This week, Kim Jong Un has extended a warm welcome to foreign dignitaries, preparing to showcase North Korea's latest military advancements during the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Despite the secretive nature of the regime, reports suggest that the celebrations will feature a grand parade, potentially held at night, in Pyongyang. This display will likely involve tens of thousands of people, with highly coordinated performances—a hallmark of North Korean spectacles.&nbsp;The Workers’ Party, the country's sole ruling party, blends the ideology of communism with the cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty, which has maintained its tight grip on power for three generations. Military analysts are particularly focused on what new weaponry might be unveiled at the event. Speculation points toward the unveiling of advanced weapons systems, including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the Hwasong-11 Ma hypersonic glide vehicle. These technologies would represent significant advancements in North Korea’s military capabilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-first-phase-of-trump-s-gaza-plan-for-ceasefire-hostage-release-but-these-questions-remain-unanswered-1760056421325">Israel approves first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan for ceasefire, hostage release but THESE questions remain unanswered</a>&nbsp;Kim's anniversary celebrations follow a significant diplomatic move last month, when he visited China for a large military parade. There, he strengthened ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, solidifying alliances with Beijing and Moscow. These countries have become key partners in North Korea’s growing missile and nuclear ambitions, with Russia also receiving military aid from Pyongyang.&nbsp;Chinese and Russian officials have already arrived in Pyongyang for the event, underscoring the importance of the growing political and military relationships between these countries. Recent images show Kim meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief, To Lam, at a cultural event. In terms of the military display, observers expect the introduction of new advanced weaponry, including short-range ballistic missiles and potentially unmanned systems or AI-powered technologies. North Korea's past parades have been opportunities to showcase innovations designed to threaten the US and its allies, and this one could be no different.&nbsp;Kim’s focus on solid-fuel missiles, such as the Hwasong-20, reflects North Korea's push to develop more reliable and mobile missile systems. This would allow for quicker deployment and launch, a strategic advantage over previous liquid-fueled missiles. While the Hwasong-20 has not been fully tested, there is anticipation that the North may attempt a live launch during or around the anniversary celebrations.&nbsp;Kim’s nuclear program, though condemned worldwide, has propelled North Korea to the top of the global sanctions list. However, Pyongyang continues to press forward with expanding its missile capabilities and constructing a secret missile base near China’s border, raising concerns about the potential threats it poses to East Asia and the US. As usual, North Korea maintains a shroud of secrecy around its military developments, especially when such high-profile events take place, ensuring that much of what is unveiled remains a closely guarded surprise.

North Korea plans massive military parade as Kim Jong Un celebrates Workers’ Party 80th anniversary

This week, Kim Jong Un has extended a warm welcome to foreign dignitaries, preparing to showcase North Korea's latest military advancements during the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Despite the secretive nature of the regime, reports suggest that the celebrations will feature a grand parade, potentially held at night, in Pyongyang. This display will likely involve tens of thousands of people, with highly coordinated performances—a hallmark of North Korean spectacles. The Workers’ Party, the country's sole ruling party, blends the ideology of communism with the cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty, which has maintained its tight grip on power for three generations. Military analysts are particularly focused on what new weaponry might be unveiled at the event. Speculation points toward the unveiling of advanced weapons systems, including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the Hwasong-11 Ma hypersonic glide vehicle. These technologies would represent significant advancements in North Korea’s military capabilities. Also Read: Israel approves first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan for ceasefire, hostage release but THESE questions remain unanswered Kim's anniversary celebrations follow a significant diplomatic move last month, when he visited China for a large military parade. There, he strengthened ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, solidifying alliances with Beijing and Moscow. These countries have become key partners in North Korea’s growing missile and nuclear ambitions, with Russia also receiving military aid from Pyongyang. Chinese and Russian officials have already arrived in Pyongyang for the event, underscoring the importance of the growing political and military relationships between these countries. Recent images show Kim meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief, To Lam, at a cultural event. In terms of the military display, observers expect the introduction of new advanced weaponry, including short-range ballistic missiles and potentially unmanned systems or AI-powered technologies. North Korea's past parades have been opportunities to showcase innovations designed to threaten the US and its allies, and this one could be no different. Kim’s focus on solid-fuel missiles, such as the Hwasong-20, reflects North Korea's push to develop more reliable and mobile missile systems. This would allow for quicker deployment and launch, a strategic advantage over previous liquid-fueled missiles. While the Hwasong-20 has not been fully tested, there is anticipation that the North may attempt a live launch during or around the anniversary celebrations. Kim’s nuclear program, though condemned worldwide, has propelled North Korea to the top of the global sanctions list. However, Pyongyang continues to press forward with expanding its missile capabilities and constructing a secret missile base near China’s border, raising concerns about the potential threats it poses to East Asia and the US. As usual, North Korea maintains a shroud of secrecy around its military developments, especially when such high-profile events take place, ensuring that much of what is unveiled remains a closely guarded surprise.

Kim Jong Un is set to host foreign dignitaries for North Korea's 80th Workers' Party anniversary, with a major military parade and new weapons likely to be showcased

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said if the US accepts reality, then there will be no reason to avoid dialogue. As Washington has been insisting that the former give up on nuclear weapons. North Korean state news agency KCNA reported on Monday (September 22). In his speech at the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim reminisced on his fond memories of US President Donald Trump. During Trump’s first presidency, the two leaders had had three engagements.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-oversees-icbm-engine-test-1757418634819/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-oversees-icbm-engine-test-1757418634819/embed</a>&nbsp; "If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States," KCNA quoted Kim. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/north-korea-kim-jong-un-s-new-and-bizarre-ruling-is-here-don-t-use-words-like-hamburgers-ice-cream-details-inside-1758020032934">North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s new and bizarre ruling is here. DON’T use words like 'Hamburgers', 'Ice-Cream'. Details inside</a>&nbsp;He was clear that nuclear weapons in his country were a matter of survival. He elaborated that it was to safeguard the country and secure it at a time when the US and South Korea could pose threats. Kim also showed scepticism towards the friendly advances by the two countries; he called it insincere, as he said their intent is to weaken his country and destroy his regime. He stated these reasons for rejecting dialogues. South Korea's proposal on ending the North's nuclear programme is what Kim mentioned as proof of the fact. &nbsp;

Speaking at the Supreme People's Assembly, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he has fond memories of US President Donald Turmp.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said if the US accepts reality, then there will be no reason to avoid dialogue. As Washington has been insisting that the former give up on nuclear weapons. North Korean state news agency KCNA reported on Monday (September 22). In his speech at the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim reminisced on his fond memories of US President Donald Trump. During Trump’s first presidency, the two leaders had had three engagements. https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-oversees-icbm-engine-test-1757418634819/embed "If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States," KCNA quoted Kim. Also read: North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s new and bizarre ruling is here. DON’T use words like 'Hamburgers', 'Ice-Cream'. Details inside He was clear that nuclear weapons in his country were a matter of survival. He elaborated that it was to safeguard the country and secure it at a time when the US and South Korea could pose threats. Kim also showed scepticism towards the friendly advances by the two countries; he called it insincere, as he said their intent is to weaken his country and destroy his regime. He stated these reasons for rejecting dialogues. South Korea's proposal on ending the North's nuclear programme is what Kim mentioned as proof of the fact.

Speaking at the Supreme People's Assembly, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he has fond memories of US President Donald Turmp.

Kim Jong Un has fond memories of Trump but insists US stops 'obsessing over denuclearising' North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has brought his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to Beijing in what is being seen as her first overseas appearance, a move that has intensified speculation she is being groomed as his successor. State photos showed Ju Ae, dressed in a navy blue suit, stepping off her father’s armoured train in the Chinese capital, where she was welcomed by Chinese officials ahead of Wednesday’s military parade marking Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-one-has-been-conspiring-no-conspiracies-at-all-russia-responds-to-trump-s-plotting-against-us-claim-about-putin-xi-and-kim-1756891592323">'No one has been conspiring, no conspiracies at all': Russia responds to Trump's ‘plotting against US’ claim about Putin, Xi and Kim</a>Although her age and name have never been confirmed by North Korean authorities, Ju Ae is believed to be in her early teens. She has frequently been seen by her father’s side at high-profile events in Pyongyang, including missile launches, military parades, and the recent opening of a coastal resort.She was first revealed to the outside world in 2013, when former NBA star Dennis Rodman claimed he had held Kim’s baby daughter during a visit to Pyongyang. Nearly a decade later, she appeared publicly at an intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 2022, her debut in North Korean state media, which now refers to her as Kim’s “respected” daughter.

This photograph taken on September 2, 2025 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via

<h2>Analysts see her as the ‘front runner’</h2>Experts believe her growing prominence is deliberate. Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership specialist at the Stimson Centre, told Reuters, “Right now, Ju Ae is the frontrunner as the next supreme leader of North Korea. She is getting practical protocol experience, which should serve her well as North Korea’s next leader or a core elite.”South Korea’s intelligence service has also suggested that she is being prepared for leadership, though it remains unclear how the ruling party and military elite would respond to a woman taking power in the highly patriarchal state.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-guam-killer-to-nuclear-missiles-weapons-china-showcased-at-massive-victory-parade-attended-by-vladimir-putin-and-kim-jong-un-1756880902718">In Pics | From ‘Guam killer’ to nuclear missiles: Weapons China showcased at massive victory parade attended by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un</a>If Ju Ae does eventually succeed her father, she would be the fourth member of the Kim dynasty to rule the secretive nation, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather Kim Il Sung, her grandfather Kim Jong Il, and her father Kim Jong Un. There is little precedent for such a public grooming process, Kim Jong Un himself never accompanied his father abroad, and his rise to power was only revealed late in Kim Jong Il’s rule.Kim, now in his early forties, has faced speculation about his health over the years, with reports of gout and concerns over his weight. But he has remained firmly in control since the pandemic.

Kim Jong Un brought his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to Beijing for her first overseas appearance, fueling speculation she’s being groomed as successor amid growing visibility at key state events.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has brought his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to Beijing in what is being seen as her first overseas appearance, a move that has intensified speculation she is being groomed as his successor. State photos showed Ju Ae, dressed in a navy blue suit, stepping off her father’s armoured train in the Chinese capital, where she was welcomed by Chinese officials ahead of Wednesday’s military parade marking Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. Also read: 'No one has been conspiring, no conspiracies at all': Russia responds to Trump's ‘plotting against US’ claim about Putin, Xi and Kim Although her age and name have never been confirmed by North Korean authorities, Ju Ae is believed to be in her early teens. She has frequently been seen by her father’s side at high-profile events in Pyongyang, including missile launches, military parades, and the recent opening of a coastal resort. She was first revealed to the outside world in 2013, when former NBA star Dennis Rodman claimed he had held Kim’s baby daughter during a visit to Pyongyang. Nearly a decade later, she appeared publicly at an intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 2022, her debut in North Korean state media, which now refers to her as Kim’s “respected” daughter.

Kim Jong Un brought his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to Beijing for her first overseas appearance, fueling speculation she’s being groomed as successor amid growing visibility at key state events.

Who is Kim Ju Ae? Kim Jong Un’s ‘respected daughter’ making her foreign debut in China - Could she be North Korea’s first female leader?

The military parade in China is in the news not only because of the first public appearance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, and Russian's Vladimir Putin but also because of Kim's handshake with the speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Woo Won-shik. On Wednesday (Aug 3), Woo Won-shik's office confirmed that the two leaders exchanged greeting and shook hands during the military parade in Beijing. This can be seen as a major breakthrough as relations between North and South Korea have remained tense for years. Woo and Kim met for the first time during the inter-Korean summit between the leaders of both Koreas in April 2018.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kim-jong-un-took-his-own-toilet-to-china-to-bring-his-poop-back-to-north-korea-why-1756890298386">Kim Jong Un took his own toilet to China to bring back his poop to North Korea. Why?</a>&nbsp;The pair shook hands before the start of a military parade they were attending in China to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two. The statement clarified that though the two leaders stood on the viewing platform at Tiananmen Square, "they watched the parade from opposite ends." "He briefly exchanged greetings with Chairman Kim Jong Un before attending the military parade," an aide to Woo told NK News. News agency Reuters quoted Woo saying that it was "very important to build peace on the Korean Peninsula, despite difficult circumstances." While North Korea has maintained that South Korea is an enemy nation and has rejected Seoul's attempt for talks, Woo, along with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang. Woo also met Putin and Jinping at the sidelines of the parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-travels-in-bulletproof-train-to-china-for-military-parade-1756823313247/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-travels-in-bulletproof-train-to-china-for-military-parade-1756823313247/embed</a>&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-travels-in-bulletproof-train-to-china-for-military-parade-1756823313247">Kim Jong-Un travels in bulletproof train to China for military parade</a><h2>North and South Korea relations&nbsp;</h2>Relations between the neighbours of Korean peninsula went a new low under the now impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol. While Yoon favoured a strategy heavily focused on military deterrence and trilateral cooperation with Washington and Tokyo, Kim, in December 2023, decided to abandon the decades-long goal of reunification with the South. Since his campaign days, the incumbent South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has pledged to restart dialogue with North Korea. He has highlighted the danger of North Korea's expansion of missile testing and said that there is a need to resume negotiations with Pyongyang regarding its nuclear program. At a time when the US is preoccupied with the West Asian nations and the Russia-Ukraine war, alongside the domestic politics, Lee emphasised the need for America's coordination to promote dialogue with North Korea.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-brave-heroic-russia-s-putin-praises-north-korean-troops-sacrifice-in-ukraine-war-as-kim-vows-full-support-1756884221403/amp">'Brave, heroic': Russia's Putin praises North Korean troops' ‘sacrifice’ in Ukraine war as Kim vows ‘full support’</a>

The world has seen North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in front of cameras for the longest time today. Thanks to the military parade in China! What also came as a rare event was a ‘handshake’ between Kim and a leader of South Korea, which Kim says is an enemy nation

The military parade in China is in the news not only because of the first public appearance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, and Russian's Vladimir Putin but also because of Kim's handshake with the speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Woo Won-shik. On Wednesday (Aug 3), Woo Won-shik's office confirmed that the two leaders exchanged greeting and shook hands during the military parade in Beijing. This can be seen as a major breakthrough as relations between North and South Korea have remained tense for years. Woo and Kim met for the first time during the inter-Korean summit between the leaders of both Koreas in April 2018. Read More | Kim Jong Un took his own toilet to China to bring back his poop to North Korea. Why? The pair shook hands before the start of a military parade they were attending in China to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two. The statement clarified that though the two leaders stood on the viewing platform at Tiananmen Square, "they watched the parade from opposite ends." "He briefly exchanged greetings with Chairman Kim Jong Un before attending the military parade," an aide to Woo told NK News. News agency Reuters quoted Woo saying that it was "very important to build peace on the Korean Peninsula, despite difficult circumstances." While North Korea has maintained that South Korea is an enemy nation and has rejected Seoul's attempt for talks, Woo, along with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang. Woo also met Putin and Jinping at the sidelines of the parade. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-travels-in-bulletproof-train-to-china-for-military-parade-1756823313247/embed Read More | Kim Jong-Un travels in bulletproof train to China for military parade North and South Korea relations Relations between the neighbours of Korean peninsula went a new low under the now impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol. While Yoon favoured a strategy heavily focused on military deterrence and trilateral cooperation with Washington and Tokyo, Kim, in December 2023, decided to abandon the decades-long goal of reunification with the South. Since his campaign days, the incumbent South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has pledged to restart dialogue with North Korea. He has highlighted the danger of North Korea's expansion of missile testing and said that there is a need to resume negotiations with Pyongyang regarding its nuclear program. At a time when the US is preoccupied with the West Asian nations and the Russia-Ukraine war, alongside the domestic politics, Lee emphasised the need for America's coordination to promote dialogue with North Korea. Read More | 'Brave, heroic': Russia's Putin praises North Korean troops' ‘sacrifice’ in Ukraine war as Kim vows ‘full support’

The world has seen North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in front of cameras for the longest time today. Thanks to the military parade in China! What also came as a rare event was a ‘handshake’ between Kim and a leader of South Korea, which Kim says is an enemy nation

Did Kim Jong Un shake hands with South Korean leader during China's military parade? Here's what we know

China will stage a massive military parade in Beijing this Wednesday to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. But the event is less about history and more about China’s present global ambitions. President Xi Jinping will stand alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The line-up, described by analysts as an “axis of upheaval”, reflects Beijing’s growing ties with nations shut out by the West. Most Western leaders are staying away. The only ones attending are Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico and Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vučić, both known for keeping close links with Moscow.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-thrown-india-over-the-side-did-trump-cast-india-aside-for-business-with-pakistan-ex-us-nsa-jake-sullivan-weighs-in-1756780938116">'Thrown India over the side': Did Trump cast India aside for business with Pakistan? Ex-US NSA Jake Sullivan Weighs In</a><h2>What will the parade showcase?</h2>The event, one of the largest in years, will feature cutting-edge weapons, including hypersonic missiles, advanced fighter jets and new anti-ship systems. Among the highlights is the DF-26 missile, dubbed the “Guam killer” for its ability to strike US bases in the Pacific. Chinese media say the new Ying Ji anti-ship missile is designed to stop the US from threatening China’s security. Xi will inspect tens of thousands of troops in Tiananmen Square, with Putin as the guest of honour. Beijing residents have already faced weeks of disruption, echoing the last parade in 2015 when schools shut and a nationwide holiday was declared.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724">SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a><h2>What message is Xi sending?</h2>Analysts say the show is less about history and more about power.“Xi Jinping is trying to showcase that he is very strong, that he is still powerful and well received in China,” said Alfred Wu, of the National University of Singapore. Lim Chuan-Tiong of the University of Tokyo told The Guardian that most foreign leaders were not there to mark the war anniversary but to “give face to China, to give face to Chinese leaders and to avoid harming bilateral relations”.<h2>How does this fit into global politics?</h2>The parade follows the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, where Xi welcomed Putin, India’s Narendra Modi and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Modi’s visit stood out, coming just after Washington raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50% and as Delhi continues to buy Russian oil. Analysts say the timing is perfect for Beijing, with its ties with India improving while US-India relations falter.

China will hold a major military parade in Beijing, showcasing its global ambitions. Xi Jinping will host leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, while most Western leaders are absent.

China will stage a massive military parade in Beijing this Wednesday to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. But the event is less about history and more about China’s present global ambitions. President Xi Jinping will stand alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The line-up, described by analysts as an “axis of upheaval”, reflects Beijing’s growing ties with nations shut out by the West. Most Western leaders are staying away. The only ones attending are Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico and Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vučić, both known for keeping close links with Moscow. Also read: 'Thrown India over the side': Did Trump cast India aside for business with Pakistan? Ex-US NSA Jake Sullivan Weighs In What will the parade showcase? The event, one of the largest in years, will feature cutting-edge weapons, including hypersonic missiles, advanced fighter jets and new anti-ship systems. Among the highlights is the DF-26 missile, dubbed the “Guam killer” for its ability to strike US bases in the Pacific. Chinese media say the new Ying Ji anti-ship missile is designed to stop the US from threatening China’s security. Xi will inspect tens of thousands of troops in Tiananmen Square, with Putin as the guest of honour. Beijing residents have already faced weeks of disruption, echoing the last parade in 2015 when schools shut and a nationwide holiday was declared. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? What message is Xi sending? Analysts say the show is less about history and more about power. “Xi Jinping is trying to showcase that he is very strong, that he is still powerful and well received in China,” said Alfred Wu, of the National University of Singapore. Lim Chuan-Tiong of the University of Tokyo told The Guardian that most foreign leaders were not there to mark the war anniversary but to “give face to China, to give face to Chinese leaders and to avoid harming bilateral relations”. How does this fit into global politics? The parade follows the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, where Xi welcomed Putin, India’s Narendra Modi and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Modi’s visit stood out, coming just after Washington raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50% and as Delhi continues to buy Russian oil. Analysts say the timing is perfect for Beijing, with its ties with India improving while US-India relations falter.

China will hold a major military parade in Beijing, showcasing its global ambitions. Xi Jinping will host leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, while most Western leaders are absent.

China-led ‘axis of upheaval’ in the making? Why you must watch Xi, Putin, Kim appearing together at Chinese military parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un left Pyongyang in his armoured train on Monday for China, where he will be attending the ‘Victory Day’ parade in the capital Beijing, said local media reports. Kim will rub shoulders with China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders during the ‘Victory Day’ parade on Wednesday in his first such multilateral international meeting. He will be among 26 other heads of states, including leaders from Myanmar, Iran, and Cuba, in attendance. It will also be the first time that a North Korean leader will attend the military parade in China since 1959.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kim’s armoured train is said to have a restaurant car serving fine French wines and dishes like fresh lobster.The train’s heavy protection slows it down, and consequently Kim’s journey is likely to take up to 24 hours, said a report of South Korea’s Yonhap agency.The reclusive leader rarely travels abroad, and his recent contact has been limited to Putin, whom he met twice since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;<h2>Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, started the tradition of travelling by train</h2>&nbsp;The tradition of travelling via train was started by Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who visited Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, also travelled by train, as he was reportedly afraid of flying.&nbsp;China’s military parade in Beijing marks 80 years since the end of the second world war. Xi Jinping will be flanked by leaders of some of the world’s most heavily sanctioned nations—Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar—and other leaders of the global south, but almost no leaders from the West. Only Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will be attending from Europe while Bulgaria and Hungary will send representatives.&nbsp;WATCH: N Korea's new missile factory undergoes Kim Jong Un's inspection, ahead of China visit<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/n-korea-s-new-missile-factory-undergoes-kim-jong-un-s-inspection-ahead-of-china-visit-1756746868904/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/n-korea-s-new-missile-factory-undergoes-kim-jong-un-s-inspection-ahead-of-china-visit-1756746868904/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Tens of thousands of military personnel will march in formation through Beijing’s historic Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two and the end of the conflict.The 70-minute parade is likely to feature China's latest weaponry, including aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems.&nbsp;

The tradition of travelling via train was started by Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who visited Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, also travelled by train, as he was reportedly afraid of flying.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un left Pyongyang in his armoured train on Monday for China, where he will be attending the ‘Victory Day’ parade in the capital Beijing, said local media reports. Kim will rub shoulders with China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders during the ‘Victory Day’ parade on Wednesday in his first such multilateral international meeting. He will be among 26 other heads of states, including leaders from Myanmar, Iran, and Cuba, in attendance. It will also be the first time that a North Korean leader will attend the military parade in China since 1959. Kim’s armoured train is said to have a restaurant car serving fine French wines and dishes like fresh lobster. The train’s heavy protection slows it down, and consequently Kim’s journey is likely to take up to 24 hours, said a report of South Korea’s Yonhap agency. The reclusive leader rarely travels abroad, and his recent contact has been limited to Putin, whom he met twice since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, started the tradition of travelling by train The tradition of travelling via train was started by Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who visited Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, also travelled by train, as he was reportedly afraid of flying. China’s military parade in Beijing marks 80 years since the end of the second world war. Xi Jinping will be flanked by leaders of some of the world’s most heavily sanctioned nations—Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar—and other leaders of the global south, but almost no leaders from the West. Only Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will be attending from Europe while Bulgaria and Hungary will send representatives. WATCH: N Korea's new missile factory undergoes Kim Jong Un's inspection, ahead of China visit https://www.wionews.com/videos/n-korea-s-new-missile-factory-undergoes-kim-jong-un-s-inspection-ahead-of-china-visit-1756746868904/embed Tens of thousands of military personnel will march in formation through Beijing’s historic Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two and the end of the conflict. The 70-minute parade is likely to feature China's latest weaponry, including aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems.

The tradition of travelling via train was started by Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who visited Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, also travelled by train, as he was reportedly afraid of flying.

North Korea’s Kim heads for China in armoured train, to attend first multilateral international event

US President Donald Trump on Monday (August 25) signalled his readiness to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying he expects to meet him “someday.” Speaking during a press interaction, Trump praised his “very good” relationship with Kim while preparing for a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-he-paid-zero-in-9bn-intel-deal-despite-critics-fury-1756134323490">'Why are stupid people unhappy?': Trump insists he ‘paid zero’ in $9bn Intel deal despite&nbsp;critics’&nbsp;fury</a>“In fact, someday, I will see him. I look forward to seeing him. He was very good with me … We got along great,” Trump said. He added that he was confident Kim would agree to meet him “at some point.”<h2>Trump’s claim of preventing nuclear conflict</h2>The president once again argued that his leadership had prevented war with North Korea. “You notice that since I came into office, you haven’t had a problem with him,” he told reporters. Trump went further, saying that if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, the US would already be at nuclear war with Pyongyang. “We are not going to have a nuclear war. Once that happens, it’s over,” he said.<h2>Trump’s personal diplomacy with North Korea</h2>Trump also boasted about knowing Kim “better than anybody, almost, other than his sister,” referring to Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader’s influential sibling. Speculation continues that Trump may revive his personal diplomacy with Pyongyang. Between 2018 and 2019, he and Kim held three unprecedented meetings, including their first summit in Singapore. Trump also became the first US president to step into North Korea during a 2019 visit.However, the talks ultimately failed to produce a breakthrough. Pyongyang continued nuclear testing, and no agreement on denuclearisation, a key American demand, was reached.

President Trump expressed willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again, citing their strong past relationship. Ahead of talks with South Korea’s president, he emphasised hopes to restart negotiations with Pyongyang.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (August 25) signalled his readiness to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying he expects to meet him “someday.” Speaking during a press interaction, Trump praised his “very good” relationship with Kim while preparing for a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. Also read: 'Why are stupid people unhappy?': Trump insists he ‘paid zero’ in $9bn Intel deal despite critics’ fury “In fact, someday, I will see him. I look forward to seeing him. He was very good with me … We got along great,” Trump said. He added that he was confident Kim would agree to meet him “at some point.” Trump’s claim of preventing nuclear conflict The president once again argued that his leadership had prevented war with North Korea. “You notice that since I came into office, you haven’t had a problem with him,” he told reporters. Trump went further, saying that if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, the US would already be at nuclear war with Pyongyang. “We are not going to have a nuclear war. Once that happens, it’s over,” he said. Trump’s personal diplomacy with North Korea Trump also boasted about knowing Kim “better than anybody, almost, other than his sister,” referring to Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader’s influential sibling. Speculation continues that Trump may revive his personal diplomacy with Pyongyang. Between 2018 and 2019, he and Kim held three unprecedented meetings, including their first summit in Singapore. Trump also became the first US president to step into North Korea during a 2019 visit. However, the talks ultimately failed to produce a breakthrough. Pyongyang continued nuclear testing, and no agreement on denuclearisation, a key American demand, was reached.

President Trump expressed willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again, citing their strong past relationship. Ahead of talks with South Korea’s president, he emphasised hopes to restart negotiations with Pyongyang.

'Not going to have nuclear war': Trump touts 'very good' relationship with Kim Jong-un, says he will meet him 'someday'

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

During his visit, Putin signed a&nbsp;new treaty with North Korea which would provide&nbsp;"mutual assistance" in case&nbsp;either country faces aggression.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin receives grand welcome</h2>

Putin arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday morning for his two-day visit to the isolated nation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

The Russian president was greeted by the North Korean leader upon his arrival. The two leaders were seen shaking hands, embracing and talking before leaving in Putin’s Russia-made Aurus limousine for the Kumsusan State Guest House.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-in-pyongyang-what-it-means-for-the-west-733046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In contrast to the relatively subdued welcome at the airport, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds and lavish ceremonies at the square by the Taedong River running through the capital, reported Reuters citing a broadcast by Russian media.&nbsp;

The two leaders then left for the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks, reported the Russian media.&nbsp;

According to the North Korean media, the two leaders shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on the ride to the state guest house.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian president invites Kim to visit</h2>

“We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction,” Russian state news agency RIA quoted Putin as saying at the start of the talks with Kim.

This comes after Putin&nbsp;thanked North Korea for supporting what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine despite “US&nbsp;pressure, blackmail and military threats” in a letter, ahead of his visit.&nbsp;

“I am very happy about our new meeting, I hope that the next one will take place in Russia, in Moscow,” said the Russian president during the meeting with the North Korean leader, as per news agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Ties with Russia entering new era: Kim</h2>

The North Korean leader, during the meeting, reportedly said that the relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are entering a new era.&nbsp;

“Relations between our countries are entering a new era of blossoming, which cannot be compared even with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century,” said Kim as per Russian news agencies.

The North Korean leader also believed that the Russian president’s visit would further “strengthen” their countries’ friendship.

<h2>Russia and North Korea sign treaty</h2>

Russia and North Korea, during Putin's historic visit also signed a new&nbsp;agreement upgrading their countries' ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership".

"The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty," said the Russian president.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hails-north-koreas-support-for-ukraine-war-vows-trade-security-ahead-of-visit-to-pyongyang-732803">Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years</a>

He also hailed the agreement&nbsp;as a&nbsp;"breakthrough" that would take ties between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level".&nbsp;

Putin also said Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in connection with the treaty that was signed today,"&nbsp;referring to North Korea by its official name.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kim called Putin&nbsp;the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said that his country&nbsp;"expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin’s visit to Pyongyang</h2>

There are several events on the agenda for Wednesday, including one-on-one discussions between the two leaders, a gala concert, state reception, honour guards, document signings and a statement to the media,&nbsp;Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov reportedly said.&nbsp;

Notably, while Moscow and Pyongyang have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II, with Putin being isolated from the international stage due to the Ukraine war, the two nations have become even closer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies. During his visit, Putin signed a new treaty with North Korea which would provide "mutual assistance" in case either country faces aggression. Putin receives grand welcome Putin arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday morning for his two-day visit to the isolated nation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Russian president was greeted by the North Korean leader upon his arrival. The two leaders were seen shaking hands, embracing and talking before leaving in Putin’s Russia-made Aurus limousine for the Kumsusan State Guest House. In contrast to the relatively subdued welcome at the airport, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds and lavish ceremonies at the square by the Taedong River running through the capital, reported Reuters citing a broadcast by Russian media. The two leaders then left for the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks, reported the Russian media. According to the North Korean media, the two leaders shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on the ride to the state guest house. Russian president invites Kim to visit “We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction,” Russian state news agency RIA quoted Putin as saying at the start of the talks with Kim. This comes after Putin thanked North Korea for supporting what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine despite “US pressure, blackmail and military threats” in a letter, ahead of his visit. “I am very happy about our new meeting, I hope that the next one will take place in Russia, in Moscow,” said the Russian president during the meeting with the North Korean leader, as per news agencies. Ties with Russia entering new era: Kim The North Korean leader, during the meeting, reportedly said that the relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are entering a new era. “Relations between our countries are entering a new era of blossoming, which cannot be compared even with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century,” said Kim as per Russian news agencies. The North Korean leader also believed that the Russian president’s visit would further “strengthen” their countries’ friendship. Russia and North Korea sign treaty Russia and North Korea, during Putin's historic visit also signed a new agreement upgrading their countries' ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership". "The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty," said the Russian president. Also Read | Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years He also hailed the agreement as a "breakthrough" that would take ties between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level". Putin also said Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in connection with the treaty that was signed today," referring to North Korea by its official name. Meanwhile, Kim called Putin the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said that his country "expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over the Ukraine war. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang There are several events on the agenda for Wednesday, including one-on-one discussions between the two leaders, a gala concert, state reception, honour guards, document signings and a statement to the media, Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov reportedly said. Notably, while Moscow and Pyongyang have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II, with Putin being isolated from the international stage due to the Ukraine war, the two nations have become even closer. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin signs new strategic treaty with N Korea, invites Kim to visit Moscow

North Korea has successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile that could potentially hit the US territory of Guam.

According to state media, this marks progress in North Korea’s efforts to develop a more powerful and agile missile capable of hitting far-away targets in the region including Guam, where the US has a military base. 
&nbsp;

North Korea’s hypersonic missile development

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the ground test of the solid-fuel engine, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday (Mar 20).&nbsp;

The test took place on Tuesday (Mar 19) morning at Sohae satellite launch station near the country’s west coast, said the report.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong Un leads new war tank training in mock battle

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-leads-new-war-tank-training-in-mock-battle-700042/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The strategic value of the new missile with an intermediate range is as important as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) targeting the US mainland and the “enemies know better about it,” Kim said, as per the state media.&nbsp;

Back in January,&nbsp;North Korea tested an intermediate-range hypersonic missile which it said involved a new solid-fuel engine.

The KCNA did not provide the specifics of the engine tested except to say that it was a “great success”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-oversees-firing-drills-of-super-large-rocket-launchers-to-potentially-target-seoul-701669">North Korean leader oversees firing drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers to potentially target Seoul</a>

Tuesday’s test would allow the project to proceed under a timetable for completing the development of the new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRMB), state media reported.&nbsp;

<h2>Live fire&nbsp;drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers</h2>

The developments come a day after Kim oversaw a live fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers which are designed to target the South Korean capital Seoul.&nbsp;

The live fire drills on Monday (Mar 18) tested the “real war capabilities” of the 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers and improve the operators’ combat readiness, state media reported.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan-as-blinken-attends-seoul-summit-701275">North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit</a>

North Korea claims to have tested a number of new missiles and weapons since 2022.

Starting late last year, Kim had repeatedly called on the military to ramp up war preparations to counter the US and South Korea.&nbsp;

On Monday, South Korean and Japanese militaries reported that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was attending a democracy summit in Seoul.&nbsp;

The state media reports about the live firing drills of “super-large” rocket launchers and the progress in the development of a new hypersonic IRMB come days after the US and South Korea concluded their large-scale annual joint military drills.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile that could potentially hit the US territory of Guam.

North Korea has successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile that could potentially hit the US territory of Guam. According to state media, this marks progress in North Korea’s efforts to develop a more powerful and agile missile capable of hitting far-away targets in the region including Guam, where the US has a military base. North Korea’s hypersonic missile development North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the ground test of the solid-fuel engine, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday (Mar 20). The test took place on Tuesday (Mar 19) morning at Sohae satellite launch station near the country’s west coast, said the report. WATCH | North Korea: Kim Jong Un leads new war tank training in mock battle The strategic value of the new missile with an intermediate range is as important as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) targeting the US mainland and the “enemies know better about it,” Kim said, as per the state media. Back in January, North Korea tested an intermediate-range hypersonic missile which it said involved a new solid-fuel engine. The KCNA did not provide the specifics of the engine tested except to say that it was a “great success”. Also Read | North Korean leader oversees firing drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers to potentially target Seoul Tuesday’s test would allow the project to proceed under a timetable for completing the development of the new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRMB), state media reported. Live fire drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers The developments come a day after Kim oversaw a live fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers which are designed to target the South Korean capital Seoul. The live fire drills on Monday (Mar 18) tested the “real war capabilities” of the 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers and improve the operators’ combat readiness, state media reported. Also Read | North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit North Korea claims to have tested a number of new missiles and weapons since 2022. Starting late last year, Kim had repeatedly called on the military to ramp up war preparations to counter the US and South Korea. On Monday, South Korean and Japanese militaries reported that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was attending a democracy summit in Seoul. The state media reports about the live firing drills of “super-large” rocket launchers and the progress in the development of a new hypersonic IRMB come days after the US and South Korea concluded their large-scale annual joint military drills. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea claims progress in hypersonic missile that can target US territories like Guam military base

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers which are designed to target the South Korean capital Seoul, reported Pyongyang’s state media on Tuesday (Mar 19).&nbsp;

The media report came a day after South Korea and Japan said North Korea fired ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan for the first time in two months when Washington’s top diplomat was in Seoul to attend a conference.&nbsp;

<h2>Kim oversees live fire drills</h2>

The live fire drills took place on Monday (Mar 18), according to the KCNA, to test the “real war capabilities” of the 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers and improve the operators’ combat readiness.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-as-blinken-visits-seoul-701332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the state media report, some of the systems tested on Monday included the 600mm multiple rocket launchers which were capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

The drills also reportedly saw the simulation of an air explosion of a shell of the super-large multiple rocket launcher at a preset altitude above the target.&nbsp;

The unit displayed “high mobility and accurate and strong striking power” in carrying out a sudden combat mission, reported the KCNA.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-congratulates-russian-president-vladimir-putin-on-his-re-election-701516">PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election</a>

Kim called the recently tested multiple rocket launchers a key part of the country’s growing arsenal of weapons, as per the media report, which would supposedly be used to target Seoul if another war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

The North Korean leader said “it is necessary to further impress upon the enemies that if an armed conflict and a war break out, they can never avoid disastrous consequences,” as quoted by the KCNA.&nbsp;

He also called on his army to “more thoroughly fulfil their missions to block and suppress the possibility of war with the constant perfect preparedness to collapse the capital of the enemy and the structure of its military forces.”

<h2>South Korea on&nbsp;the multiple rocket launchers</h2>

On Monday, South Korean and Japanese militaries reported that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was attending a conference hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan-as-blinken-attends-seoul-summit-701275">North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit</a>

The launch also came days after the United States and South Korea concluded their large-scale annual joint military drills.&nbsp;

If Pyongyang fires a large number of conventional missiles against the South, it would “constitute a war” and prompt strong retaliatory attacks, Seoul’s defence minister, Shin Won-sik warned&nbsp;on Monday when asked about the North’s multiple rocket launches.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers which are designed to target the South Korean capital Seoul, reported Pyongyang’s state media on Tuesday (Mar 19).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers which are designed to target the South Korean capital Seoul, reported Pyongyang’s state media on Tuesday (Mar 19). The media report came a day after South Korea and Japan said North Korea fired ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan for the first time in two months when Washington’s top diplomat was in Seoul to attend a conference. Kim oversees live fire drills The live fire drills took place on Monday (Mar 18), according to the KCNA, to test the “real war capabilities” of the 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers and improve the operators’ combat readiness. WATCH | North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul According to the state media report, some of the systems tested on Monday included the 600mm multiple rocket launchers which were capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads. The drills also reportedly saw the simulation of an air explosion of a shell of the super-large multiple rocket launcher at a preset altitude above the target. The unit displayed “high mobility and accurate and strong striking power” in carrying out a sudden combat mission, reported the KCNA. Also Read | PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election Kim called the recently tested multiple rocket launchers a key part of the country’s growing arsenal of weapons, as per the media report, which would supposedly be used to target Seoul if another war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula. The North Korean leader said “it is necessary to further impress upon the enemies that if an armed conflict and a war break out, they can never avoid disastrous consequences,” as quoted by the KCNA. He also called on his army to “more thoroughly fulfil their missions to block and suppress the possibility of war with the constant perfect preparedness to collapse the capital of the enemy and the structure of its military forces.” South Korea on the multiple rocket launchers On Monday, South Korean and Japanese militaries reported that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was attending a conference hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. Also Read | North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit The launch also came days after the United States and South Korea concluded their large-scale annual joint military drills. If Pyongyang fires a large number of conventional missiles against the South, it would “constitute a war” and prompt strong retaliatory attacks, Seoul’s defence minister, Shin Won-sik warned on Monday when asked about the North’s multiple rocket launches. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader oversees firing drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers to potentially target Seoul

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday.

The report follows recent live-fire exercises by Pyongyang's military near the contested maritime border that prompted counter-drills and evacuation orders for residents on two South Korean border islands.

Images in state media showed Kim, in a full-length black leather jacket, standing in front of what analysts said were short-range ballistic missile launchers, purportedly nuclear-capable.

"The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," Kim was reported as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-rejects-idea-of-reunification-with-south-korea-plans-to-launch-spy-satellites-in-2024-675186">North Korea rejects idea of reunification with South Korea, plans to launch spy satellites in 2024</a>

Kim, urging factory workers to modernise and "produce more weapons", said he had "no intention of avoiding a war" and warned he would have no hesitation in "annihilating" South Korea, KCNA added.

News of the factory tour came a day after nearly 50 countries joined the United States in condemning North Korea's alleged transfers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, which would violate rafts of United Nations sanctions.

The White House last week accused the North of sending both missiles and launchers to Russia in what it called a "significant and concerning escalation" of its support for Moscow's war effort.

The live-fire drills that started last Friday marked one of the most serious escalations between the two sides since 2010, when the North shelled Yeonpyeong island, leaving four dead, including two marines.

<h2>- 'Much tougher stance' -</h2>

Kim, accompanied by senior party and military officials, toured multiple munitions factories on Monday and Tuesday, KCNA said, describing the visits as encouragement "in the struggle for attaining the huge production goal for the new year".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-seeks-public-opinion-as-it-moves-to-ban-recreational-cannabis-use-after-historic-decriminalisation-678708">Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation</a>

Kim said that while the North would not "unilaterally" trigger a confrontation, it had "no intention of avoiding a war".

Were Seoul to use force against the North, "we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilising all means and forces in our hands," KCNA reported Kim as saying.

Those comments signal a shift in North Korean policy and hint that Pyongyang will take a "much tougher stance" toward Seoul in future, Hong Min, of the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"It is the first time that the North has called the South its 'principle enemy', signifying the change of North Korea's Seoul approach to an ultra-hawkish mode," he said.

The North's recent artillery drills were "emblematic of the changed approach," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-makes-appearance-on-tv-screen-in-prison-first-time-since-moving-to-new-jail-678671">Kremlin critic Navalny makes appearance on TV screen in prison, first time since moving to new jail</a>

Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decades, after Kim enshrined the country's status as a nuclear power into the constitution and test-fired several advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

At Pyongyang's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened a nuclear attack on the South and called for a build-up of his country's military arsenal ahead of armed conflict that he warned could "break out any time".

Kim also successfully put a spy satellite into orbit late last year, after receiving what Seoul said was Russian help, in exchange for arms transfers for Moscow's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday. The report follows recent live-fire exercises by Pyongyang's military near the contested maritime border that prompted counter-drills and evacuation orders for residents on two South Korean border islands. Images in state media showed Kim, in a full-length black leather jacket, standing in front of what analysts said were short-range ballistic missile launchers, purportedly nuclear-capable. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," Kim was reported as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency. ALSO READ | North Korea rejects idea of reunification with South Korea, plans to launch spy satellites in 2024 Kim, urging factory workers to modernise and "produce more weapons", said he had "no intention of avoiding a war" and warned he would have no hesitation in "annihilating" South Korea, KCNA added. News of the factory tour came a day after nearly 50 countries joined the United States in condemning North Korea's alleged transfers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, which would violate rafts of United Nations sanctions. The White House last week accused the North of sending both missiles and launchers to Russia in what it called a "significant and concerning escalation" of its support for Moscow's war effort. The live-fire drills that started last Friday marked one of the most serious escalations between the two sides since 2010, when the North shelled Yeonpyeong island, leaving four dead, including two marines. - 'Much tougher stance' - Kim, accompanied by senior party and military officials, toured multiple munitions factories on Monday and Tuesday, KCNA said, describing the visits as encouragement "in the struggle for attaining the huge production goal for the new year". ALSO READ | Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation Kim said that while the North would not "unilaterally" trigger a confrontation, it had "no intention of avoiding a war". Were Seoul to use force against the North, "we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilising all means and forces in our hands," KCNA reported Kim as saying. Those comments signal a shift in North Korean policy and hint that Pyongyang will take a "much tougher stance" toward Seoul in future, Hong Min, of the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP. "It is the first time that the North has called the South its 'principle enemy', signifying the change of North Korea's Seoul approach to an ultra-hawkish mode," he said. The North's recent artillery drills were "emblematic of the changed approach," he added. ALSO READ | Kremlin critic Navalny makes appearance on TV screen in prison, first time since moving to new jail Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decades, after Kim enshrined the country's status as a nuclear power into the constitution and test-fired several advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles. At Pyongyang's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened a nuclear attack on the South and called for a build-up of his country's military arsenal ahead of armed conflict that he warned could "break out any time". Kim also successfully put a spy satellite into orbit late last year, after receiving what Seoul said was Russian help, in exchange for arms transfers for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour

Russia said on Friday (September 15) that no agreements had been signed during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia. Kim began his visit to Russia on Tuesday and is still in the nation. On Friday, he inspected a Russian fighter jet factory that is under Western sanctions.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "no agreements were signed" during the visit, which saw Kim hold one-on-one talks with President Vladimir Putin, and "there was no plan to sign any". His comments come amid Western concern that the two countries could be preparing an arms deal.&nbsp;

The visit has raised concerns among the Western nations as they fear it could bolster Pyongyang's missile programme.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-zelensky-to-meet-us-prez-biden-as-congress-debates-24-billion-aid-for-kyiv-reports-636198">Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Prez Biden as US Congress debates $24 billion aid for Kyiv: Reports</a>&nbsp;

Washington says that their meeting could also strengthen Russia's military in Ukraine, a concern which was deepened with the choice of gift as the two leaders exchanged rifles.&nbsp;

Putin talked up the prospect of greater cooperation with North Korea and said there were "possibilities" for military ties despite international sanctions on Pyongyang.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Kremlin said that Putin had accepted Kim's invitation to visit North Korea, without giving a date for the trip.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-liberated-andriivka-village-near-bakhmut-evacuations-ordered-in-kherson-636276">Ukraine claims to have ‘liberated’ Andriivka village near Bakhmut; evacuations ordered in Kherson</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Zelensky set to meet US President Joe Biden at White House next week&nbsp;

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<h2>Kim in Russia&nbsp;</h2>

Russia's news agency TASS reported that Kim arrived at the railway station of the Far Eastern Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur early on Friday.&nbsp;

Khabarovsk Region Governor Mikhail Degtyarev and Komsomolsk-on-Amur Mayor Alexander Zhornik greeted the North Korean leader and a red carpet was rolled out for the top-ranking guest. Kim was welcomed with bread and salt in accordance with the Russian tradition for special guests.&nbsp;

Kim went to the Yuri Gagarin Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ), accompanied by Degtyarev and Zhornik shortly after his arrival.&nbsp;

The city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur has two major aircraft building plants - the KnAAZ plant (branch of Sukhoi aircraft maker) and a production facility of the Yakovlev corporation (previously known as Irkut). TASS reported that both are part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia said on Friday (September 15) that no agreements had been signed during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia. Kim began his visit to Russia on Tuesday and is still in the nation.

Russia said on Friday (September 15) that no agreements had been signed during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia. Kim began his visit to Russia on Tuesday and is still in the nation. On Friday, he inspected a Russian fighter jet factory that is under Western sanctions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "no agreements were signed" during the visit, which saw Kim hold one-on-one talks with President Vladimir Putin, and "there was no plan to sign any". His comments come amid Western concern that the two countries could be preparing an arms deal. The visit has raised concerns among the Western nations as they fear it could bolster Pyongyang's missile programme. Also read: Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Prez Biden as US Congress debates $24 billion aid for Kyiv: Reports Washington says that their meeting could also strengthen Russia's military in Ukraine, a concern which was deepened with the choice of gift as the two leaders exchanged rifles. Putin talked up the prospect of greater cooperation with North Korea and said there were "possibilities" for military ties despite international sanctions on Pyongyang. On Thursday, Kremlin said that Putin had accepted Kim's invitation to visit North Korea, without giving a date for the trip. Also read: Ukraine claims to have ‘liberated’ Andriivka village near Bakhmut; evacuations ordered in Kherson Watch: Zelensky set to meet US President Joe Biden at White House next week × Kim in Russia Russia's news agency TASS reported that Kim arrived at the railway station of the Far Eastern Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur early on Friday. Khabarovsk Region Governor Mikhail Degtyarev and Komsomolsk-on-Amur Mayor Alexander Zhornik greeted the North Korean leader and a red carpet was rolled out for the top-ranking guest. Kim was welcomed with bread and salt in accordance with the Russian tradition for special guests. Kim went to the Yuri Gagarin Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ), accompanied by Degtyarev and Zhornik shortly after his arrival. The city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur has two major aircraft building plants - the KnAAZ plant (branch of Sukhoi aircraft maker) and a production facility of the Yakovlev corporation (previously known as Irkut). TASS reported that both are part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin says 'no agreements' signed during North Korean leader Kim's Russia visit

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that&nbsp;had intruded in its exclusive economic zone.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency carried a statement which said that the North Korean air force deployed a sortie of planes, which forced the US aircraft to "retreat".&nbsp;

Kim said, "The intrusion into the DPRK's 200-nautical mile economic water zone by the reconnaissance asset of the hostile country…is clearly a grave encroachment upon the sovereignty and security of the DPRK."&nbsp;

She added that "a shocking incident would occur in the long run in the 20-40 section in which the US spy planes habitually intrude into the sky above the economic water zone" of North Korea.&nbsp;

Pyongyang accused the US air force of illegal intrusion stating that their drones and spy planes flew along its coasts for eight straight days, and the aircraft repeatedly violated the North Korean&nbsp;airspace.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marines-without-confirmed-leader-for-first-time-in-100-yrs-614171">US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years</a>&nbsp;

As per North Korea's Defence Ministry, the US apparently flew a strategic reconnaissance plane into its "inviolable airspace" several times. The nuclear-powered nation even warned that the US aircraft might be shot down.&nbsp;

The defence ministry said it was an intrusion, but Kim went on to accuse the US of conducting aerial surveillance over the North's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Kim said that the US Air Force infiltrated into the North's "economic water zone" on Monday off the east coast of the Korean peninsula in the sky above the sea 435 km east of Tongchon of Gangwon Province and 276 km southeast of Uljin of North Gyeongsang Province.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Pentagon refuted Pyongyang's accusations of airspace violations and said the US military had adhered to international law. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters: "So those accusations are just accusations." &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-signs-controversial-policing-deal-with-china-upgrades-ties-with-beijing-614126">Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing</a>&nbsp;

On being asked about Pyongyang’s&nbsp;accusations at a regular news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday urged North Korea "to refrain from escalatory actions" and reiterated a call for it "to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy".&nbsp;

In a statement released on Monday night, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang was escalating tensions by using threats over what it said was "normal flight activity" by the South Korea-US alliance.&nbsp;

But Kim criticised South as she said, "As regards the provocation by the US forces, the military of the 'ROK' again impudently took the lead in denying the encroachment on the DPRK's sovereignty, while shamelessly asserting that it was a 'normal flight'."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that had intruded in its exclusive economic zone.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that had intruded in its exclusive economic zone. Earlier on Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency carried a statement which said that the North Korean air force deployed a sortie of planes, which forced the US aircraft to "retreat". Kim said, "The intrusion into the DPRK's 200-nautical mile economic water zone by the reconnaissance asset of the hostile country…is clearly a grave encroachment upon the sovereignty and security of the DPRK." She added that "a shocking incident would occur in the long run in the 20-40 section in which the US spy planes habitually intrude into the sky above the economic water zone" of North Korea. Pyongyang accused the US air force of illegal intrusion stating that their drones and spy planes flew along its coasts for eight straight days, and the aircraft repeatedly violated the North Korean airspace. Also read: US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years As per North Korea's Defence Ministry, the US apparently flew a strategic reconnaissance plane into its "inviolable airspace" several times. The nuclear-powered nation even warned that the US aircraft might be shot down. The defence ministry said it was an intrusion, but Kim went on to accuse the US of conducting aerial surveillance over the North's exclusive economic zone. Kim said that the US Air Force infiltrated into the North's "economic water zone" on Monday off the east coast of the Korean peninsula in the sky above the sea 435 km east of Tongchon of Gangwon Province and 276 km southeast of Uljin of North Gyeongsang Province. Earlier, the Pentagon refuted Pyongyang's accusations of airspace violations and said the US military had adhered to international law. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters: "So those accusations are just accusations." Also read: Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing On being asked about Pyongyang’s accusations at a regular news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday urged North Korea "to refrain from escalatory actions" and reiterated a call for it "to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy". In a statement released on Monday night, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang was escalating tensions by using threats over what it said was "normal flight activity" by the South Korea-US alliance. But Kim criticised South as she said, "As regards the provocation by the US forces, the military of the 'ROK' again impudently took the lead in denying the encroachment on the DPRK's sovereignty, while shamelessly asserting that it was a 'normal flight'." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kim’s sister alleges ‘illegal intrusion’ of North Korean airspace by US surveillance, spy planes

The United States on Monday raised concerns about North Korea making preparations to conduct its seventh nuclear test. The outgoing spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price, urged the international community to take concerted action in response to such a destabilising event.&nbsp;

"DPRK has finalised all of the steps it would need to take to conduct what would be its seventh nuclear test. A seventh nuclear test would be a dangerous provocation that would itself constitute a significant threat to peace and security in the region," said Price, who will soon be replaced by Indian American Vedant&nbsp;Patel as interim spokesperson.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently passed a new law laying down conditions in which the country would be inclined to use its nuclear weapons. It states that in the event of a provocation that puts Pyongyang's leadership under attack, the North Korean military can "automatically" execute nuclear strikes against enemy forces. The new law also says that North Korea could use nukes to prevent an unspecified "catastrophic crisis" for its government and people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-two-strategic-cruise-missiles-from-a-submarine-571286">North Korea fires two strategic cruise missiles from submarine</a>

"The entire world would need to respond in a case like that. Countries on the Security Council, especially the Permanent Five, we would hope to see, concerted action in response to such a destabilising event," said Price.

In its latest missile test, North Korea fired two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend. The missile tests were a show of protest against the South Korea-US combined military exercise that began Monday.&nbsp;

KCNA said the submarine launches aimed to show North Korea's determination to control a situation in which "the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet forces are getting evermore undisguised in their anti-DPRK military manoeuvres."

According to KCNA, the strategic cruise missiles were fired from the "8.24 Yongung" submarine in the waters off the east coast of Korea in the early hours of Sunday. The missiles travelled some 1,500 kilometres before hitting a target in the sea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States on Monday raised concerns about North Korea making preparations to conduct its seventh nuclear test. The outgoing spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price, urged the international community to take concerted action in response to such a destabilising event.

The United States on Monday raised concerns about North Korea making preparations to conduct its seventh nuclear test. The outgoing spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price, urged the international community to take concerted action in response to such a destabilising event. "DPRK has finalised all of the steps it would need to take to conduct what would be its seventh nuclear test. A seventh nuclear test would be a dangerous provocation that would itself constitute a significant threat to peace and security in the region," said Price, who will soon be replaced by Indian American Vedant Patel as interim spokesperson. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently passed a new law laying down conditions in which the country would be inclined to use its nuclear weapons. It states that in the event of a provocation that puts Pyongyang's leadership under attack, the North Korean military can "automatically" execute nuclear strikes against enemy forces. The new law also says that North Korea could use nukes to prevent an unspecified "catastrophic crisis" for its government and people. Also Read | North Korea fires two strategic cruise missiles from submarine "The entire world would need to respond in a case like that. Countries on the Security Council, especially the Permanent Five, we would hope to see, concerted action in response to such a destabilising event," said Price. In its latest missile test, North Korea fired two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend. The missile tests were a show of protest against the South Korea-US combined military exercise that began Monday. KCNA said the submarine launches aimed to show North Korea's determination to control a situation in which "the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet forces are getting evermore undisguised in their anti-DPRK military manoeuvres." According to KCNA, the strategic cruise missiles were fired from the "8.24 Yongung" submarine in the waters off the east coast of Korea in the early hours of Sunday. The missiles travelled some 1,500 kilometres before hitting a target in the sea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns

According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the people of North Korea and their leader, Kim Jong Un.

The Queen sent her greetings to the hermit nation on their national day.

The message was sent on behalf of the Queen by the Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, "as has been done previously," according to a spokesperson.

According to the Palace, it is customary for Her Majesty to send messages to other countries on their national holidays.&nbsp;

"As in previous years, HM The Queen has sent a message to the people of the DPRK on the occasion of their National Day," a UK UK's Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) &nbsp;spokesperson added.

On September 9, North Korea observed its national day to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of its founding.

Pyongyang marked the occasion with a military parade at midnight.

The message read, according to North Korean state media KCNA, "As the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea celebrate their National Day, I send my best wishes for the future."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the people of North Korea and their leader, Kim Jong Un. The Queen sent her greetings to the hermit nation on their national day.

According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the people of North Korea and their leader, Kim Jong Un. The Queen sent her greetings to the hermit nation on their national day. The message was sent on behalf of the Queen by the Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, "as has been done previously," according to a spokesperson. According to the Palace, it is customary for Her Majesty to send messages to other countries on their national holidays. "As in previous years, HM The Queen has sent a message to the people of the DPRK on the occasion of their National Day," a UK UK's Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson added. On September 9, North Korea observed its national day to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of its founding. Pyongyang marked the occasion with a military parade at midnight. The message read, according to North Korean state media KCNA, "As the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea celebrate their National Day, I send my best wishes for the future." (With inputs from agencies)

Revealed: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un receives a secret message from Queen Elizabeth II

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has addressed an unusual predawn military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party.

North Korea holds anniversary parade: Kim Jong-Un addresses the nation

The aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made her first public appearance in about six years, state media reported Sunday, quelling rumours that she was purged or executed by her nephew.

According to a Korean Central News Agency dispatch, the name of Kim Kyong Hui was included in a list of top North Korean officials who watched a performance marking Lunar New Year's Day with Kim Jong Un at a Pyongyang theatre on Saturday.

North Korea's main newspaper also released a photo showing Kim Kyong Hui sitting near Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, at the Samjiyon Theater.

Kim Kyong Hui, 73, was once an influential figure in North Korea as the only sister of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un.

She held a slew of top posts such as a four-star army general and a ruling Workers' Party departmental director.

She was also believed to have played a key role in grooming Kim Jong Un as the next leader after Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke in 2008. 
&nbsp;Kim Jong Un eventually inherited power after his father died of a heart attack in late 2011.

Kim Kyong Hui's fate had been in doubt after Kim Jong Un had her husband, Jang Song Thaek, executed for treason in December 2013. 
&nbsp;He was once considered the North's No. 2.

Days after Jang's execution, Kim Kyong Hui's name was mentioned in a KCNA dispatch as a member of a funeral committee for another top official.

But she missed a state ceremony commemorating the second anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death days later. Her name had since never been mentioned in North Korean state media until Sunday's KCNA report.

Some North Korea monitoring groups in Seoul and foreign media outlets had speculated Kim Jong Un had his aunt also executed or purged, or she died of health problems.

Outside experts said Kim Kyong Hui had long suffered from liver and heart problems and high blood pressure.

Analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at South Korea's private Sejong Institute said Kim Kyong Hui's reemergence suggested Kim Jong Un was attempting to strengthen the unity of his ruling family as he's pushing to harden his position toward the United States installed nuclear negotiations.

Cheong, however, predicted that Kim Kyong Hui won't likely regain her political influence as she has no position in the North's powerful Politburo, whose memberships have already been filled with new figures.

The aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made her first public appearance in about six years, state media reported Sunday, quelling rumours that she was purged or executed by her nephew.

The aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made her first public appearance in about six years, state media reported Sunday, quelling rumours that she was purged or executed by her nephew. According to a Korean Central News Agency dispatch, the name of Kim Kyong Hui was included in a list of top North Korean officials who watched a performance marking Lunar New Year's Day with Kim Jong Un at a Pyongyang theatre on Saturday. North Korea's main newspaper also released a photo showing Kim Kyong Hui sitting near Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, at the Samjiyon Theater. Kim Kyong Hui, 73, was once an influential figure in North Korea as the only sister of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un. She held a slew of top posts such as a four-star army general and a ruling Workers' Party departmental director. She was also believed to have played a key role in grooming Kim Jong Un as the next leader after Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke in 2008. Kim Jong Un eventually inherited power after his father died of a heart attack in late 2011. Kim Kyong Hui's fate had been in doubt after Kim Jong Un had her husband, Jang Song Thaek, executed for treason in December 2013. He was once considered the North's No. 2. Days after Jang's execution, Kim Kyong Hui's name was mentioned in a KCNA dispatch as a member of a funeral committee for another top official. But she missed a state ceremony commemorating the second anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death days later. Her name had since never been mentioned in North Korean state media until Sunday's KCNA report. Some North Korea monitoring groups in Seoul and foreign media outlets had speculated Kim Jong Un had his aunt also executed or purged, or she died of health problems. Outside experts said Kim Kyong Hui had long suffered from liver and heart problems and high blood pressure. Analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at South Korea's private Sejong Institute said Kim Kyong Hui's reemergence suggested Kim Jong Un was attempting to strengthen the unity of his ruling family as he's pushing to harden his position toward the United States installed nuclear negotiations. Cheong, however, predicted that Kim Kyong Hui won't likely regain her political influence as she has no position in the North's powerful Politburo, whose memberships have already been filled with new figures.

Kim Jong Un's aunt reemerges after speculation about her fate

Eritrea is the world's worst country for press censorship, a media watchdog said Tuesday in a report which also cites extreme measures in nine other countries including North Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia.

Under the three worst regimes Eritrea, North Korea, and Turkmenistan the media "serves as a mouthpiece of the state, and any independent journalism is conducted from exile," said a report by the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

Other countries on the list of the 10 worst regimes for media "use a combination of blunt tactics like harassment and arbitrary detention as well as sophisticated surveillance and targeted hacking to silence the independent press," the report said.

Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, and Iran were cited for "jailing and harassing journalists and their families, while also engaging in digital monitoring and censorship of the internet and social media," the group said.

The rankings were based on factors including restrictions on privately owned or independent media; criminal defamation laws; restrictions on the dissemination of false news; blocking of websites; surveillance of journalists by authorities; license requirements for media; and targeted hacking or trolling.

"The internet was supposed to make censorship obsolete, but that hasn’t happened," said CPJ executive director Joel Simon.

"Many of the world's most censored countries are highly wired, with active online communities. These governments combine old-style brutality with new technology, often purchased from Western companies, to stifle dissent and control the media."

The report covers 10 countries where the government tightly controls the media, including Equatorial Guinea, Belarus, and Cuba.

It noted that in other countries including war-ravaged nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Somalia, conditions for the media are "extremely difficult, but not necessarily attributable solely to government censorship."

In Eritrea, the report noted, the state retains a legal monopoly of broadcast media and journalists&nbsp;alternative sources of information, such as the internet or satellite broadcasts of radio stations in exile, are restricted via government-controlled internet services.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stepped up the use of radio signal blockers and advanced radio detection equipment to prevent people from sharing information, CPJ said.

The group said Saudi Arabia's already-repressive environment for the press has "suffered sharp deterioration" under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the report.

China has the most sophisticated censorship apparatus, according to CPJ, which noted that Chinese internet users are blocked by the "Great Firewall" and that authorities monitor domestic social media networks and conduct surveillance of international journalists.

Eritrea is the world's worst country for press censorship, a media watchdog said Tuesday in a report which also cites extreme measures in nine other countries including North Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia.

Eritrea is the world's worst country for press censorship, a media watchdog said Tuesday in a report which also cites extreme measures in nine other countries including North Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia. Under the three worst regimes Eritrea, North Korea, and Turkmenistan the media "serves as a mouthpiece of the state, and any independent journalism is conducted from exile," said a report by the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Other countries on the list of the 10 worst regimes for media "use a combination of blunt tactics like harassment and arbitrary detention as well as sophisticated surveillance and targeted hacking to silence the independent press," the report said. Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, and Iran were cited for "jailing and harassing journalists and their families, while also engaging in digital monitoring and censorship of the internet and social media," the group said. The rankings were based on factors including restrictions on privately owned or independent media; criminal defamation laws; restrictions on the dissemination of false news; blocking of websites; surveillance of journalists by authorities; license requirements for media; and targeted hacking or trolling. "The internet was supposed to make censorship obsolete, but that hasn’t happened," said CPJ executive director Joel Simon. "Many of the world's most censored countries are highly wired, with active online communities. These governments combine old-style brutality with new technology, often purchased from Western companies, to stifle dissent and control the media." The report covers 10 countries where the government tightly controls the media, including Equatorial Guinea, Belarus, and Cuba. It noted that in other countries including war-ravaged nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Somalia, conditions for the media are "extremely difficult, but not necessarily attributable solely to government censorship." In Eritrea, the report noted, the state retains a legal monopoly of broadcast media and journalists alternative sources of information, such as the internet or satellite broadcasts of radio stations in exile, are restricted via government-controlled internet services. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stepped up the use of radio signal blockers and advanced radio detection equipment to prevent people from sharing information, CPJ said. The group said Saudi Arabia's already-repressive environment for the press has "suffered sharp deterioration" under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the report. China has the most sophisticated censorship apparatus, according to CPJ, which noted that Chinese internet users are blocked by the "Great Firewall" and that authorities monitor domestic social media networks and conduct surveillance of international journalists.

10 countries cited for extreme media censorship: watchdog

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-north-korea-program-violates-un-resolutions-after-trump-tweet-222373">US President Donald Trump </a>on Wednesday appeared to cast doubt on news reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-missile-test-violated-un-resolution-john-bolton-221446">North Korean executions</a> as part of a purge in the aftermath of a failed Hanoi summit and lamented that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was blamed too quickly.

Asked about South Korean reports that North Korea had executed a top diplomat, Trump said, "I don't know if the reports are correct."

"They like to blame Kim Jong Un immediately," Trump said during an appearance with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

Trump has famously sided with autocratic leaders, including saying last July he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin over US&nbsp;intelligence findings that Russia had attempted to sway the 2016 presidential election.

In May, he said he agreed with the North Korean leader's criticism of former US Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate.

There have been conflicting reports about shakeups in the North Korean diplomatic team. South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo said last week that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Chol was executed in March along with four foreign ministry officials after they were charged with spying for the United States.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the account. Previously, some North Korean officials who were reported to have been executed or purged reappeared later with new titles.

CNN reported on Tuesday, however, that Kim Hyok Chol was alive and in state custody.

The South Korean newspaper said earlier that the former top nuclear negotiator, Kim Yong Chol, had been sent to a labour camp. He was then pictured on Monday in a state media photo accompanying Kim Jong Un to an art performance.

In his comments, Trump appeared to mistake the senior official who was reported to have been sent to hard labour for the negotiator who was reported to have been executed.

"They said he was killed but he wasn't. He was at the theatre the other night. So he wasn't killed. The other four people I know nothing about," Trump said.

The February summit in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, the second between Kim and Trump, failed to reach a deal because of conflicts over US calls for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Diplomatic efforts have stalled since then, and North Korea conducted short-range missile tests last month.

But Trump struck an upbeat tone. "It’s been going pretty well because there hasn’t been testing of anything major," he said. "I think that Chairman Kim would like to make a deal and I’d like to make a deal with him, and I look forward to seeing him at the appropriate time."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to cast doubt on news reports of North Korean executions as part of a purge in the aftermath of a failed Hanoi summit and lamented that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was blamed too quickly.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to cast doubt on news reports of North Korean executions as part of a purge in the aftermath of a failed Hanoi summit and lamented that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was blamed too quickly. Asked about South Korean reports that North Korea had executed a top diplomat, Trump said, "I don't know if the reports are correct." "They like to blame Kim Jong Un immediately," Trump said during an appearance with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Trump has famously sided with autocratic leaders, including saying last July he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin over US intelligence findings that Russia had attempted to sway the 2016 presidential election. In May, he said he agreed with the North Korean leader's criticism of former US Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate. There have been conflicting reports about shakeups in the North Korean diplomatic team. South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo said last week that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Chol was executed in March along with four foreign ministry officials after they were charged with spying for the United States. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the account. Previously, some North Korean officials who were reported to have been executed or purged reappeared later with new titles. CNN reported on Tuesday, however, that Kim Hyok Chol was alive and in state custody. The South Korean newspaper said earlier that the former top nuclear negotiator, Kim Yong Chol, had been sent to a labour camp. He was then pictured on Monday in a state media photo accompanying Kim Jong Un to an art performance. In his comments, Trump appeared to mistake the senior official who was reported to have been sent to hard labour for the negotiator who was reported to have been executed. "They said he was killed but he wasn't. He was at the theatre the other night. So he wasn't killed. The other four people I know nothing about," Trump said. The February summit in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, the second between Kim and Trump, failed to reach a deal because of conflicts over US calls for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Diplomatic efforts have stalled since then, and North Korea conducted short-range missile tests last month. But Trump struck an upbeat tone. "It’s been going pretty well because there hasn’t been testing of anything major," he said. "I think that Chairman Kim would like to make a deal and I’d like to make a deal with him, and I look forward to seeing him at the appropriate time."

Trump casts doubt on reports of North Korean executions

Train believed to be carrying North Korea's Kim leaves Beijing

US President Donald Trump has said "we got along right from the beginning" of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbsp;

The comment was made to the Voice of America's Greta Van Susteren after Trump's summit meeting with Kim on Tuesday. Trump gushed some more about Kim in the interview to VoA.&nbsp;

"Really, he’s got a great personality. He’s a funny guy, he’s very smart, he’s a great negotiator. He loves his people, not that I’m surprised by that, but he loves his people. And I think that we have the start of an amazing deal. We’re going to denuke North Korea," Trump told Susteren.&nbsp;

Susteren of course asked Trump if he was certain about his choice of words. Did Kim really "love his people" considering how many he had starved and brutalised?&nbsp;

Trump covered for Kim by telling Susteren: &nbsp;“Look, he’s doing what he’s seen done, if you look at it. But, I really have to go by today and by yesterday and by a couple of weeks ago because that’s really when this whole thing started."&nbsp;

The "we got along right from the beginning" had come in reply to a question about whether Trump or Kim had given each other ultimatums. Trump said there hadn't been one from either side.&nbsp;

“No, not an ultimatum. We’ve been dealing for three months really and we’ve been dealing through our various representatives including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who’s done a really fantastic job. So we’ve been dealing for a pretty good period of time and when we met today, we got along right from the beginning," Trump said.&nbsp;

Commentators however have said Trump was outfoxed in Singapore. And that while Trump has put a stop to the US's military exercises with South Korea — which the commentators add will blunt US and South Korean troops' preparedness for war — North Korea has in return given very little.&nbsp;

They add that Kim might have told Trump North Korea is willing to "denuclearise" but that the country has been saying saying that since 1992.&nbsp;

Trump told Susteren American troops would continue to be stationed in South Korea but that the "war games" are going to stop because they "cost a fortune".&nbsp;

"We are going to get out of the war games that cost so much money. You know where we — cause I think number one, it’s very provocative, and I want to do it, and I think they’re very happy about it because it is so provocative. But it cost a fortune to do it. And we won’t do that as long as we are negotiating in good faith,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Trump went on to say of Kim: "I think he liked me and I like him. And I understand the past and, you know, nobody has to tell me, he’s a rough guy. He has to be a rough guy or he has been a rough person. But we got along very well. He’s smart, loves his people, he loves his country. He wants a lot of good things and that’s why he’s doing this.”

Susteren also asked Trump what he wanted to say "directly to the citizens of North Korea”.&nbsp;

“Well, I think you have somebody that has a great feeling for them. He wants to do right by them and we got along really well. We had a great chemistry — you understand how I feel about chemistry. It’s very important. I mean, I know people where there is no chemistry no matter what you do you just don’t have it. We had it right from the beginning, I talked about that and I think great things are going to happen for North Korea,” Trump replied.&nbsp;

Trump made his comment to the Voice of America after his historic summit meeting with Kim. 'Really, he’s got a great personality. He’s a funny guy, he’s very smart, he’s a great negotiator,' Trump added

US President Donald Trump has said "we got along right from the beginning" of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. The comment was made to the Voice of America's Greta Van Susteren after Trump's summit meeting with Kim on Tuesday. Trump gushed some more about Kim in the interview to VoA. "Really, he’s got a great personality. He’s a funny guy, he’s very smart, he’s a great negotiator. He loves his people, not that I’m surprised by that, but he loves his people. And I think that we have the start of an amazing deal. We’re going to denuke North Korea," Trump told Susteren. Susteren of course asked Trump if he was certain about his choice of words. Did Kim really "love his people" considering how many he had starved and brutalised? Trump covered for Kim by telling Susteren: “Look, he’s doing what he’s seen done, if you look at it. But, I really have to go by today and by yesterday and by a couple of weeks ago because that’s really when this whole thing started." The "we got along right from the beginning" had come in reply to a question about whether Trump or Kim had given each other ultimatums. Trump said there hadn't been one from either side. “No, not an ultimatum. We’ve been dealing for three months really and we’ve been dealing through our various representatives including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who’s done a really fantastic job. So we’ve been dealing for a pretty good period of time and when we met today, we got along right from the beginning," Trump said. Commentators however have said Trump was outfoxed in Singapore. And that while Trump has put a stop to the US's military exercises with South Korea — which the commentators add will blunt US and South Korean troops' preparedness for war — North Korea has in return given very little. They add that Kim might have told Trump North Korea is willing to "denuclearise" but that the country has been saying saying that since 1992. Trump told Susteren American troops would continue to be stationed in South Korea but that the "war games" are going to stop because they "cost a fortune". "We are going to get out of the war games that cost so much money. You know where we — cause I think number one, it’s very provocative, and I want to do it, and I think they’re very happy about it because it is so provocative. But it cost a fortune to do it. And we won’t do that as long as we are negotiating in good faith,” Trump said. Trump went on to say of Kim: "I think he liked me and I like him. And I understand the past and, you know, nobody has to tell me, he’s a rough guy. He has to be a rough guy or he has been a rough person. But we got along very well. He’s smart, loves his people, he loves his country. He wants a lot of good things and that’s why he’s doing this.” Susteren also asked Trump what he wanted to say "directly to the citizens of North Korea”. “Well, I think you have somebody that has a great feeling for them. He wants to do right by them and we got along really well. We had a great chemistry — you understand how I feel about chemistry. It’s very important. I mean, I know people where there is no chemistry no matter what you do you just don’t have it. We had it right from the beginning, I talked about that and I think great things are going to happen for North Korea,” Trump replied.

'We got along from the beginning,' Trump says of Kim. Commentators say Trump got outfoxed

The United States ramped up sanctions aimed at curtailing North Korea`s nuclear weapons drive Thursday, as Kim Jong-Un vowed that Donald Trump`s &quot;deranged&quot; threats would only toughen his resolve.&nbsp;

The US president unveiled the new measures as he met with the leaders of allies Japan and South Korea, even as key international players China and Russia voiced unease with his more aggressive approach.

Two days after threatening in his first address to the UN General Assembly to &quot;totally destroy North Korea,&quot; Trump signed an executive order to ban firms from operating in the United States if they deal with North Korea.

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<h5>Foreign financial institutions are now on notice that going forward they can choose to do business with the United States or with North Korea, but not both,&#39; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said</h5>
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Time will tell whether economic pressure forces Kim to back down, but the young dictator was keen to show the world that he was not intimidated by Trump`s forceful rhetoric, and responded with some of his own.

Kim, whom Trump has nicknamed &quot;Rocket Man&quot;, called the 71-year-old &quot;mentally deranged&quot; and warned that his &quot;threats have convinced me, rather than frightening or stopping me, that the path I chose is correct and that it is the one I have to follow to the last.&quot;

Trump`s most senior cabinet members have joined him in New York for the UN meeting and a week of high-stakes diplomacy, and were on hand to reinforce his message.

&quot;Foreign financial institutions are now on notice that going forward they can choose to do business with the United States or with North Korea, but not both,&quot; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

Later, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the UN Security Council: &quot;North Korea may assume that nuclear weapons may ensure the survival of its regime. In truth, nuclear weapons are clearly only leading to greater isolation, ignominy and deprivation.&quot;

The United States already punishes foreign firms tied to North Korea`s military programs but the latest action sharply expands the range, targeting businesses involved in everything from technology to fishing.

Financial companies may feel the biggest impact. Trump`s order also bans any aircraft or ship that has traveled to North Korea from landing in the United States.

The European Union readied its own sanctions. The wealthy bloc agreed to a ban on investments in North Korea and EU exports of oil to the regime, diplomatic sources said in Brussels.

Trump also said China`s central bank had ordered national banks to curb their dealings with North Korea, describing the move from Pyongyang`s key ally as &quot;very bold&quot; and &quot;unexpected.&quot;&nbsp;

This month North Korea has tested its sixth nuclear bomb and has test-fired intercontinental missiles -- saying it needs to defend itself against hostility from the United States and its allies.

The US administration has refused to offer North Korea incentives to open negotiations and has ramped up threats of military action to force leader Kim to change course.

But meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump said &quot;Why not?&quot; when asked whether there could be a dialogue with North Korea.China has by far the most influence on North Korea, providing an economic lifeline. But it also fears the consequences if the regime collapses, such as an exodus of refugees or a US-allied reunited Korea on its border.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the General Assembly there was still room for talks -- the polar opposite of remarks a day earlier by Japan`s Abe who said that past dialogue had achieved nothing.

&quot;There is still hope for peace and we must not give up. Negotiation is the only way out and deserves every effort,&quot; said Wang, who also asked South Korea and Japan not to consider developing their own nuclear weapons.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that while his government condemns North Korea, &quot;military hysteria is not just an impasse, it`s disaster.&quot;

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel delivered a strikingly open rebuttal to Trump`s &quot;America First&quot; theme from an ally.

&quot;The motto `Our country first` not only leads to more national confrontations and less prosperity. In the end, there will only be losers,&quot; Gabriel said in his address, three days before Germany`s election.

South Korea`s Moon, a longtime dove who was elected president in May, supported the sanctions but took a different tone from Trump.

South Korea was not seeking the collapse of its neighbor and was ready to help if Pyongyang decides &quot;to stand on the right side of history&quot; and halts its provocations, he said.

&quot;The situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue needs to be managed stably so that tensions will not become overly intensified or accidental military clashes will not destroy peace,&quot; said Moon, who met later jointly with Trump and Abe.Peter Harrell, a former State Department official, said Trump`s executive order was &quot;pretty sweeping in scope&quot; and went well beyond the latest UN sanctions, which curtailed North Korean textile exports and guest workers.

But Harrell, now at the Center for a New American Security think tank, said the key question would be implementation.

&quot;If important Chinese and Russian companies keep trading with North Korea, will Trump in fact impose sanctions on them?&quot; he asked.

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho is expected to meet on Saturday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will send out feelers on possible diplomatic talks.

Trump signed an executive order banning firms from operating in the United States if they deal with North Korea

The United States ramped up sanctions aimed at curtailing North Korea`s nuclear weapons drive Thursday, as Kim Jong-Un vowed that Donald Trump`s "deranged" threats would only toughen his resolve. The US president unveiled the new measures as he met with the leaders of allies Japan and South Korea, even as key international players China and Russia voiced unease with his more aggressive approach. Two days after threatening in his first address to the UN General Assembly to "totally destroy North Korea," Trump signed an executive order to ban firms from operating in the United States if they deal with North Korea. Foreign financial institutions are now on notice that going forward they can choose to do business with the United States or with North Korea, but not both,' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said × Time will tell whether economic pressure forces Kim to back down, but the young dictator was keen to show the world that he was not intimidated by Trump`s forceful rhetoric, and responded with some of his own. Kim, whom Trump has nicknamed "Rocket Man", called the 71-year-old "mentally deranged" and warned that his "threats have convinced me, rather than frightening or stopping me, that the path I chose is correct and that it is the one I have to follow to the last." Trump`s most senior cabinet members have joined him in New York for the UN meeting and a week of high-stakes diplomacy, and were on hand to reinforce his message. "Foreign financial institutions are now on notice that going forward they can choose to do business with the United States or with North Korea, but not both," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Later, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the UN Security Council: "North Korea may assume that nuclear weapons may ensure the survival of its regime. In truth, nuclear weapons are clearly only leading to greater isolation, ignominy and deprivation." The United States already punishes foreign firms tied to North Korea`s military programs but the latest action sharply expands the range, targeting businesses involved in everything from technology to fishing. Financial companies may feel the biggest impact. Trump`s order also bans any aircraft or ship that has traveled to North Korea from landing in the United States. The European Union readied its own sanctions. The wealthy bloc agreed to a ban on investments in North Korea and EU exports of oil to the regime, diplomatic sources said in Brussels. Trump also said China`s central bank had ordered national banks to curb their dealings with North Korea, describing the move from Pyongyang`s key ally as "very bold" and "unexpected." This month North Korea has tested its sixth nuclear bomb and has test-fired intercontinental missiles -- saying it needs to defend itself against hostility from the United States and its allies. The US administration has refused to offer North Korea incentives to open negotiations and has ramped up threats of military action to force leader Kim to change course. But meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump said "Why not?" when asked whether there could be a dialogue with North Korea.China has by far the most influence on North Korea, providing an economic lifeline. But it also fears the consequences if the regime collapses, such as an exodus of refugees or a US-allied reunited Korea on its border. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the General Assembly there was still room for talks -- the polar opposite of remarks a day earlier by Japan`s Abe who said that past dialogue had achieved nothing. "There is still hope for peace and we must not give up. Negotiation is the only way out and deserves every effort," said Wang, who also asked South Korea and Japan not to consider developing their own nuclear weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that while his government condemns North Korea, "military hysteria is not just an impasse, it`s disaster." German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel delivered a strikingly open rebuttal to Trump`s "America First" theme from an ally. "The motto `Our country first` not only leads to more national confrontations and less prosperity. In the end, there will only be losers," Gabriel said in his address, three days before Germany`s election. South Korea`s Moon, a longtime dove who was elected president in May, supported the sanctions but took a different tone from Trump. South Korea was not seeking the collapse of its neighbor and was ready to help if Pyongyang decides "to stand on the right side of history" and halts its provocations, he said. "The situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue needs to be managed stably so that tensions will not become overly intensified or accidental military clashes will not destroy peace," said Moon, who met later jointly with Trump and Abe.Peter Harrell, a former State Department official, said Trump`s executive order was "pretty sweeping in scope" and went well beyond the latest UN sanctions, which curtailed North Korean textile exports and guest workers. But Harrell, now at the Center for a New American Security think tank, said the key question would be implementation. "If important Chinese and Russian companies keep trading with North Korea, will Trump in fact impose sanctions on them?" he asked. North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho is expected to meet on Saturday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will send out feelers on possible diplomatic talks.

Trump slaps new sanctions on North Korea, Kim calls him 'deranged'

The United States, Japan and South Korea on Sunday held discussions over North Korea growing nuclear capabilities, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.&nbsp; 
 
Washington urged North Korea to freeze its nuclear program and prove its commitment to starting negotiations.&nbsp; 
 
Secretary of state John Kerry said that the US would not shrink in rolling back the provocative, reckless behaviour of North Korea. 
 
Kerry added that the United States would hold talks with Pyongyang provided it agrees to denuclearisation.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The immediate need is for them to freeze where they are, to agree to freeze and not to engage in any more provocative actions, not engage in more testing, particularly in order to bring countries together and to begin a serious negotiation about the future,&quot; said Kerry. 
 
He said Washington is deeply committed to securing peace in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The global community will not be intimidated and will not pull back from our obligations,&quot; Kerry said. 
 
The foreign ministers warned that the North Korean test earlier this month would not go answered. It was the fifth and biggest nuclear test which was widely criticsed as an attempt to destabilise the regional and international security. &nbsp; 
 
South Korea said the nuclear tests were a threat to world safety. &quot;What we see is a looming perfect storm that may not only pounce on Northeast Asia but sweep over the entire world,&quot; the South Korean foreign minister, Yun Byung-se said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We must make North Korea understand that repeated provocations will isolate them from the international community and that there can be no bright future for them at all,&quot; Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida commented.&nbsp; 
 
Pyongyang&#39;s ally, China, has been pushing for re-starting negotiations on North Korea&#39;s nuclear program.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

US, Japan & South Korea condemned North Korea's recent nuclear test and warned of tough new measures

The United States, Japan and South Korea on Sunday held discussions over North Korea growing nuclear capabilities, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Washington urged North Korea to freeze its nuclear program and prove its commitment to starting negotiations. Secretary of state John Kerry said that the US would not shrink in rolling back the provocative, reckless behaviour of North Korea. Kerry added that the United States would hold talks with Pyongyang provided it agrees to denuclearisation. "The immediate need is for them to freeze where they are, to agree to freeze and not to engage in any more provocative actions, not engage in more testing, particularly in order to bring countries together and to begin a serious negotiation about the future," said Kerry. He said Washington is deeply committed to securing peace in the Korean peninsula. "The global community will not be intimidated and will not pull back from our obligations," Kerry said. The foreign ministers warned that the North Korean test earlier this month would not go answered. It was the fifth and biggest nuclear test which was widely criticsed as an attempt to destabilise the regional and international security. South Korea said the nuclear tests were a threat to world safety. "What we see is a looming perfect storm that may not only pounce on Northeast Asia but sweep over the entire world," the South Korean foreign minister, Yun Byung-se said. "We must make North Korea understand that repeated provocations will isolate them from the international community and that there can be no bright future for them at all," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida commented. Pyongyang's ally, China, has been pushing for re-starting negotiations on North Korea's nuclear program. (WION with inputs from agencies)

US urges North Korea to begin 'serious talks', warns of further sanctions