North Korea has fired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-still-hopes-for-talks-after-latest-north-korean-missile-tests-240001">unidentified short-range projectiles</a>, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source.

The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap.&nbsp;

The nuclear-armed North described an earlier missile launch as a warning to the South over planned joint military drills with the United States.

The projectiles were fired in the pre-dawn hours from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea, the JCS told Yonhap.

Watch Video:

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The nuclear-armed North is banned from ballistic missile launches under UN Security Council resolutions.

There was no immediate comment from Pyongyang on the latest launch.

As North Korea carried out its third weapons test in eight days Friday, according to the South's military, but US President Donald Trump said he had "no problem" with the spate of launches by Pyongyang.

The nuclear-armed North is barred from ballistic missile tests under UN resolutions and its actions have drawn condemnation from European members of the Security Council but a comparatively sanguine response from Trump, who has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, generating global headlines on each occasion.

"I have no problem. We'll see what happens but short range (missiles) are very standard," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Ohio.

Kim and Trump agreed to resume denuclearisation talks during their impromptu June encounter in the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap.

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap. The nuclear-armed North described an earlier missile launch as a warning to the South over planned joint military drills with the United States. The projectiles were fired in the pre-dawn hours from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea, the JCS told Yonhap. Watch Video: The nuclear-armed North is banned from ballistic missile launches under UN Security Council resolutions. There was no immediate comment from Pyongyang on the latest launch. As North Korea carried out its third weapons test in eight days Friday, according to the South's military, but US President Donald Trump said he had "no problem" with the spate of launches by Pyongyang. The nuclear-armed North is barred from ballistic missile tests under UN resolutions and its actions have drawn condemnation from European members of the Security Council but a comparatively sanguine response from Trump, who has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, generating global headlines on each occasion. "I have no problem. We'll see what happens but short range (missiles) are very standard," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Ohio. Kim and Trump agreed to resume denuclearisation talks during their impromptu June encounter in the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week

Joint military exercises between the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-detains-north-korean-man-crossing-the-dmz-239817">South Korea</a> will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">missile tests</a> and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea.

The affirmation of the annual, joint exercises came amid a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">missile launches by North Korea</a>, one of which it called a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over the planned military drills.

But despite Pyongyang's warning that the exercises could also derail further talks with Washington in the long-running diplomatic process over its nuclear and missile programs, the senior US official said there is "no adjustment or change in plans that we're aware of."

"We have to do two things -&nbsp;we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that's conducive to the talks when they resume - which we expect," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Watch:&nbsp;South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-koreans-remain-unfazed-by-north-koreas-missile-test-239690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Washington stations nearly 30,000 troops in the South to defend it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950.&nbsp;

The annual exercises between the US and South Korea have repeatedly raised the ire of the North, which sees them as a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory.

North Korea launched two missiles Thursday of last week, then followed it up with the firing of two more missiles from its eastern coast on Wednesday, according to the South's military.

The missiles fired last week travelled much farther - one of them going nearly 700 kilometres - than Wednesday's, and also reached a higher altitude, 50 kilometres (30 miles) compared to 30.

UN Security Council resolutions ban the North from ballistic missile launches.

&nbsp;

Joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after missile tests and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea.

Joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after missile tests and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea. The affirmation of the annual, joint exercises came amid a series of missile launches by North Korea, one of which it called a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over the planned military drills. But despite Pyongyang's warning that the exercises could also derail further talks with Washington in the long-running diplomatic process over its nuclear and missile programs, the senior US official said there is "no adjustment or change in plans that we're aware of." "We have to do two things - we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that's conducive to the talks when they resume - which we expect," the official said on condition of anonymity. Watch: South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test Washington stations nearly 30,000 troops in the South to defend it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950. The annual exercises between the US and South Korea have repeatedly raised the ire of the North, which sees them as a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory. North Korea launched two missiles Thursday of last week, then followed it up with the firing of two more missiles from its eastern coast on Wednesday, according to the South's military. The missiles fired last week travelled much farther - one of them going nearly 700 kilometres - than Wednesday's, and also reached a higher altitude, 50 kilometres (30 miles) compared to 30. UN Security Council resolutions ban the North from ballistic missile launches.

US-South Korea military exercises still on despite North's warnings: Pentagon official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-believes-osama-bin-ladens-son-hamza-is-dead-official-239806">Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official</a>

The United States believes that&nbsp;Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US&nbsp;official said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-239805">US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>

The United States on Wednesday&nbsp;imposed sanctions&nbsp;on Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-only-works-if-both-parties-comply-us-prepares-to-pull-out-from-inf-treaty-with-russia-239821">'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia</a>

The United States will officially withdraw from the&nbsp;Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces&nbsp;(INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia -&nbsp;and throwing China into the mix.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809">US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks</a>

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-test-fired-new-rocket-system-under-kims-supervision-state-media-239815">North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media</a>

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

&nbsp;

Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US official said on Wednesday.

Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US official said on Wednesday. US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries. 'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix. US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume. North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The South Korean military detained a North Korean soldier who crossed the heavily fortified demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said on Thursday.

The soldier expressed his intention to defect to South Korea, the JSC said later.

The unidentified active-duty soldier was first detected by thermal imaging equipment moving south near the Imjin River late on Wednesday and South Korean troops took him into custody just before midnight, the JCS said.

Also on Wednesday, the South Korean military recovered a body near the DMZ suspected to be that of a North Korean civilian, a spokesman for South Korea's defence ministry said on Thursday.

Clad in military-type pants and a belt, the body was found in the Imjin River and appeared to have been dead for at least two weeks, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea returned three North Koreans on Monday who had crossed the maritime border aboard a fishing vessel.

Officials from the South said they thought the fishermen may have wanted to defect but in the end the men chose to return to North Korea.

Hundreds of North Koreans make their way to South Korea each year hoping to defect, but unauthorized crossings of the DMZ are rare.

The zone is dotted with landmines, fences, guard posts, and other military equipment on both sides of the border.

The last defection by a North Korean soldier across the DMZ was in November 2018.

In November 2017 a North Korean soldier was shot multiple times by fellow soldiers as he fled across the border into South Korea, where he was treated by doctors.

Another North Korean soldier crossed the border to defect a few weeks later in an incident that led to South Korean guards firing warning shots into North Korea.

North and South Korea agreed last year to try to reduce tensions along their border by reducing the number of landmines and guard posts, disarming their guards at a truce village, and imposing a no-fly zone.

The South Korean military detained a North Korean soldier who crossed the heavily fortified demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said on Thursday.

The South Korean military detained a North Korean soldier who crossed the heavily fortified demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said on Thursday. The soldier expressed his intention to defect to South Korea, the JSC said later. The unidentified active-duty soldier was first detected by thermal imaging equipment moving south near the Imjin River late on Wednesday and South Korean troops took him into custody just before midnight, the JCS said. Also on Wednesday, the South Korean military recovered a body near the DMZ suspected to be that of a North Korean civilian, a spokesman for South Korea's defence ministry said on Thursday. Clad in military-type pants and a belt, the body was found in the Imjin River and appeared to have been dead for at least two weeks, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea returned three North Koreans on Monday who had crossed the maritime border aboard a fishing vessel. Officials from the South said they thought the fishermen may have wanted to defect but in the end the men chose to return to North Korea. Hundreds of North Koreans make their way to South Korea each year hoping to defect, but unauthorized crossings of the DMZ are rare. The zone is dotted with landmines, fences, guard posts, and other military equipment on both sides of the border. The last defection by a North Korean soldier across the DMZ was in November 2018. In November 2017 a North Korean soldier was shot multiple times by fellow soldiers as he fled across the border into South Korea, where he was treated by doctors. Another North Korean soldier crossed the border to defect a few weeks later in an incident that led to South Korean guards firing warning shots into North Korea. North and South Korea agreed last year to try to reduce tensions along their border by reducing the number of landmines and guard posts, disarming their guards at a truce village, and imposing a no-fly zone.

South Korea detains North Korean man crossing the DMZ

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, a senior US&nbsp;official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/north-korea-test-fired-new-rocket-system-under-kims-supervision-state-media-239815">Kim oversaw the first test-firing</a> of a "new-type large-calibre multiple-launch guided rocket system" on Wednesday, North Korean state media reported.

North Korean state television showed rockets launching from a vehicle that had been blurred in photos to obscure its features.

The launch came six days after North Korea tested two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">short-range ballistic missiles</a>, its first tests since Kim and Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The latest launches appeared intended to put pressure on South Korea and the United States to stop planned military exercises, analysts said and came as diplomats criss-cross the region this week in the hope of restarting the talks.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809">firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge</a> that Kim Jong Un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton said in an interview with Fox Business News.

"But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin when the working-level discussions on denuclearisation will begin," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

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North Korea's tests of short-range missiles over the past week happened despite the meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas at which they agreed to revive their talks on North Korea's weapons.

South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers more North Korean missile tests were possible this month, said Lee Eun-jae, one of the lawmakers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Vipin Narang said the missile tests were part of the North Korean leader's approach to diplomacy,&nbsp;"He's saying it will take more than a photo-op to get things moving."

The tests were a stark reminder that every day the United States and its allies failed to secure an agreement is a day that North Korea continues to improve and expand its nuclear and missile arsenals, he said.

US&nbsp;officials have played down the tests.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped talks would start soon, though he "regretted" that a highly anticipated meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho would not take place in Thailand this week.

Ri has cancelled a trip to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference in Bangkok that Pompeo is attending.

"We stand ready to continue our diplomatic conversation with North Korea," Pompeo told a news conference with his Thai counterpart, adding he was optimistic Kim would deploy his team for working-level talks "before too long".

A summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February collapsed after they failed to reconcile differences between US&nbsp;demands for North Korea's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

'Fat target'

The North Korean photographs of the missile test appeared to show a type of multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). Such systems form a major part of North Korea's conventional arsenal, according to a 2018 assessment by the South's defence ministry.

The North Korean military has nearly 5,500 MLRS, along with 8,600 field guns, 4,300 tanks, and 2,500 armoured vehicles, the ministry said.

Wednesday's test verified the combat effectiveness of the overall rocket system and Kim predicted "it would be inescapable distress to the forces becoming a fat target of the weapon", KCNA said.

It said the rocket system would play a major role in ground military operations. Such operations would most likely be directed at South Korea.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles).

The missiles launched last week were a different type of short-range ballistic missile, which experts said were designed to make interception difficult.

Ballistic missiles would violate UN&nbsp;resolutions designed to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

Britain, Germany and France have asked the UN&nbsp;Security Council to meet on Thursday to discuss the missile launches, diplomats said.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believed the launches were "just another reminder of the importance of restarting talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The South Korean military also said a North Korean soldier had crossed the DMZ on Wednesday and asked to defect to the South.

South Korean nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon met US&nbsp;Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Bangkok.

South Korea's foreign ministry said they discussed the missile tests and vowed diplomatic efforts for an early restart of working-level talks.

China welcomed the US&nbsp;readiness to restart the working-level talks, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said in Bangkok, following talks with Pompeo.

The United States does not plan to make changes to this month's military drill with South Korea, a senior US&nbsp;defence official said, despite the missile tests.

"We have to do two things,&nbsp;we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that is conducive to the talks when they resume ... and we have to maintain readiness," the US&nbsp;official said.

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US President Donald Trump, a senior US official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt.

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US President Donald Trump, a senior US official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt. Kim oversaw the first test-firing of a "new-type large-calibre multiple-launch guided rocket system" on Wednesday, North Korean state media reported. North Korean state television showed rockets launching from a vehicle that had been blurred in photos to obscure its features. The launch came six days after North Korea tested two short-range ballistic missiles, its first tests since Kim and Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The latest launches appeared intended to put pressure on South Korea and the United States to stop planned military exercises, analysts said and came as diplomats criss-cross the region this week in the hope of restarting the talks. "The firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge that Kim Jong Un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," US national security adviser John Bolton said in an interview with Fox Business News. "But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin when the working-level discussions on denuclearisation will begin," he said. Watch: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles North Korea's tests of short-range missiles over the past week happened despite the meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas at which they agreed to revive their talks on North Korea's weapons. South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers more North Korean missile tests were possible this month, said Lee Eun-jae, one of the lawmakers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Vipin Narang said the missile tests were part of the North Korean leader's approach to diplomacy, "He's saying it will take more than a photo-op to get things moving." The tests were a stark reminder that every day the United States and its allies failed to secure an agreement is a day that North Korea continues to improve and expand its nuclear and missile arsenals, he said. US officials have played down the tests. On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped talks would start soon, though he "regretted" that a highly anticipated meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho would not take place in Thailand this week. Ri has cancelled a trip to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference in Bangkok that Pompeo is attending. "We stand ready to continue our diplomatic conversation with North Korea," Pompeo told a news conference with his Thai counterpart, adding he was optimistic Kim would deploy his team for working-level talks "before too long". A summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February collapsed after they failed to reconcile differences between US demands for North Korea's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. 'Fat target' The North Korean photographs of the missile test appeared to show a type of multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). Such systems form a major part of North Korea's conventional arsenal, according to a 2018 assessment by the South's defence ministry. The North Korean military has nearly 5,500 MLRS, along with 8,600 field guns, 4,300 tanks, and 2,500 armoured vehicles, the ministry said. Wednesday's test verified the combat effectiveness of the overall rocket system and Kim predicted "it would be inescapable distress to the forces becoming a fat target of the weapon", KCNA said. It said the rocket system would play a major role in ground military operations. Such operations would most likely be directed at South Korea. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). The missiles launched last week were a different type of short-range ballistic missile, which experts said were designed to make interception difficult. Ballistic missiles would violate UN resolutions designed to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Britain, Germany and France have asked the UN Security Council to meet on Thursday to discuss the missile launches, diplomats said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believed the launches were "just another reminder of the importance of restarting talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. The South Korean military also said a North Korean soldier had crossed the DMZ on Wednesday and asked to defect to the South. South Korean nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon met US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Bangkok. South Korea's foreign ministry said they discussed the missile tests and vowed diplomatic efforts for an early restart of working-level talks. China welcomed the US readiness to restart the working-level talks, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said in Bangkok, following talks with Pompeo. The United States does not plan to make changes to this month's military drill with South Korea, a senior US defence official said, despite the missile tests. "We have to do two things, we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that is conducive to the talks when they resume ... and we have to maintain readiness," the US official said.

US still hopes for talks after latest North Korean missile tests

North Korea has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597"> tested a new rocket system</a> in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31."

"The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809"> test-fire </a>scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency.

South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast.&nbsp;

Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns.

The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.&nbsp;

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31.

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31." "The test-fire scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency. South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast. Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns. The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.

North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-siddharthas-found-on-the-banks-of-netravati-river-in-mangaluru-239587">CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru</a>

The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of&nbsp;Café Coffee Day&nbsp;and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, &nbsp;reported news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles</a>

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a>intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-province-considers-three-child-policy-to-halt-population-decline-239580">Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline</a>

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/want-to-make-high-end-computers-in-us-need-tariff-relief-apple-ceo-tim-cook-239585">Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook</a>

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep&nbsp;Mac Pro computer production&nbsp;in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-missing-signature-on-note-does-not-tally-with-siddharthas-signature-in-annual-reports-says-i-t-department-239586">CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department</a>

The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI. Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missilesintended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining. Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep Mac Pro computer production in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions. CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles</a> early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

Differences

A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon.

The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters.

Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington.

"For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said.

Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

 
&nbsp;

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. Differences A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said. A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon. The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters. Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington. "For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said. Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military

According to reports, North Korea has launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the eastern coast. Watch this video to know more.

North Korea's 2nd warning to Seoul

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a> intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Watch Video: Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children</a> 
 
The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-killing-of-indian-civilian-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-239696">India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a> 
 
Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions</a> 
 
Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association</a>&nbsp; 
 
According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-likely-to-meet-mike-pompeo-in-bangkok-239751">Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok</a> 
 
Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties. India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir. Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable. Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">North Korea</a> fired two, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">new short-range ballistic missiles</a>. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.&nbsp;

The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles.

South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week.

Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept.

Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities.&nbsp;

Why missile tests?

The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US.

&nbsp;July 25 missile tests

The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year.

It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021.

Destroy US-manufactured weapons!

North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons.

“There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA.

'No other choice'

North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea.

US playing down launches

US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches.

Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security.

The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok.&nbsp;

Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

Breach of promise

Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks.&nbsp;

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.&nbsp;

The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week. The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles. South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week. Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight. Watch Video: The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept. Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities. Why missile tests? The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US. July 25 missile tests The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021. Destroy US-manufactured weapons! North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons. “There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA. 'No other choice' North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea. US playing down launches US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches. Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security. The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok. Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. Breach of promise Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Why is North Korea conducting missile tests?

North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast less than a week after a similar test launch. Watch video to know more.

North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

South Korea's military said that North Korea conducted its second missile test in less than a week Wednesday, firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast in a move that could be aimed at boosting pressure on the United States. Watch this video to know more.

South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test

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 - July 30th, 2019

Dan Coats, the spy chief who has clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump over-assessments involving Russia, Iran, and North Korea, plans to step down soon, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday. A person with direct knowledge of that matter told Reuters that Coats advised Trump last week that he planned to step down fairly soon as director of national intelligence. He offered the president some thoughts on who might succeed him, the source said. The New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported the departure was expected "in the coming days." Coats' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. spy chief Dan Coats to step down in coming days

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 29th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northkorean-boat-crosses-into-southkorean-waters-report-238917">North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report</a>

A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/senior-congress-leader-jaipal-reddy-passes-away-238923">Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy passes away</a>

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy passed away at 1.30am. on Sunday in Hyderabad. He was 77.

Reddy had been unwell for the last few days and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital here.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pledges-to-complete-rail-link-with-france-eu-official-says-238925">Italy pledges to complete rail link with France, EU official says</a>

Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-moves-supreme-court-seeking-stay-on-confiscation-of-properties-238928">Vijay Mallya moves Supreme Court seeking stay on confiscation of properties</a>

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives.

In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs. Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy passes away Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy passed away at 1.30am. on Sunday in Hyderabad. He was 77. Reddy had been unwell for the last few days and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital here. Italy pledges to complete rail link with France, EU official says Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli. Vijay Mallya moves Supreme Court seeking stay on confiscation of properties Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives. In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

The wooden vessel crossed the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, at about 11:20 pm Saturday, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap.

The crew and their boat were taken to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-missiles-into-sea-says-south-korea-nuclear-talks-in-doubt-238284">South Korean military port</a> for investigation, it said.

It was not immediately known whether they were defectors or accidentally crossed the border.

In June a fishing boat from North Korea carrying four men managed to cross the intensely monitored sea between the countries and dock undetected. Two of the men were sent back to the North and the other two said they wished to defect.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-missiles-into-sea-says-south-korea-nuclear-talks-in-doubt-238284">South Korean general</a> was sacked over the lapse in border security.

More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have fled their homeland but it is very rare for them to cross the closely guarded inter-Korean land border, which is fortified with minefields and barbed wire.

Most flee across the porous frontier with neighbouring China.

A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs. The wooden vessel crossed the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, at about 11:20 pm Saturday, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap. The crew and their boat were taken to a South Korean military port for investigation, it said. It was not immediately known whether they were defectors or accidentally crossed the border. In June a fishing boat from North Korea carrying four men managed to cross the intensely monitored sea between the countries and dock undetected. Two of the men were sent back to the North and the other two said they wished to defect. A South Korean general was sacked over the lapse in border security. More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have fled their homeland but it is very rare for them to cross the closely guarded inter-Korean land border, which is fortified with minefields and barbed wire. Most flee across the porous frontier with neighbouring China.

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report

Tensions Escalate In Korean Peninsula As North Korea Conducts New Missile Tests North Korea conducts new missile tests, South Korea calls it a threat. This latest provocation sends a clear message to the U.S.. North Korea does not want the U.S. to hold joint military drills with South Korea. Here's a summary

Gravitas: North Korea conducts new missile tests

The United States on Thursday urged North Korea to refrain from further provocations after the communist country test-fired two new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">short-range ballistic missiles</a> and said it still hoped for a resumption of working-level talks on North Korea's denuclearisation.

"We want to have diplomatic engagement with the North Koreans," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told a news briefing when asked about the latest missile tests. "We urge no more provocations."

"This administration is committed to diplomatic engagement with the North Koreans and we continue to press and hope for these working-level negotiations to move forward," she added.

Ortagus said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would travel to Thailand, Australia and Micronesia from July 30-Aug. 6, but she had no meetings with the North Koreans to announce.

Ortagus declined to comment when asked about a report from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-missiles-into-sea-says-south-korea-nuclear-talks-in-doubt-238284">diplomatic source</a> who told Reuters that North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had canceled a trip to a regional security forum in Bangkok next week where some had speculated he and Pompeo could have met.

North Korea's missile tests came despite a meeting between its leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates South Korea and North Korea late last month, where the two men agreed to revive denuclearization talks that stalled after their failed February summit in Vietnam.

"What we are hoping is that after the historic visit the president had at the DMZ with Kim Jong Un ... we can continue to move forward on the commitments made in Vietnam," Ortagus said.

"What would be most productive is for Chairman Kim and his staff and for President Trump and all his staff to continue upon the path that was laid out for us both in Vietnam and at the DMZ, and that is a diplomatic resolution and the end of North Korea's nuclear weapons," she said.

Ortagus stressed that the US sanctions on North Korea would remain in effect until that goal was reached.

The Hanoi summit collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between US demands for North Korea's complete denuclearization and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

The United States on Thursday urged North Korea to refrain from further provocations after the communist country test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles and said it still hoped for a resumption of working-level talks on North Korea's denuclearisation.

The United States on Thursday urged North Korea to refrain from further provocations after the communist country test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles and said it still hoped for a resumption of working-level talks on North Korea's denuclearisation. "We want to have diplomatic engagement with the North Koreans," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told a news briefing when asked about the latest missile tests. "We urge no more provocations." "This administration is committed to diplomatic engagement with the North Koreans and we continue to press and hope for these working-level negotiations to move forward," she added. Ortagus said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would travel to Thailand, Australia and Micronesia from July 30-Aug. 6, but she had no meetings with the North Koreans to announce. Ortagus declined to comment when asked about a report from a diplomatic source who told Reuters that North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had canceled a trip to a regional security forum in Bangkok next week where some had speculated he and Pompeo could have met. North Korea's missile tests came despite a meeting between its leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates South Korea and North Korea late last month, where the two men agreed to revive denuclearization talks that stalled after their failed February summit in Vietnam. "What we are hoping is that after the historic visit the president had at the DMZ with Kim Jong Un ... we can continue to move forward on the commitments made in Vietnam," Ortagus said. "What would be most productive is for Chairman Kim and his staff and for President Trump and all his staff to continue upon the path that was laid out for us both in Vietnam and at the DMZ, and that is a diplomatic resolution and the end of North Korea's nuclear weapons," she said. Ortagus stressed that the US sanctions on North Korea would remain in effect until that goal was reached. The Hanoi summit collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between US demands for North Korea's complete denuclearization and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

US calls for no more North Korean 'provocations,' hopes to resume talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-releases-12-indians-on-board-mt-riah-that-was-detained-in-july-238522">Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July&nbsp;</a>

Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.&nbsp;

However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'</a>

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-stars-ozil-kolasinac-escape-unhurt-attempted-carjacking-by-knife-wielding-attackers-238508">Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers</a>

Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-happily-go-to-iran-to-address-tensions-with-us-over-sanctions-pompeo-238507">Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-hails-soldiers-on-20th-anniversary-of-indias-victory-in-kargil-war-238526">President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War</a>

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July. However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero. North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers' North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported. Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

Thursday's missile tests were the first since Kim and US President Donald Trump agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu meeting last month in the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

That working-level dialogue has yet to begin and, even before Thursday's launches, Pyongyang had warned the talks could be derailed by Washington and Seoul's refusal to scrap joint military exercises scheduled for next month.

KCNA provided no technical specifications, but said the latest tests were of a "new-type tactical guided weapon" that sent a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over their insistence on holding the joint drills "in defiance of repeated warnings".

There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual manoeuvres with South Korean soldiers have always infuriated Pyongyang.

South Korean military monitors said the two short-range missiles fired on Thursday flew nearly 450 kilometres and 700 kilometres respectively, before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan.

That range would allow them to hit any target in South Korea.

Japan's defence minister called the launches "extremely regrettable" while Seoul's National Security Office expressed "strong concern" and the US called for an end to such "provocations".&nbsp;

'Double-dealing behaviour'&nbsp;

According to KCNA, Kim said the new "state-of-the-art" missiles were capable of low-altitude flight that made them difficult to intercept and cautioned Seoul against "ignoring the warning" implicit in their development.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he believed the working-level talks would still go ahead, and that the latest tests were a negotiating tactic.

"Everybody tries to get ready for negotiations and create leverage and create risk for the other side," Pompeo said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

"We remain convinced that there’s a diplomatic way forward, a negotiated solution to this," he said, adding he was unconcerned at the delay in getting back to the table.

"If it takes another two weeks or four weeks, so be it," he said.

Pyongyang carried out similar short-range launches in May, which Trump dismissed at the time as "very standard stuff" that would have no impact on his relationship with Kim.

Thursday's launches came a day after US National Security Advisor John Bolton -- an arch-hawk regularly vilified by North Korean state media -- spoke with senior South Korean officials in Seoul.

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Thursday's missile tests were the first since Kim and US President Donald Trump agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu meeting last month in the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea. That working-level dialogue has yet to begin and, even before Thursday's launches, Pyongyang had warned the talks could be derailed by Washington and Seoul's refusal to scrap joint military exercises scheduled for next month. KCNA provided no technical specifications, but said the latest tests were of a "new-type tactical guided weapon" that sent a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over their insistence on holding the joint drills "in defiance of repeated warnings". There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual manoeuvres with South Korean soldiers have always infuriated Pyongyang. South Korean military monitors said the two short-range missiles fired on Thursday flew nearly 450 kilometres and 700 kilometres respectively, before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. That range would allow them to hit any target in South Korea. Japan's defence minister called the launches "extremely regrettable" while Seoul's National Security Office expressed "strong concern" and the US called for an end to such "provocations". 'Double-dealing behaviour' According to KCNA, Kim said the new "state-of-the-art" missiles were capable of low-altitude flight that made them difficult to intercept and cautioned Seoul against "ignoring the warning" implicit in their development. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he believed the working-level talks would still go ahead, and that the latest tests were a negotiating tactic. "Everybody tries to get ready for negotiations and create leverage and create risk for the other side," Pompeo said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "We remain convinced that there’s a diplomatic way forward, a negotiated solution to this," he said, adding he was unconcerned at the delay in getting back to the table. "If it takes another two weeks or four weeks, so be it," he said. Pyongyang carried out similar short-range launches in May, which Trump dismissed at the time as "very standard stuff" that would have no impact on his relationship with Kim. Thursday's launches came a day after US National Security Advisor John Bolton -- an arch-hawk regularly vilified by North Korean state media -- spoke with senior South Korean officials in Seoul.

North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'

Tensions escalated in the Korean Peninsula as North Korea conducts new missile tests, While South Korea calls it a threat. This latest provocation sends a clear message to the US. North Korea does not want the U.S. to hold joint military drills with South Korea. North Korea has released pictures of Kim Jong-un watching the tests. Watch this video to know more.

North Korea: Missile tests are warning to South Korea

North Korea's sanctions-hit economy shrank in 2018 by its largest margin since the country's devastating famine in the 1990s, the South's central bank said on Friday.

North Korea, which holds most of the peninsula's mineral resources, was once wealthier than its southern neighbour, but decades of mismanagement and the demise of its former benefactor the Soviet Union have left it deeply impoverished.

The isolated nation saw its gross domestic product contract 4.1 per cent last year, the second consecutive year of decline after a 3.5 per cent slump the year before, Seoul's Bank of Korea (BOK) said.

It was the worst drop since 1997, during the peak of a nationwide famine that saw hundreds of thousands -- some estimates say millions -- die of starvation.

The North does not publish economic statistics of its own, leaving outside estimates as the only available figures for its financial performance.&nbsp;

The UN Security Council in 2017 banned North Korea's main exports -- coal, fisheries and textile products, among others -- to cut off its access to hard currency in response to Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

The sanctions cut the North's exports by more than 85 per cent last year while the country's international trade fell in value by nearly half, the BOK said.

"On top of the sanctions, which really affected the North's export of textiles and minerals, we also think last year's heatwave played a factor in its agriculture industry," a bank official told AFP.&nbsp;

The country's gross national income in 2018 was estimated at 35.9 trillion won ($30.35 billion) -- just two per cent of that of the South. 
Its per capita income was $1,119 last year, while the South's was 26 times higher, according to the BOK.

Despite historic summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, nuclear negotiations between the two countries remain stalled, with the North firing two short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

North Korea's sanctions-hit economy shrank in 2018 by its largest margin since the country's devastating famine in the 1990s, the South's central bank said on Friday.

North Korea's sanctions-hit economy shrank in 2018 by its largest margin since the country's devastating famine in the 1990s, the South's central bank said on Friday. North Korea, which holds most of the peninsula's mineral resources, was once wealthier than its southern neighbour, but decades of mismanagement and the demise of its former benefactor the Soviet Union have left it deeply impoverished. The isolated nation saw its gross domestic product contract 4.1 per cent last year, the second consecutive year of decline after a 3.5 per cent slump the year before, Seoul's Bank of Korea (BOK) said. It was the worst drop since 1997, during the peak of a nationwide famine that saw hundreds of thousands -- some estimates say millions -- die of starvation. The North does not publish economic statistics of its own, leaving outside estimates as the only available figures for its financial performance. The UN Security Council in 2017 banned North Korea's main exports -- coal, fisheries and textile products, among others -- to cut off its access to hard currency in response to Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. The sanctions cut the North's exports by more than 85 per cent last year while the country's international trade fell in value by nearly half, the BOK said. "On top of the sanctions, which really affected the North's export of textiles and minerals, we also think last year's heatwave played a factor in its agriculture industry," a bank official told AFP. The country's gross national income in 2018 was estimated at 35.9 trillion won ($30.35 billion) -- just two per cent of that of the South. Its per capita income was $1,119 last year, while the South's was 26 times higher, according to the BOK. Despite historic summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, nuclear negotiations between the two countries remain stalled, with the North firing two short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday.

North Korea economy shrinks most since 1990s famine: Seoul

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said. It is the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. Watch this video to know more.

South Korean military: North Korea fired two missiles into sea

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The missiles launched from near Wonsan flew about 430 km (267 miles) and reached an altitude of 50 km (30 miles) before falling into the East Sea, an official at South Korea's defence ministry told Reuters.

Japan's Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed government source, that the missiles did not reach Japan's exclusive economic zone and had no impact on Japan's national security.

The firing of ballistic missiles would cast new doubts on efforts to restart denuclearisation talks after Trump and Kim met at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) at the end of June.

The White House, Pentagon and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A senior US&nbsp;administration official said: “We are aware of reports of a short-range projectile launched from North Korea. We have no further comment.”

Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, who has taken a hardline towards North Korea, made no mention of the launches in a tweet on Thursday morning after a visit to South Korea, referring only to “productive meetings” with South Korean officials on regional security and building a stronger alliance.

The United States and North Korea vowed to soon hold new rounds of working-level talks, but Pyongyang has since sharply criticised upcoming joint military drills by US&nbsp;and South Korean troops.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Washington's pattern of "unilaterally reneging on its commitments" by holding military exercises with South Korea was leading Pyongyang to reconsider its own commitments to discontinue tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“North Korea is clearly upset that the U.S. and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises," said Harry Kazianis of Washington's Centre for the National Interest.

"We should not be shocked by this move and, in fact, we should have seen it coming.”

North Korea's last weapons testing in May included short-range missiles as well as smaller rockets. At the time, Kim oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile that experts believe will be easier to hide, launch and manoeuvre in flight.

On Tuesday, state news agency KCNA reported that Kim inspected a large, newly built submarine, accompanied by missile programme leaders. It potentially signalled continued development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) programme.

Denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States have stalled after a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February broke down.

Trump has repeatedly stressed his good relationship with Kim and is keen for a big foreign policy win as he campaigns for re-election in 2020.

When Trump and Kim met last month he said they had agreed to resume working-level talks stalled since their failed summit in Hanoi in February.

On Monday, Trump stressed North Korea's freeze in testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, which has been in place since 2017, and positive recent exchanges.

"There was a little correspondence recently,” he said. “We had very positive correspondence with North Korea. Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing.”

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week said the State Department had "a number of conversations with the North Koreans" and he hoped the talks with North Korea would begin soon.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The missiles launched from near Wonsan flew about 430 km (267 miles) and reached an altitude of 50 km (30 miles) before falling into the East Sea, an official at South Korea's defence ministry told Reuters. Japan's Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed government source, that the missiles did not reach Japan's exclusive economic zone and had no impact on Japan's national security. The firing of ballistic missiles would cast new doubts on efforts to restart denuclearisation talks after Trump and Kim met at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) at the end of June. The White House, Pentagon and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A senior US administration official said: “We are aware of reports of a short-range projectile launched from North Korea. We have no further comment.” Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, who has taken a hardline towards North Korea, made no mention of the launches in a tweet on Thursday morning after a visit to South Korea, referring only to “productive meetings” with South Korean officials on regional security and building a stronger alliance. The United States and North Korea vowed to soon hold new rounds of working-level talks, but Pyongyang has since sharply criticised upcoming joint military drills by US and South Korean troops. North Korea's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Washington's pattern of "unilaterally reneging on its commitments" by holding military exercises with South Korea was leading Pyongyang to reconsider its own commitments to discontinue tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. “North Korea is clearly upset that the U.S. and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises," said Harry Kazianis of Washington's Centre for the National Interest. "We should not be shocked by this move and, in fact, we should have seen it coming.” North Korea's last weapons testing in May included short-range missiles as well as smaller rockets. At the time, Kim oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile that experts believe will be easier to hide, launch and manoeuvre in flight. On Tuesday, state news agency KCNA reported that Kim inspected a large, newly built submarine, accompanied by missile programme leaders. It potentially signalled continued development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) programme. Denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States have stalled after a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February broke down. Trump has repeatedly stressed his good relationship with Kim and is keen for a big foreign policy win as he campaigns for re-election in 2020. When Trump and Kim met last month he said they had agreed to resume working-level talks stalled since their failed summit in Hanoi in February. On Monday, Trump stressed North Korea's freeze in testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, which has been in place since 2017, and positive recent exchanges. "There was a little correspondence recently,” he said. “We had very positive correspondence with North Korea. Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing.” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week said the State Department had "a number of conversations with the North Koreans" and he hoped the talks with North Korea would begin soon.

North Korea fires missiles into sea, says South Korea, nuclear talks in doubt

North Korea has conducted new missile tests, raising further tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korea has described the launches as a security threat. Watch this video to know more.

South Korea calls North Korea missile tests as a security threat

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday.

Ma Xiaohong, the head of Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. Ltd, and three top executives of the Chinese company were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey, the department said in a statement.

"Through the use of more than 20 front companies, the defendants are alleged to have sought to obscure illicit financial dealings on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities that were involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," assistant attorney general John Demers said.

"Ma, her company, and her employees tried to defraud the United States by evading sanctions restrictions and doing business with proliferators of weapons of mass destruction," said US Attorney Craig Carpenito.

According to the indictment, DHID worked with North Korea-based Korea Kwangson Banking Corp. (KKBC), which has ties to two other sanctioned North Korean entities -&nbsp;Tanchon Commercial Bank (Tanchon) and Korea Hyoksin Trading Corporation (Hyoksin).

Tanchon and Hyoksin are subject to US sanctions because of their links with the Korea Mining Development Trading Co. (KOMID), which the United States considers North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday.

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday. Ma Xiaohong, the head of Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. Ltd, and three top executives of the Chinese company were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey, the department said in a statement. "Through the use of more than 20 front companies, the defendants are alleged to have sought to obscure illicit financial dealings on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities that were involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," assistant attorney general John Demers said. "Ma, her company, and her employees tried to defraud the United States by evading sanctions restrictions and doing business with proliferators of weapons of mass destruction," said US Attorney Craig Carpenito. According to the indictment, DHID worked with North Korea-based Korea Kwangson Banking Corp. (KKBC), which has ties to two other sanctioned North Korean entities - Tanchon Commercial Bank (Tanchon) and Korea Hyoksin Trading Corporation (Hyoksin). Tanchon and Hyoksin are subject to US sanctions because of their links with the Korea Mining Development Trading Co. (KOMID), which the United States considers North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

US indicts Chinese nationals for dealings with North Korean companies in producing weapons of mass destruction

North Korea Registers 99% Voter Turnout As Voting Takes Place In A Totalitarian Regime! Here's a story laced with 'irony'. 99 per cent voter turnout in North Korea's 'sham' election to the national legislature. Wonder what voting means under a totalitarian regime? Take a look at this report

Gravitas: North Korea's sham elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-dprk-style-north-korea-holds-election-202292">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> voted in nationwide local elections on Sunday that registered the near 100 per cent turnout claimed for every ballot held in the nuclear-armed state.

Given the absence of any competition among candidates, elections in the North are essentially a political ritual which, observers say, allows the authorities to claim a popular mandate while reinforcing loyalty to Kim's regime.

The 99.98 per cent turnout this year was a 0.01 per cent improvement on the figures registered in 2015.

Watch: Election of local representatives in North Korea

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/election-of-local-representatives-in-north-korea-237445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Only those overseas "on foreign tour or working in oceans" were unable to vote, the North's state-run agency KCNA reported Sunday, adding that even "voters troubled with aging or illness cast their ballots into mobile ballot boxes".&nbsp;

The isolated nation holds local elections every four years to elect representatives to provincial, city and county assemblies. Typically, 99 per cent of voters in the de facto single-party state take part in the polls and 99 per cent of them cast "yes" votes for uncontested candidates.

The regime touts the high turnout as an example of its "single-minded unity" to glorify the "Korean-style people-centred socialism".&nbsp;

Kim visited a polling station in North Hamgyong province and voted for two candidates named Ju Song Ho and Jong Song Sik running for county assemblies in the area, KCNA reported. &nbsp;

He "warmly encouraged them to become the faithful servants of the people by fulfilling their duties to live up to the anticipation of the people, being aware of being the representatives of the people", KCNA said. &nbsp;

Kim himself ran in 2014 for the rubber-stamp legislature known as the Supreme People's Assembly, managing a perfect turnout with 100 per cent of votes in his favour.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voted in nationwide local elections on Sunday that registered the near 100 per cent turnout claimed for every ballot held in the nuclear-armed state.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voted in nationwide local elections on Sunday that registered the near 100 per cent turnout claimed for every ballot held in the nuclear-armed state. Given the absence of any competition among candidates, elections in the North are essentially a political ritual which, observers say, allows the authorities to claim a popular mandate while reinforcing loyalty to Kim's regime. The 99.98 per cent turnout this year was a 0.01 per cent improvement on the figures registered in 2015. Watch: Election of local representatives in North Korea Only those overseas "on foreign tour or working in oceans" were unable to vote, the North's state-run agency KCNA reported Sunday, adding that even "voters troubled with aging or illness cast their ballots into mobile ballot boxes". The isolated nation holds local elections every four years to elect representatives to provincial, city and county assemblies. Typically, 99 per cent of voters in the de facto single-party state take part in the polls and 99 per cent of them cast "yes" votes for uncontested candidates. The regime touts the high turnout as an example of its "single-minded unity" to glorify the "Korean-style people-centred socialism". Kim visited a polling station in North Hamgyong province and voted for two candidates named Ju Song Ho and Jong Song Sik running for county assemblies in the area, KCNA reported. He "warmly encouraged them to become the faithful servants of the people by fulfilling their duties to live up to the anticipation of the people, being aware of being the representatives of the people", KCNA said. Kim himself ran in 2014 for the rubber-stamp legislature known as the Supreme People's Assembly, managing a perfect turnout with 100 per cent of votes in his favour.

North Korea leader votes in elections with 99.98 per cent turnout: Report

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