As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it.

"North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name.

"I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons."

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | North Korea is readying itself for a nuclear test: UN Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-north-korea-is-readying-itself-for-a-nuclear-test-un-report-524153/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further vowed to build "robust capabilities" &nbsp;through an alliance with the US and trilateral security cooperation that includes Japan to counter the North's threats.

South Korea's main opposition chief has accused the President of pursuing a "pro-japan defence policy" that might end up with Japanese forces stationed in the nation. Due to Japan's 35 years of colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-45, military cooperation with the nation remains a sensitive issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-recent-missile-tests-were-tactical-nuclear-drills-523871" hreflang="en">North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim</a>

Yoon however dismissed the opposition's statement and said that such concerns cannot be "justified in the face of nuclear threats."

In response to recent joint naval manoeuvres between South Korean and American forces featuring an aircraft carrier, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, according to the country's official media, KCNA, has directed nuclear tactical exercises directed against South Korea over the past two weeks.

The recent flurry of missile tests was part of those exercises. As per KCNA, they were a simulation with mock nuclear heads.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-should-create-conditions-for-dialogue-with-north-korea-523792" hreflang="en">China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea</a>

North Korea's increasingly explicit nuclear threats as per Reuters have triggered an uproar in the South, with some leaders and experts calling for redeploying of US tactical nuclear arms.

Yoon too had earlier advocated a redeployment during his election campaign, reports Reuters, however the leader later backtracked. He claimed that he is in consultation on the issue in Seoul and Washinton but declined further comments.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it. "North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name.

As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it. "North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name. "I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons." Watch | WION Fineprint | North Korea is readying itself for a nuclear test: UN Report He further vowed to build "robust capabilities" through an alliance with the US and trilateral security cooperation that includes Japan to counter the North's threats. South Korea's main opposition chief has accused the President of pursuing a "pro-japan defence policy" that might end up with Japanese forces stationed in the nation. Due to Japan's 35 years of colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-45, military cooperation with the nation remains a sensitive issue. Also read | North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim Yoon however dismissed the opposition's statement and said that such concerns cannot be "justified in the face of nuclear threats." In response to recent joint naval manoeuvres between South Korean and American forces featuring an aircraft carrier, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, according to the country's official media, KCNA, has directed nuclear tactical exercises directed against South Korea over the past two weeks. The recent flurry of missile tests was part of those exercises. As per KCNA, they were a simulation with mock nuclear heads. Also read | China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea North Korea's increasingly explicit nuclear threats as per Reuters have triggered an uproar in the South, with some leaders and experts calling for redeploying of US tactical nuclear arms. Yoon too had earlier advocated a redeployment during his election campaign, reports Reuters, however the leader later backtracked. He claimed that he is in consultation on the issue in Seoul and Washinton but declined further comments. (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.

As N Korea ramps up missile tests, South Korean president says it has 'nothing to gain from nuclear weapons'

October 21 in history: China invades Tibet, US-North Korea terminate nuclear programme and more

Pakistan is allegedly involved in&nbsp;nuclear smuggling and illicit acquisition of missile technology.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Pakistan Test-Fires Shaheen-1 Nuclear Missile

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-test-fires-shaheen-1-nuclear-missile-263238/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Five Pakistani businessmen have been indicted in the United States. They have been accused of operating an international network of front companies to export US-origin products to Pakistan for use in the country’s nuclear programme.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-five-men-for-illegally-transporting-goods-to-pakistans-nuclear-program-274726">US charges five men for illegally transporting goods to Pakistan's nuclear program</a>

It has once again been caught in the act with the indictment of five Pakistanis who were associated with a Rawalpindi-based front company business world.

The US statement indicates that the busting of the Pakistani smuggling ring also has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-once-again-issues-nuclear-threat-to-india-this-time-over-citizenship-amendment-act-268834">security bearing on India</a>.

The alleged behaviour of these five individuals is more than a violation of US export laws.

It has posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the united states and the delicate balance of power among nations within the region.

Pakistan is allegedly involved in nuclear smuggling and illicit acquisition of missile technology. Watch: Gravitas: Pakistan Test-Fires Shaheen-1 Nuclear Missile × Five Pakistani businessmen have been indicted in the United States.

Pakistan is allegedly involved in nuclear smuggling and illicit acquisition of missile technology. Watch: Gravitas: Pakistan Test-Fires Shaheen-1 Nuclear Missile × Five Pakistani businessmen have been indicted in the United States. They have been accused of operating an international network of front companies to export US-origin products to Pakistan for use in the country’s nuclear programme. Also Read: US charges five men for illegally transporting goods to Pakistan's nuclear program It has once again been caught in the act with the indictment of five Pakistanis who were associated with a Rawalpindi-based front company business world. The US statement indicates that the busting of the Pakistani smuggling ring also has security bearing on India. The alleged behaviour of these five individuals is more than a violation of US export laws. It has posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the united states and the delicate balance of power among nations within the region.

Pakistani businessmen allegedly involved in illicit acquisition of nuclear missile technology

By James Johnson

The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools.

Several recent investments and Pentagon initiatives show that military leaders are concerned about keeping up with – and ahead of – China and Russia, two countries that have made big gains in developing artificial-intelligence systems. AI-powered weapons include target recognition systems, weapons guided by AI, and cyberattack and cyberdefense software that runs without human intervention.

The US defence community is coming to understand that AI will significantly transform, if not completely reinvent, the world’s military power balance. The concern is more than the military. As Chinese and Russian technologies become more sophisticated, they threaten US domination of technological innovation and development, as well as global economic power and influence.

Military leaders see the threat to US technological leadership coming from two main sources: A&nbsp;rising and ambitious China and a mischievous and declining Russia. Taken together, these forces challenge global stability.

The nature of the threat

A 2018 Pentagon report noted that technological developments could change the types of threats facing the US, which might include space-based weapons, long-range ballistic missiles and cyberweapons.

A February 2019 analysis warned that China’s investments in its military’s AI systems – in particular, those supporting robotics, autonomy, precision munitions and cyber warfare – threaten to overtake the United States. Chinese government agencies are working closely with the country’s civilian businesses to keep on top of fast-changing technological developments.

In addition, some Chinese and Russian projects have developed military AI systems specifically aimed at what they perceive as US technological weaknesses. For instance, swarms of armed AI-enhanced drones might locate and attack the secure computer systems countries rely on to control and launch their nuclear weapons.

Pentagon’s response

So far the Pentagon’s actions have been largely bureaucratic, rather than concrete. It has released a Defense Department-wide strategy document that articulates broad principles for the development and use of AI in future warfare. The military has established a Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which is tasked with accelerating the delivery and adoption of AI.

But projects with names like “the Third Offset,” “Project Maven” and the “AI Next Campaign” have minimal funding. Leaders have released few details about what they will actually do.

Working with Silicon Valley

The Pentagon has also established the Defense Innovation Unit, with permission to circumvent the cumbersome military purchasing process, to coordinate with Silicon Valley and bring new technologies into military use relatively quickly.

That unit has sparked discussions about the potential for the Chinese military to acquire and use US-designed technologies, which led to the US&nbsp;bans on doing business with many Chinese technology firms.

Many experts consider it possible for China to surpass the US&nbsp;in the development and use of AI. However, China trails the US in several ways. The United States has the world’s largest intelligence budget; the most popular hardware, software and technology companies; and the most advanced cyberwarfare capabilities, both offensive and defensive. I and other experts expect these advantages to preserve US&nbsp;technological leadership for now, at least – but perhaps not forever.

(James Johnson is Postdoctoral Fellow in Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-us-losing-the-artificial-intelligence-arms-race-124969">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By James Johnson The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools.

By James Johnson The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools. Several recent investments and Pentagon initiatives show that military leaders are concerned about keeping up with – and ahead of – China and Russia, two countries that have made big gains in developing artificial-intelligence systems. AI-powered weapons include target recognition systems, weapons guided by AI, and cyberattack and cyberdefense software that runs without human intervention. The US defence community is coming to understand that AI will significantly transform, if not completely reinvent, the world’s military power balance. The concern is more than the military. As Chinese and Russian technologies become more sophisticated, they threaten US domination of technological innovation and development, as well as global economic power and influence. Military leaders see the threat to US technological leadership coming from two main sources: A rising and ambitious China and a mischievous and declining Russia. Taken together, these forces challenge global stability. The nature of the threat A 2018 Pentagon report noted that technological developments could change the types of threats facing the US, which might include space-based weapons, long-range ballistic missiles and cyberweapons. A February 2019 analysis warned that China’s investments in its military’s AI systems – in particular, those supporting robotics, autonomy, precision munitions and cyber warfare – threaten to overtake the United States. Chinese government agencies are working closely with the country’s civilian businesses to keep on top of fast-changing technological developments. In addition, some Chinese and Russian projects have developed military AI systems specifically aimed at what they perceive as US technological weaknesses. For instance, swarms of armed AI-enhanced drones might locate and attack the secure computer systems countries rely on to control and launch their nuclear weapons. Pentagon’s response So far the Pentagon’s actions have been largely bureaucratic, rather than concrete. It has released a Defense Department-wide strategy document that articulates broad principles for the development and use of AI in future warfare. The military has established a Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which is tasked with accelerating the delivery and adoption of AI. But projects with names like “the Third Offset,” “Project Maven” and the “AI Next Campaign” have minimal funding. Leaders have released few details about what they will actually do. Working with Silicon Valley The Pentagon has also established the Defense Innovation Unit, with permission to circumvent the cumbersome military purchasing process, to coordinate with Silicon Valley and bring new technologies into military use relatively quickly. That unit has sparked discussions about the potential for the Chinese military to acquire and use US-designed technologies, which led to the US bans on doing business with many Chinese technology firms. Many experts consider it possible for China to surpass the US in the development and use of AI. However, China trails the US in several ways. The United States has the world’s largest intelligence budget; the most popular hardware, software and technology companies; and the most advanced cyberwarfare capabilities, both offensive and defensive. I and other experts expect these advantages to preserve US technological leadership for now, at least – but perhaps not forever. (James Johnson is Postdoctoral Fellow in Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is the US losing the artificial intelligence arms race?

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and the United States could resume <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-us-north-korea-will-restart-dialogue-soon-244718">working-level&nbsp;talks</a>&nbsp;aimed at dismantling the&nbsp;North's nuclear and missile programmes within two to three weeks, South&nbsp;Korean lawmakers who were briefed by a spy agency said on Tuesday.

The lawmakers said that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-sets-foot-in-north-korea-agrees-with-kim-to-resume-stalled-talks-231711">fourth summit&nbsp;</a>between the North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was possible within this year, if the negotiations make progress, but did not provide clear evidence.

Kim could also visit China for the fifth summit with President Xi Jinping before holding any summit with Trump, the lawmakers told reporters after a briefing by the National Intelligence Service.

North Korea and the United States could resume working-level talks aimed at dismantling the North's nuclear and missile programmes within two to three weeks, South Korean lawmakers who were briefed by a spy agency said on Tuesday.

North Korea and the United States could resume working-level talks aimed at dismantling the North's nuclear and missile programmes within two to three weeks, South Korean lawmakers who were briefed by a spy agency said on Tuesday. The lawmakers said that a fourth summit between the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump was possible within this year, if the negotiations make progress, but did not provide clear evidence. Kim could also visit China for the fifth summit with President Xi Jinping before holding any summit with Trump, the lawmakers told reporters after a briefing by the National Intelligence Service.

Talks between US-North Korea may resume in 2-3 weeks: South Korea's lawmakers

The only certain way to locate and secure all North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons sites would be via a US ground invasion, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing a letter from Pentagon officials sent to US lawmakers.

It said the letter, reportedly written by the vice director of the Pentagon&#39;s Joint Staff, noted that such a conflict could prompt Pyongyang to deploy biological and chemical weapons.

The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North&#39;s nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda.

The US Defense Department sent the letter in response to a request from two members of Congress for details regarding &#39;expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea&#39;&nbsp;for US and allied forces in Japan, South Korea and Guam as well as civilians, the Post said.

Tensions have soared over North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programs in recent months, goaded by Trump and Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-Un&#39;s fiery exchanges of insults and warnings of conflict.

On Saturday, North Korea welcomed Trump to the region by threatening to increase its nuclear arsenal and saying the idea of talks was &quot;daydreaming,&quot; according to the state-run KCNA news agency.

Neither the US president nor his fierce rhetoric were mentioned in the letter, the Post said.

It did however say the military backs the current US approach -&nbsp;led by state department chief Rex Tillerson -&nbsp;to wield economic sanctions and apply diplomatic pressure on the North as a means of discouraging its nuclear ambitions.

The Post reported that a statement from 16 lawmakers - all but one of them Democrats - obtained along with the Pentagon letter said the &#39;assessment underscores what we&#39;ve known all along: There are no good military options for North Korea.&#39;

The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North's nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda.

The only certain way to locate and secure all North Korea's nuclear weapons sites would be via a US ground invasion, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing a letter from Pentagon officials sent to US lawmakers. It said the letter, reportedly written by the vice director of the Pentagon's Joint Staff, noted that such a conflict could prompt Pyongyang to deploy biological and chemical weapons. The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North's nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda. The US Defense Department sent the letter in response to a request from two members of Congress for details regarding 'expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea' for US and allied forces in Japan, South Korea and Guam as well as civilians, the Post said. Tensions have soared over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs in recent months, goaded by Trump and Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-Un's fiery exchanges of insults and warnings of conflict. On Saturday, North Korea welcomed Trump to the region by threatening to increase its nuclear arsenal and saying the idea of talks was "daydreaming," according to the state-run KCNA news agency. Neither the US president nor his fierce rhetoric were mentioned in the letter, the Post said. It did however say the military backs the current US approach - led by state department chief Rex Tillerson - to wield economic sanctions and apply diplomatic pressure on the North as a means of discouraging its nuclear ambitions. The Post reported that a statement from 16 lawmakers - all but one of them Democrats - obtained along with the Pentagon letter said the 'assessment underscores what we've known all along: There are no good military options for North Korea.'

Securing N. Korea nukes would require US ground invasion: Reports