the spokesman said. "The US and South Korean authorities remain outwardly talkative about dialogue," he said. "But when they sit back, they sharpen a sword to do us harm." North Korea has repeatedly complained that the United States and South Korea`s joint military drills violate a pledge made by Trump to Kim. South Korean media reported that US-South Korea joint military exercises had started on Monday. A senior South Korean official said previously the drills would mainly involve computer simulations. A JCS spokesman told a regular news briefing on Monday the allies were preparing for a joint exercise in the second half of the year but would not confirm the name of the exercise or whether it had already started. A United Nations report said on Monday Pyongyang has "continued to enhance its nuclear and missile programmes" and used cyberattacks to take in $2 billion to fund the development. The testing of short-range missiles by North Korea is covered by a 2006 United Nations Security Council resolution demanding that North Korea suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme. Short-range missiles pose no threat to US territory but do put at risk US allies Japan and South Korea and the tens of thousands of US troops stationed in both countries. Japan's defence ministry said it did not see any imminent threat to Japanese security from the latest projectile launch by North Korea.

North Korea fires two more projectiles, threatens to take 'new road'

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

The comments by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days.

"Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed North said, according to KCNA.

"This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday.

After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and concessions from the North.

Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres.

The North's spokesman on Monday also accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the South.

"All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said.

He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult.

"The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said.

Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South Korea continue to disregard the North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the North's spokesman said.

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations. The comments by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days. "Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed North said, according to KCNA. "This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and concessions from the North. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres. The North's spokesman on Monday also accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the South. "All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said. He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult. "The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said. Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South Korea continue to disregard the North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the North's spokesman said.

US, South Korea lack 'political will'on peace talks: North Korea

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

The comments by an unnamed&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South&nbsp;Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days.

"Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed&nbsp;North&nbsp;said, according to KCNA.

"This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and&nbsp;stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday.

After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the&nbsp;North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions&nbsp;relief and concessions from the&nbsp;North.

Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres.

The&nbsp;North's spokesman on Monday also&nbsp;accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the&nbsp;

South.

"All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said.

He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult.

"The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said.

Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continue to disregard the&nbsp;North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the&nbsp;North's spokesman said.

US, South Korea Lack 'Political Will' On Peace Talks: North Korea

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-social-media-details-email-addresses-for-5-years-from-visa-applicants-223685">United States</a> and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday.

"While we would like to be further along in restarting working-level negotiations, we are in regular contact with the North Koreans," the official said, according to a transcript released by the State Department.

"And I think it`s fair to say that (President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defends-attack-on-african-american-us-lawmaker-elijah-cummings-239036">Donald Trump</a> and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) are expecting that we will be resuming those negotiations relatively soon," he added, as cited by Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;

The official added that the US has not changed its goal of denuclearising North Korea in exchange for a "brighter future", meaning sanctions relief and other concessions.

On June 30, Trump and Kim had held an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where the two leaders agreed to resume working-level talks to put denuclearisation talks back on track.

However, North Korea has warned that the future of talks will depend on whether South Korea and the US will go ahead with the joint military exercises planned for next month.

In the past 8 days, North Korea has conducted three tests of projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles, signalling its displeasure with South Korea-U.S. military exercises planned for this month.

The United States and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday.

The United States and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday. "While we would like to be further along in restarting working-level negotiations, we are in regular contact with the North Koreans," the official said, according to a transcript released by the State Department. "And I think it`s fair to say that (President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) are expecting that we will be resuming those negotiations relatively soon," he added, as cited by Yonhap news agency. The official added that the US has not changed its goal of denuclearising North Korea in exchange for a "brighter future", meaning sanctions relief and other concessions. On June 30, Trump and Kim had held an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where the two leaders agreed to resume working-level talks to put denuclearisation talks back on track. However, North Korea has warned that the future of talks will depend on whether South Korea and the US will go ahead with the joint military exercises planned for next month. In the past 8 days, North Korea has conducted three tests of projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles, signalling its displeasure with South Korea-U.S. military exercises planned for this month.

US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official

North Korea's third weapon test in 8 days. Kim Jong-un supervised the test of a new rocket launcher system. Watch this video to know more.

North Korea's third weapon test in 8 days

The demilitarized zone separates the Koreas. It was formed after the 1953 armistice. It divides the Koreas into nearly equal halves.

Defections from North Korea as another soldier flees to South

North Korea have nominated Pyongyang as the host venue for their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea in October, clearing the way for the two countries to play on North Korean soil for the first time in almost 30 years.

North Korea have nominated Pyongyang as the host venue for their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea in October, clearing the way for the two countries to play on North Korean soil for the first time in almost 30 years. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that the North Koreans had requested that the game scheduled for October 15 be played at the 50,000-capacity Kim Il-sung Stadium in the northern capital. The two countries are still technically at war after the 1950-1953 conflict but the sport has in the last couple of years acted an agent for reducing tensions either side of the demilitarised zone that splits the peninsula. In a much-feted display of unity, the two Koreas fielded a joint women's ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and marched under a unified flag. They have also expressed interest in jointly hosting the 2023 women's Football World Cup. Recent rocket tests by the North Koreans have, however, brought talks about sport and other inter-Korean exchanges to a halt. The countries last faced each other in a football international in Pyongyang in 1990. North Korea and South Korea have been drawn together in Group H of the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar along with Lebanon, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka. They were previously drawn to face each other in both the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals but the games designated as home matches for North Korea were played in Shanghai. South Korea hosted both of their home matches during the 2010 qualifiers in Seoul and both countries went on to successfully qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Football: North Korea want to host World Cup qualifier with South in Pyongyang

North Korean launched yet another projectile. According to the reports, the North Korean projectiles launched early Friday are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, Kyodo News reported, citing unnamed Japanese government officials.

North Korea: 3rd missile test in over a week

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-imran-are-fantastic-people-if-they-want-i-can-intervene-in-kashmir-issue-trump-240059">PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump</a>

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-more-missiles-third-round-of-tests-in-a-week-240037">North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week</a>

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescuers-retrieve-55-migrant-bodies-from-capsized-boat-off-libyan-coast-240042">Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast</a>

Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval</a>

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-lost-bit-of-love-for-cricket-at-one-point-says-steve-smith-after-ashes-comeback-century-240047">I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century</a>

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation." North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday. Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

North Korea test more missiles, South Korea holds emergency meeting

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