North Korean leader Kim Jong Un news covering nuclear and missile programs, diplomatic moves, regional security, and the Kim regime.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a two-day state visit, his first to North Korea since 2019. During the visit, Xi pledged 'unwavering' support for North Korea and leader Kim Jong-un, underscoring China's efforts to position itself as a global power broker.
This commentary argues that North Korea's announcement to expand its nuclear arsenal at an exponential rate signals a shift in strategy, potentially influenced by China's efforts to restrain Pyongyang. It suggests that Kim Jong Un's timing, coinciding with Xi Jinping's visit, may be a deliberate move to assert independence.
Kim Jong Un inspected munitions at a weapons factory ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit. North Korea has ordered missile production capacity to be doubled in the next five years.
This commentary argues that Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, ahead of a treaty anniversary, signals Chinese anxiety over growing Russia-North Korea ties. It suggests Xi aims to reaffirm China's influence and that Kim Jong Un seeks to leverage the visit for economic benefits and international legitimacy.
This commentary argues that Kim Jong-un has used the war in Ukraine to consolidate power, becoming North Korea's most influential leader. It contends that he has skillfully leveraged international crises to strengthen his domestic position and advance North Korea's strategic interests.
This commentary explores the factors behind North Korean women's soccer success, including early training at elite academies and state support. It argues that Kim Jong Un uses sports as a diplomatic tool, while noting the difficulty of verifying claims due to the country's secrecy.
North Korea announced plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, state media reported ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit. Leader Kim Jong Un ordered the navy to deploy the destroyer Kang Kon and another 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon, as soon as possible. This is the first time North Korea has mentioned a plan to build a 10,000-ton destroyer.
Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter, observed sea trials of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea on Monday. Kim called for rapidly expanding naval forces, including building larger destroyers and developing underwater weapons.