South Korea fired back at Japan over a deepening trade dispute on Friday (August 2), pledging it would not be "defeated again" by its neighbour, laying bare decades-old animosity at the root of a row over fast-track export status.

South Korea's Moon pledges action against Japan's "unfair" trade move

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/responsibility-for-what-happens-next-lies-with-japan-south-korea-president-moon-jae-in-on-trade-confrontation-240091">South Korean government</a> has launched a new learning website for companies puzzled by Japan's recent trade restrictions against the country amid growing confusion over changes of rules about buying Japanese goods.

The website&nbsp;is up and running since Thursday, a day before Japan decided to drop South Korea from the so-called "white list" of easy trade countries in midst of a growing dispute between the two countries over their wartime past.

"There have been myriads of requests from companies that need a clear picture of what getting removed from the white list means," a South Korean trade ministry official told Reuters on Friday, referring to the reason for the website.

The website titled "Know the Japanese restrictions Right" offers a list of sensitive items which can face tightened regulations and guidelines for companies to provide information to Japanese suppliers if they need approval.

Businessmen can also sign up for a face-to-face meeting with government officials via the website.

South Korea's removal from the favoured trade countries list may require South Korean firms to take extra administrative procedures to obtain import permits, potentially slowing down purchases of a wide range of Japanese goods that can be used for weapons production.

The country's President Moon Jae-in on Friday said South Korea would not be "defeated again" by its neighbour, laying bare decades-old animosity at the root of a row over fast-track export status.

"I can see challenges won't be small. Our companies and people have the capacity to overcome this ordeal...We can do this," Moon told a cabinet meeting.

The South Korean government has been hosting a series of seminars for industry groups from semiconductor sectors to the automobile industry as companies scramble to prepare for new trade environment with Japan.

"This is such a confusing time for everyone regardless of which industry you are in," said an official at a South Korean major electric car battery maker.

"The rules are so vague and confusing that almost no one knows how to comply and what to do. It's like an unopened black box," the official added, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The South Korean government has launched a new learning website for companies puzzled by Japan's recent trade restrictions against the country amid growing confusion over changes of rules about buying Japanese goods.

The South Korean government has launched a new learning website for companies puzzled by Japan's recent trade restrictions against the country amid growing confusion over changes of rules about buying Japanese goods. The website is up and running since Thursday, a day before Japan decided to drop South Korea from the so-called "white list" of easy trade countries in midst of a growing dispute between the two countries over their wartime past. "There have been myriads of requests from companies that need a clear picture of what getting removed from the white list means," a South Korean trade ministry official told Reuters on Friday, referring to the reason for the website. The website titled "Know the Japanese restrictions Right" offers a list of sensitive items which can face tightened regulations and guidelines for companies to provide information to Japanese suppliers if they need approval. Businessmen can also sign up for a face-to-face meeting with government officials via the website. South Korea's removal from the favoured trade countries list may require South Korean firms to take extra administrative procedures to obtain import permits, potentially slowing down purchases of a wide range of Japanese goods that can be used for weapons production. The country's President Moon Jae-in on Friday said South Korea would not be "defeated again" by its neighbour, laying bare decades-old animosity at the root of a row over fast-track export status. "I can see challenges won't be small. Our companies and people have the capacity to overcome this ordeal...We can do this," Moon told a cabinet meeting. The South Korean government has been hosting a series of seminars for industry groups from semiconductor sectors to the automobile industry as companies scramble to prepare for new trade environment with Japan. "This is such a confusing time for everyone regardless of which industry you are in," said an official at a South Korean major electric car battery maker. "The rules are so vague and confusing that almost no one knows how to comply and what to do. It's like an unopened black box," the official added, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

South Korea launches 'Let's Learn Japan's Restrictions' website for puzzled businesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

South Korea detains North Korean man crossing the DMZ

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

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

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

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

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stormy-sterling-sinks-again-stocks-wilt-before-fed-239448&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO-ZbLuOHjAhUBr48KHSApDvgQFjAFegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Y8jTTDaVY7qnK939Bej7w">Federal Reserve</a> spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts.

A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running. Powell said the first US rate cut in over a decade was "not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts".

The dollar’s reaction said it all. The DXY index surged to its highest in more than two years, euro/dollar dropped below $1.11 for the first time since May 2017, and Brexit-hobbled sterling hit 30-month lows just above $1.21.

World stocks had recoiled overnight and emerging markets had their longest run of falls in almost a year.

"Markets interpreted the Fed’s communication as slightly hawkish and therefore further rate cuts in the immediate future were somewhat priced out," said David Milleker, senior economic advisor at Union Investment. "And the dollar strengthened. All in all, the Fed did not achieve what it presumably wanted."

US Treasuries were sold off as investors scaled back their pre-Fed expectations for at least 100 basis points of cuts in the near term. Yields on 10-year notes climbed as high as 2.058% in Europe from a US close of 2.007%.

WATCH VIDEO

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Core eurozone bond yields were rising, too, although -0.428% German Bund levels were still extraordinary. "I didn’t say it’s just one rate cut," Powell had been careful to emphasise after Wednesday's 25-basis-point move.

Instead, he characterised it as "a mid-cycle adjustment to policy", citing signs of a global slowdown, US trade tensions and a desire to boost inflation.

Wall Street fell afterwards and E-minis futures for the S&amp;P 500 were pointing 0.15% lower.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.8%, extending losses for a fifth day to the lowest since mid-June and posting its biggest one-day percentage drop in a month.

Japan's Nikkei rose, reversing early declines. Australian shares declined 0.4%. Losses by Chinese shares ended down 0.8%.

"We believe the Fed is trying to thread the needle, balancing market jitters about slowing global growth with robust consumer spending and a strong job market in the US," said Nick Maroutsos, co-head of global bonds at Janus Henderson.

"In other words, by cutting just 25 bps, the Fed is trying to bolster market confidence while also keeping some dry powder in reserve in case of an economic shock."

Trade Talks

Adding to worries, the United States and China on Wednesday ended a brief round of talks without much progress in ending their year-long trade war.

Downbeat data and factory surveys on Thursday had also pointed to further weakness for Asia's trade-reliant economies.

South Korea's exports fell for an eighth straight month in July amid weak global demand and a dispute with Japan. New export orders shrank the most in about six years.

South Korea, the world's sixth-largest exporter, is the first major industrial economy to release trade data each month, providing an early assessment on the health of global demand.

Pressure on Chinese factories eased slightly, but manufacturing activity continued to shrink.

"The broader global trade dynamic remains a challenge," Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Zezas said. "Trade should continue to drag on corporate confidence, CapEx and global growth in the near term."

In Europe's foreign exchange markets, sterling dropped as low as $1.2101 before a Bank of England meeting that's expected to leave its 0.75% interest rate unchanged but result in plenty of interesting discussions.

Fears of a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-spend-an-extra-26-billion-on-no-deal-brexit-planning-239860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjd24uDu-HjAhUW8XMBHSfID2IQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05e85f7pwO51L5lCnpMiS3">no-deal Brexit</a> now that Boris Johnson is prime minister continue to afflict the pound, although it was fractionally higher against a weakening euro at 91.17 pence.

"Sterling remains vulnerable to a further escalation in Brexit tensions and we anticipate the market will likely discount higher risks of a ‘no deal’ outcome in the weeks ahead," said Roger Hallam, currency chief investment officer at JP Morgan Asset Management.

Elsewhere, the Aussie dollar slipped below key chart support of $0.6832 to as low as $0.6828, a level not seen since an early January "flash crash".

The kiwi hit a six-week trough of $0.6535 on expectations the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will cut rates next week.

US crude futures fell 76 cents to $57.82 per barrel after comments on the rating outlook. Brent was down 71 cents at $64.34.

Spot gold also fell, to $1,405.26.

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the Federal Reserve spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts. A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running.

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the Federal Reserve spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts. A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running. Powell said the first US rate cut in over a decade was "not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts". The dollar’s reaction said it all. The DXY index surged to its highest in more than two years, euro/dollar dropped below $1.11 for the first time since May 2017, and Brexit-hobbled sterling hit 30-month lows just above $1.21. World stocks had recoiled overnight and emerging markets had their longest run of falls in almost a year. "Markets interpreted the Fed’s communication as slightly hawkish and therefore further rate cuts in the immediate future were somewhat priced out," said David Milleker, senior economic advisor at Union Investment. "And the dollar strengthened. All in all, the Fed did not achieve what it presumably wanted." US Treasuries were sold off as investors scaled back their pre-Fed expectations for at least 100 basis points of cuts in the near term. Yields on 10-year notes climbed as high as 2.058% in Europe from a US close of 2.007%. WATCH VIDEO × Core eurozone bond yields were rising, too, although -0.428% German Bund levels were still extraordinary. "I didn’t say it’s just one rate cut," Powell had been careful to emphasise after Wednesday's 25-basis-point move. Instead, he characterised it as "a mid-cycle adjustment to policy", citing signs of a global slowdown, US trade tensions and a desire to boost inflation. Wall Street fell afterwards and E-minis futures for the S&P 500 were pointing 0.15% lower. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.8%, extending losses for a fifth day to the lowest since mid-June and posting its biggest one-day percentage drop in a month. Japan's Nikkei rose, reversing early declines. Australian shares declined 0.4%. Losses by Chinese shares ended down 0.8%. "We believe the Fed is trying to thread the needle, balancing market jitters about slowing global growth with robust consumer spending and a strong job market in the US," said Nick Maroutsos, co-head of global bonds at Janus Henderson. "In other words, by cutting just 25 bps, the Fed is trying to bolster market confidence while also keeping some dry powder in reserve in case of an economic shock." Trade Talks Adding to worries, the United States and China on Wednesday ended a brief round of talks without much progress in ending their year-long trade war. Downbeat data and factory surveys on Thursday had also pointed to further weakness for Asia's trade-reliant economies. South Korea's exports fell for an eighth straight month in July amid weak global demand and a dispute with Japan. New export orders shrank the most in about six years. South Korea, the world's sixth-largest exporter, is the first major industrial economy to release trade data each month, providing an early assessment on the health of global demand. Pressure on Chinese factories eased slightly, but manufacturing activity continued to shrink. "The broader global trade dynamic remains a challenge," Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Zezas said. "Trade should continue to drag on corporate confidence, CapEx and global growth in the near term." In Europe's foreign exchange markets, sterling dropped as low as $1.2101 before a Bank of England meeting that's expected to leave its 0.75% interest rate unchanged but result in plenty of interesting discussions. Fears of a no-deal Brexit now that Boris Johnson is prime minister continue to afflict the pound, although it was fractionally higher against a weakening euro at 91.17 pence. "Sterling remains vulnerable to a further escalation in Brexit tensions and we anticipate the market will likely discount higher risks of a ‘no deal’ outcome in the weeks ahead," said Roger Hallam, currency chief investment officer at JP Morgan Asset Management. Elsewhere, the Aussie dollar slipped below key chart support of $0.6832 to as low as $0.6828, a level not seen since an early January "flash crash". The kiwi hit a six-week trough of $0.6535 on expectations the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will cut rates next week. US crude futures fell 76 cents to $57.82 per barrel after comments on the rating outlook. Brent was down 71 cents at $64.34. Spot gold also fell, to $1,405.26.

Mind your backs, dollar coming through!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Korea's 2nd warning to Seoul

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

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

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

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

North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

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

South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 30th, 2019

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is unlikely to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the United Nations general assembly in September, the Sankei newspaper reported, the latest sign of frosty relations between the key US allies.

Abe will not hold talks with Moon unless <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-asks-japan-not-to-drop-it-from-smooth-trade-list-238128">Seoul takes constructive steps </a>over World War-Two era forced labourers and other issues, the Japanese daily said on Monday.

Abe will also forgo meeting Moon during other opportunities, including an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in October and an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in November for the same reason, the Sankei said.

Relations between Japan and South Korea are arguably at their lowest since the countries normalised ties in 1965 as they spar over compensation for wartime forced labourers and recent export curbs imposed by Tokyo.

Japan tightened restrictions on exports to South Korea of important high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels, citing what it has called inadequate management of sensitive items by its Asian neighbour.

The curbs were seen as a response to South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese companies to compensate wartime forced labourers.

Japan says the decision violated international law because the issue of compensation was settled under the 1965 treaty that established diplomatic relations between the two nations after World War Two.

"Things might be at their worst since the normalisation of diplomatic relations," the Sankei quoted an unidentified source close to Abe as saying.

Abe and Moon also did not meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) leaders' summit in Osaka in June.

Adding to the export curbs, Japan is preparing for Cabinet approval as early as Aug. 2 to remove South Korea from a so-called white list status with minimum trade restrictions, Japanese media have reported.

South Korea has protested against the plan, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is unlikely to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the United Nations general assembly in September, the Sankei newspaper reported, the latest sign of frosty relations between the key US allies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is unlikely to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the United Nations general assembly in September, the Sankei newspaper reported, the latest sign of frosty relations between the key US allies. Abe will not hold talks with Moon unless Seoul takes constructive steps over World War-Two era forced labourers and other issues, the Japanese daily said on Monday. Abe will also forgo meeting Moon during other opportunities, including an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in October and an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in November for the same reason, the Sankei said. Relations between Japan and South Korea are arguably at their lowest since the countries normalised ties in 1965 as they spar over compensation for wartime forced labourers and recent export curbs imposed by Tokyo. Japan tightened restrictions on exports to South Korea of important high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels, citing what it has called inadequate management of sensitive items by its Asian neighbour. The curbs were seen as a response to South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese companies to compensate wartime forced labourers. Japan says the decision violated international law because the issue of compensation was settled under the 1965 treaty that established diplomatic relations between the two nations after World War Two. "Things might be at their worst since the normalisation of diplomatic relations," the Sankei quoted an unidentified source close to Abe as saying. Abe and Moon also did not meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) leaders' summit in Osaka in June. Adding to the export curbs, Japan is preparing for Cabinet approval as early as Aug. 2 to remove South Korea from a so-called white list status with minimum trade restrictions, Japanese media have reported. South Korea has protested against the plan, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

Japan's Abe unlikely to meet South Korea's Moon at UN in September: Source

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report

South Korea on Saturday (July 27) commemorated the 66th anniversary of the Korean War armistice that ceased the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korea marks the 66th anniversary of the Korean War armistice

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

Gravitas: North Korea conducts new missile tests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Korea: Missile tests are warning to South Korea

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij9_GHsNLjAhUbHo8KHfTpAw0QFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q6V_pmXlrHO0FOtaqNfXk">US-China trade war</a> capped gains.

Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week.

Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait.

However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.

Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry.

WATCH:&nbsp;Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members

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"Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said.

Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020.

"Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures.

The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year.

Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains. Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week. US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week. Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait. However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said. Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry. WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members × "Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said. Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020. "Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures. The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year. Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rise as Iran tensions remain unresolved

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

South Korean military: North Korea fired two missiles into sea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-to-cut-china-phone-output-as-market-share-sinks-224670">Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's</a> first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday.

Samsung is hoping its highly anticipated foldable phone will revive flagging smartphone sales but its rollout has been hampered by defects in samples reported in April when it was originally due to hit the US market.

The delays cost the South Korean tech giant sales that could have provided a decent bump in revenue during the slow summer season.

Samsung said in a statement it had made improvements to the nearly $2,000 phone and was conducting final tests. Changes included strengthening hinges which early reviewers had found to be problematic.

Analysts said headlines about glitches with sample Folds would dampen consumer excitement around the launch.

"Consumer confidence in Galaxy Fold has significantly deteriorated. If Samsung manages to sell 300,000 devices this year, that can be a decent performance given the delay," said Kim Young-woo, an analyst at SK Securities.

Samsung said earlier that it planned to make at least 1 million Fold handsets in the first year, versus the total 300 million phones it produces annually on average.

The world's top smartphone maker has hailed the folding design as the future in a segment that has seen few surprises since Apple Inc's groundbreaking iPhone was released in 2007.

Chinese rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has also announced a folding handset, the Mate X, which is expected to go on sale in September.

Samsung is still in talks with mobile carriers around the world to decide on details of the Fold's sale, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday. Samsung is hoping its highly anticipated foldable phone will revive flagging smartphone sales but its rollout has been hampered by defects in samples reported in April when it was originally due to hit the US market. The delays cost the South Korean tech giant sales that could have provided a decent bump in revenue during the slow summer season. Samsung said in a statement it had made improvements to the nearly $2,000 phone and was conducting final tests. Changes included strengthening hinges which early reviewers had found to be problematic. Analysts said headlines about glitches with sample Folds would dampen consumer excitement around the launch. "Consumer confidence in Galaxy Fold has significantly deteriorated. If Samsung manages to sell 300,000 devices this year, that can be a decent performance given the delay," said Kim Young-woo, an analyst at SK Securities. Samsung said earlier that it planned to make at least 1 million Fold handsets in the first year, versus the total 300 million phones it produces annually on average. The world's top smartphone maker has hailed the folding design as the future in a segment that has seen few surprises since Apple Inc's groundbreaking iPhone was released in 2007. Chinese rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has also announced a folding handset, the Mate X, which is expected to go on sale in September. Samsung is still in talks with mobile carriers around the world to decide on details of the Fold's sale, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Samsung Electronics' delayed Galaxy Fold now ready for September launch

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

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

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

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

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

South Korea calls North Korea missile tests as a security threat

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response.

South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region.

An unidentified <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-government-unable-to-find-any-documents-on-whereabouts-of-subhash-chandra-bose-mea-238154&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0dQPd-EitX4eTCLQb6BYH5">Russian</a> military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office.

"Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said.

"The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route."

It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised.

"The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported.

Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space.

South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space.

WATCH:&nbsp;Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation

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Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft.

An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error.

He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident.

The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan.

While troops and naval ships from Russia and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/belt-and-road-projects-china-expands-its-anti-corruption-campaign-238093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAJegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0j0I01eE8G-eHsfymlTIwH">China</a> have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence.

China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday.

South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan.

The two US&nbsp;allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats.

The incident also coincided with the visit of the US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea.

Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction. A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response. South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region. An unidentified Russian military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office. "Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said. "The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route." It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised. "The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported. Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space. South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space. WATCH: Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation × Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft. An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error. He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident. The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan. While troops and naval ships from Russia and China have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence. China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday. South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan. The two US allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats. The incident also coincided with the visit of the US national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea. Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Did not make an apology: Russia on airspace violation dispute with South Korea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South Korea</a> protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

Japan's planned revision of the law to take South Korea off its so-called white list comes amid a deepening row over compensation for wartime forced labour, and after Japan tightened curbs this month on exports to South Korea of high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels.

South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement Japan's removal of South Korea from the list would be a very grave matter that would undermine their economic and security partnership.

It asked Japan to scrap the plan, flagging concerns over wider disruptions of global supply chains involving South Korean chip and screen makers.

"It is a very grave matter that shakes the foundation of South Korea-Japan economic partnership and Northeast Asian security cooperation that has been maintained and developed for more than 60 years," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/calls-for-boycott-of-japan-grow-in-south-korea-as-diplomatic-row-simmers-233755">Sung Yoon-mo</a>, the South Korean industry minister, told a briefing.

"Removal of South Korea from the white list of countries is against international norms and we are worried about its serious negative impact on global value chains and free trade," Sung said.

Japan is due to decide on a revision of its list after canvassing public opinion, which is due to be done by Wednesday.

Officials at Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment.

Questions over the list come after Japan this month tightened restrictions on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea.

The restrictions came as Japan complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

Japan believes the compensation issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law.

Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday relations with South Korea were in a "very severe" state and Japan would continue to urge South Korea to take appropriate action over a string of issues that have frayed ties.

'Long Term Harm'

US tech industry groups with members including Apple sent an open letter on Tuesday to Japan and South Korea calling for a quick resolution of their dispute.

"Non-transparent and unilateral changes in export control policies can cause supply chain disruptions, delays in shipments, and ultimately long-term harm to the companies that operate within and beyond your borders and the workers they employ," the business groups said in their letter.

Apple is a major customer of South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Elec and SK Hynix.

Japan has threatened to drop South Korea from the list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions under a trade control law, which would require Japanese exporters to seek a licence for certain items they want to sell to South Korea that could be used in manufacturing weapons.

There are 27 countries on Japan's list including Germany, Britain and the United States.

South Korea has stepped up diplomatic efforts to get Japan to scrap its trade controls, asking major ally the United States to help, though it has not rushed to step in.

South Korea officials are expected to raise the matter in talks with US national security adviser John Bolton who is in Seoul.

South Korea protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

South Korea protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade. Japan's planned revision of the law to take South Korea off its so-called white list comes amid a deepening row over compensation for wartime forced labour, and after Japan tightened curbs this month on exports to South Korea of high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels. South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement Japan's removal of South Korea from the list would be a very grave matter that would undermine their economic and security partnership. It asked Japan to scrap the plan, flagging concerns over wider disruptions of global supply chains involving South Korean chip and screen makers. "It is a very grave matter that shakes the foundation of South Korea-Japan economic partnership and Northeast Asian security cooperation that has been maintained and developed for more than 60 years," Sung Yoon-mo, the South Korean industry minister, told a briefing. "Removal of South Korea from the white list of countries is against international norms and we are worried about its serious negative impact on global value chains and free trade," Sung said. Japan is due to decide on a revision of its list after canvassing public opinion, which is due to be done by Wednesday. Officials at Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment. Questions over the list come after Japan this month tightened restrictions on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. The restrictions came as Japan complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Japan believes the compensation issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law. Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday relations with South Korea were in a "very severe" state and Japan would continue to urge South Korea to take appropriate action over a string of issues that have frayed ties. 'Long Term Harm' US tech industry groups with members including Apple sent an open letter on Tuesday to Japan and South Korea calling for a quick resolution of their dispute. "Non-transparent and unilateral changes in export control policies can cause supply chain disruptions, delays in shipments, and ultimately long-term harm to the companies that operate within and beyond your borders and the workers they employ," the business groups said in their letter. Apple is a major customer of South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Elec and SK Hynix. Japan has threatened to drop South Korea from the list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions under a trade control law, which would require Japanese exporters to seek a licence for certain items they want to sell to South Korea that could be used in manufacturing weapons. There are 27 countries on Japan's list including Germany, Britain and the United States. South Korea has stepped up diplomatic efforts to get Japan to scrap its trade controls, asking major ally the United States to help, though it has not rushed to step in. South Korea officials are expected to raise the matter in talks with US national security adviser John Bolton who is in Seoul.

South Korea asks Japan not to drop it from smooth-trade list

Russian military official expressed regret over South Korea airspace violation by Russia. Russia says intrusion was not intentional and blamed a technical glitch. Earlier Russia rejected South Korea's airspace violation claim, while China still rejects South Korea's airspace violation claim. Watch this video to know more.

Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation

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