Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• North Korea test-fires new ballistic missile: South Korean military Press TV 28 Apr 2017 -- North Korea has reportedly test-fired a ballistic missile from a location north of the capital Pyongyang, amid escalating tensions with the United States and neighboring South Korea.
• China reiterates dialogue on N. Korea 'only right choice' Press TV 28 Apr 2017 -- The Chinese Foreign Minister has warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula is "at a critical point," reiterating that negotiations were "the only right choice" to defuse the tensions and avoid chaos.
• All options must remain on the table on North Korea: Tillerson Press TV 28 Apr 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told the United Nations Security Council that "all options" regarding North Korea "must remain on the table."
• 'Things can slip out of control,' China says of North Korea tensions Press TV 28 Apr 2017 -- China has once again warned that the tensions involving North Korea could slip out of control, as a war of words between Washington and Pyongyang remains likely to turn into a war of bullets.
• Trump says 'major conflict' with North Korea possible Press TV 28 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has warned that a "major conflict" with North Korea is "absolutely" possible in the ongoing standoff over its nuclear and missile programs.
• Tillerson Says Threat Of North Korean Nuclear Attack On South Korea, Japan Is 'Real' RFE/RL 28 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told the United Nations the threat of a North Korean nuclear strike on Seoul or Tokyo "is real" and that failure to act may bring "catastrophic consequences."
• Tillerson Urges UN Security Council to Take Action Before N. Korea Does VOA 28 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday that Washington would not rule out a military response to future North Korean aggression and that it would seek to increase the rogue nation's financial and international isolation.
• Trump says he prefers diplomatic approach to solving Korean Peninsula issue People's Daily 28 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would prefer a diplomatic approach to solving the Korean Peninsula issue, but warned that a major conflict with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is possible.
• China draws red line for North Korea issue: war is not allowed People's Daily 28 Apr 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a tough position on the North Korea issue on Wednesday, saying that war on the Korean Peninsula is absolutely unacceptable.
• Putin, Abe Vow To Work Together To Ease Korea Tensions RFE/RL 27 Apr 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say they will closely cooperate in an attempt to ease tensions between North Korea and rival nations over Pyongyang's ballistic-missile program.
• South Korea, US warn of potential 'punishment' against North Korea Press TV 27 Apr 2017 -- South Korea and the United States have agreed to take "swift punitive measures" against North Korea in the event of more "provocation" on the part of Pyongyang.
• Trump weighing military options against North Korea: Ted Cruz Press TV 27 Apr 2017 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a range of military actions against North Korea, says Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
• US to Push China, Others for Maximum Pressure on N. Korea at UN VOA 27 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will make his United Nations debut Friday, chairing a high-level Security Council session on the threat posed by North Korea's quest to build a nuclear bomb.
• North Korea Threatens Indo-Asia-Pacific Region, Harris Tells Legislators AFPS 26 Apr 2017 -- North Korea remains the most immediate threat to the security of the United States and its allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, told the House Armed Services Committee today.
• US Lawmakers Briefed on North Korea Threat VOA 26 Apr 2017 -- Lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives received separate extraordinary classified briefings by the administration of President Donald Trump Wednesday.
• Leaders Brief Congress on Review of North Korea Policy AFPS 26 Apr 2017 -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed members of Congress at the White House today on the review President Donald J. Trump ordered of U.S. policy toward North Korea.
• Joint Statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats DoD 26 Apr 2017
• US Strike on North Korea Could Put Seoul in Jeopardy VOA 26 Apr 2017 -- Thousands of North Korean artillery shells raining down on Seoul. Hundreds of tons of high explosives detonating in the densely populated South Korean capital. Missile strikes as far away as Japan and the U.S. territory of Guam.
• North Korea conducting live-fire drill amid tensions with US: South Korean media Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- North Korea is reportedly engaged in a large-scale live-fire artillery exercise, in what is apparently intended to signal to a hostile United States that Pyongyang is combat-ready.
• North Korea Marks Military Anniversary with 'Massive Fire Drill' VOA 25 Apr 2017 -- North Korea marked the 85th anniversary of the founding of its military Tuesday with a "massive fire drill" in the eastern port city of Wonsan, according to South Korea's defense ministry.
• US Senators to Get Rare Briefing at White House on North Korea Threat VOA 24 Apr 2017 -- All 100 U.S. senators have been invited to the White House on Wednesday for a classified briefing that will primarily concern North Korea, the administration announced Monday.
• Xi calls for restraint over DPRK tensions in phone conversation with Trump People's Daily 24 Apr 2017 -- China hopes all parties can exercise "restraint" on the DPRK issue, and not take "provocative actions", said Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Monday.
• Chinese FM urges voice of peace, reason over Korean Peninsula issue People's Daily 24 Apr 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Sunday urged all sides to make voices of peace and reason on the Korean Peninsula issue, and reiterated China's consistent and definite stand on denuclearizing the Peninsula.
• DPRK vows to continue developing nuclear weapons for self-defense People's Daily 24 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Monday it will continue developing nuclear weapons for self-defense against military threat from the United States.
• Security Council must impose new sanctions on North Korea: Trump Press TV 24 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has said the United Nations Security Council must impose new sanctions on North Korea, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.
• US to North Korea: Refrain from 'provocative' actions Press TV 24 Apr 2017 -- The United States has asked North Korea "to refrain from provocative" actions amid rising tensions between the two countries.
• North Korea 'can sink US aircraft carrier in one strike' Press TV 24 Apr 2017 -- North Korea says it has the military power to sink an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that is approaching waters off the Korean Peninsula in "one strike."
• DPRK says no dialogue with U.S. without Washington abandoning hostility People's Daily 23 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Saturday that it is not interested in holding any dialogue with the United States as long as Washington refuses to abandon its hostile policy towards Pyongyang.
• North Korea arrests another US citizen, report says Press TV 23 Apr 2017 -- North Korea has reportedly arrested a US citizen as he was trying to fly out of the country, making him the third American national incarcerated in the country over the past year.
• Security Council condemns latest 'highly destabilizing' DPRK ballistic missile test UN News 20 Apr 2017 -- Strongly condemning the 15 April ballistic-missile launch conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United Nations Security Council today demanded that the country immediately cease further actions in violation of the UN body's relevant resolutions and comply fully with its obligations under these resolutions.
• Trump's 'armada' was not headed to Korean Peninsula despite White House claims Press TV 19 Apr 2017 -- A US military strike group that American officials said had been dispatched to the Korean Peninsula in a "show of force" against North Korea was in fact heading in the opposite direction at the time, highlighting the dysfunction that has come to symbolize the administration of US President Donald Trump.
• 'Sword stands ready,' Pence warns North Korea Press TV 19 Apr 2017 -- US Vice President Mike Pence has threatened North Korea with an "overwhelming" response to any use of conventional or nuclear weapons.
• Pence Vows 'Overwhelming' U.S. Response To North Korea RFE/RL 19 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has warned North Korea not to test the resolve of the United States, promising it would make an "overwhelming and effective" response to any attack.
• US Strike Force Delay Complicates North Korea Policy VOA 19 Apr 2017 -- Analysts say confusing or deceptive messages about a U.S. naval "armada" heading to waters off the Korean peninsula undermines the United States' credible threat of military force against North Korea.
• US Considers Limited Options on North Korea Nuclear Threat VOA 18 Apr 2017 -- The Trump administration has articulated a tougher approach toward North Korea in recent days, saying it has lost patience with Pyongyang's intransigence in the face of long-standing demands to curb its nuclear ambitions.
• Pence: 'All Options' Considered for Dealing With North Korea VOA 18 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday the international community should be applying diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to get that country to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
• Pence Says U.S. Resolved To Halt North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions RFE/RL 18 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has told Japan that the United States is ready to work with its Asian allies to halt North Korea's drive toward nuclear weapons.
• China urges diplomacy to solve DPRK tensions People's Daily 18 Apr 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that diplomatic means must be used to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula, where the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has vowed to continue with its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of UN sanctions.
• U.S. won't draw red line on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue: White House People's Daily 18 Apr 2017 -- The White House said on Monday that it does not expect U.S. President Donald Trump to draw a red line on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the United States will continue work with China to solve it.
• US, DPRK must hold talks before it's too late People's Daily 18 Apr 2017 -- Among the possible, but the least desirable, responses to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile tests (although its last one on Sunday was a failure) could be a preemptive strike by the United States. There is no guarantee, though, that the presumed US strike would be precise enough to wipe out all nuclear facilities in the DPRK before Pyongyang launches a nuclear attack in retaliation.
• North Korea's missile launch a 'reckless' provocation: Mattis Press TV 18 Apr 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis says North Korea "recklessly" attempted to provoke a response after the country conducted another missile launch over the weekend.
• Pence Warns North Korea Not to Test US Resolve VOA 17 Apr 2017 -- Referencing recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Afghanistan, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Monday issued a strong warning to North Korea that President Donald Trump will use military force if needed to deal with the Kim Jong Un government's escalating nuclear threat.
• U.S. VP says strategic patience is over on DPRK's nuclear issue People's Daily 17 Apr 2017 -- Visiting United States Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday that "an era of strategic patience is over" on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• Briefing on the Situation on the Korean Peninsula US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2017 -- Special Briefing by Susan A. Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• No political motive behind N Korea flights suspension: China Press TV 17 Apr 2017 -- Beijing has dismissed any political motive behind the cancellation of flights to Pyongyang, amid speculations that the move was intended to pressure North Korea over its missile program.
• Russia warns US against 'unilateral action' on North Korea Press TV 17 Apr 2017 -- Russia has warned the United States against any "unilateral action" against North Korea, saying any response to Pyongyang's nuclear activities should not violate "international law," amid reports of potential military confrontation between North Korea and the US.
• Trump Warns North Korea's Ruler After Missile Test, Saying He Must 'Behave' RFE/RL 17 Apr 2017 -- A day after a failed North Korean missile test, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un that he has "got to behave."
• Trump Not to Tolerate Threats to Allies, Partners From North Korea - State Dept. Sputnik 17 Apr 2017 -- Donald Trump will not let North Korea threaten US allies, the US Department of State said.
• 'North Korea Ready to React if US Opts for Military Actions' Sputnik 17 Apr 2017 -- Pyongyang is ready to respond in the event Washington decides to use force against North Korea, its UN envoy said. However, tensions will disappear if Washington abandons its hostile policy toward the country, he added.
• North Korea to Continue Missile Tests Despite Growing Tensions With US Sputnik 17 Apr 2017 -- Pyongyang will continue carrying out missile tests, North Korea's deputy foreign minister said.
• Pentagon confirms DPRK missile launch fails People's Daily 16 Apr 2017 -- The Pentagon confirmed on Saturday that a new missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had failed.
• S.Korean military says DPRK's attempted test-launch of missile fails People's Daily 16 Apr 2017 -- South Korea on Sunday denounced the failed test-launch of an unidentified missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that came amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
• U.S. Says Consensus Reached With China To Stop North Korea Missile Tests RFE/RL 16 Apr 2017 -- U.S. national security adviser H.R. McMaster says there is now an "international consensus," including "China and the Chinese leadership," that North Korea's missile tests cannot be allowed to continue.
• New North Korean Missile Test Fails, Explodes, U.S. Says RFE/RL 16 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. military says North Korea has failed in an attempt to test-fire a missile, saying the launch "blew up almost immediately."
• N Korea on 'Missile Launch': 'It's Our Right,' But it's Not Announced Officially Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- The North Korean Foreign Ministry commented on the suspected failed missile launch conducted earlier in the day.
• North Korea Defies US Warnings With Failed Missile Test VOA 16 Apr 2017 -- North Korea conducted a failed missile test Sunday in defiance of increased U.S. warnings that there would be serious consequences for such provocative actions, including a possible military response.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on North Korea Missile Test DoD 15 Apr 2017 -- The president and his military team are aware of North Korea's most recent unsuccessful missile launch. The president has no further comment.
• South Koreans, Japanese Remain Calm as US, North Korea Posture Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- As media and lawmakers in Washington ratchet up the threat of war with Pyongyang, those who live in areas close to North Korea shrug their shoulders, unconcerned by what they consider to be business as usual on the peninsula.
• North Korea's missile test fails as projectile explodes during launch: US, S Korea Press TV 16 Apr 2017 -- North Korea's latest missile test has failed with the projectile exploding almost immediately after the launch, says South Korea and the US.
• North Korean Missile Launch Failed, Seoul's Military Says VOA 15 Apr 2017 -- South Korea's military said a missile launch by North Korea early Sunday from the port city of Sinpo "is presumed to have failed."
• North Korea Attempts Missile Launch, but Fails - Reports Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- Pyongyang attempted to launch an unidentified projectile on Sunday, but appears to have failed, the Yonhap news agency reported citing the South Korea's military.
• New North Korean Missile Test Fails, Explodes, U.S. Says RFE/RL 15 Apr 2017 -- U.S. military says North Korea has failed in an attempt to test-fire a missile early on April 16, saying the launch "blew up almost immediately."
• DPRK displays submarine-launched ballistic missile at military parade People's Daily 15 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Saturday showcased its military muscles by parading all of its most-advanced ballistic and tactic missiles, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile which could strike targets 1000 km away.
• Korean Peninsula restraint urged People's Daily 15 Apr 2017 -- Beijing urged Washington, Seoul and Pyongyang on Friday to stop irritating and threatening each other to prevent the situation on the Korean Peninsula from sliding to the point of being irreparable.
• North Korea displays ballistic missiles, vows due response if US attacks Press TV 15 Apr 2017 -- Pyongyang has showcased its submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) for the first time during a massive military parade, with a senior North Korean official vowing due response to any attack against the East Asian nation.
• North Korea Rolls Out Missiles, Says Ready For 'Nuclear War' RFE/RL 15 Apr 2017 -- North Korea rolled out intercontinental ballistic missiles and other military hardware at a massive parade on April 15 and vowed that it was "ready to hit back with nuclear attacks" against its enemies.
• North Korea Reportedly Displays New Intercontinental Ballistic Missile at Parade Sputnik 15 Apr 2017 -- New intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) appear to have been displayed at the military parade that started in Pyongyang on Saturday, media report.
• North Korea's Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles Displayed at Military Parade Sputnik 15 Apr 2017 -- The North Korean authorities reportedly displayed on Saturday submarine-launched ballistic missiles at the military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of founder and former leader Kim Il-sung in Pyongyang.
• North Korea Postpones Nuclear Showdown With US VOA 15 Apr 2017 -- North Korea did not go through with a possible nuclear test Saturday, after the United States demonstrated a credible threat of military force in the region and China increased economic restrictions against its economically dependent ally, but Pyongyang did later conduct a missile test that failed.
• North Korea Displays New ICBM, Other Missiles VOA 15 Apr 2017 -- North Korea rolled out its military hardware Saturday at its annual Day of the Sun celebration commemorating the 105th birth anniversary of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current leader, Kim Jong Un.
• Pence to Discuss North Korean Aggression on Asia-Pacific Trip AFPS 14 Apr 2017 -- Vice President Mike Pence begins his first official trip to the Asia-Pacific region tomorrow to, among other things, reinforce the Trump administration's full commitment to U.S. security alliances there, senior administration officials said yesterday.
• North Korea vows retaliation, 'taste of real war' if US takes military action People's Daily 14 Apr 2017 -- North Korea condemned the U.S. on April 13, warning of retaliation if the latter acts rashly, media reported.
• DPRK supreme leader inspects army's special operation forces amid tension with U.S. People's Daily 14 Apr 2017 -- Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Democratic People's Repulic of Korea (DPRK), has lately highlighted the role of special forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in combating enemy forces of the United States and South Korea.
• Air China to suspend some flights to North Korea Press TV 14 Apr 2017 -- China's national carrier, Air China, will suspend flights between Beijing and North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, from Monday amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula involving the United States, Chinese state media say.
• Russia calls for restraint amid North Korea-US crisis Press TV 14 Apr 2017 -- Russia has urged all sides involved in the crisis in the Korean Peninsula to show "restraint", warning of any "provocative steps" amid reports of potential military confrontation between North Korea and the United States.
• Conflict can break out on Korean Peninsula any moment: China Press TV 14 Apr 2017 -- China has warned that "conflict could break out at any moment" on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea and the United States increasingly seem headed for a potential military confrontation.
• US ready to launch preemptive strike on North Korea: NBC News Press TV 14 Apr 2017 -- The United States is prepared to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea should American officials become convinced that Pyongyang is going ahead with a nuclear weapons test, a report says.
• Chinese FM Says 'No Winners' In War Over North Korea RFE/RL 14 Apr 2017 -- There can be no winners in an armed conflict between the United States and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programs, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said April 14, offering China's support for dialogue between the two sides.
• Air China Airline to Cease Flights to North Korea From Apr. 17 Amid Tensions Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- The Chinese airline company Air China will suspend flights to Pyongyang starting April 17 amid the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, local media reported Friday.
• North Korea Vows to Launch 'Preemptive Strike' in Case of Any US 'Provocation' Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- A representative of the North Korean General Staff said that Pyongyang will launch a "preemptive strike" in case of any US' "political, economic or military provocation."
• Kremlin Warns Against Escalation on Korean Peninsula, 'Provocative Steps' Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- The Kremlin is watching with concern the escalation of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Moscow warns other countries against provocative steps in the region, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
• Russia, China Seek to Avoid Chaos in North Korea With New Sanctions - Envoy Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- Russia and China do not task themselves with causing social and economic chaos in North Korea with new sanctions mulled by the United States, Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora told Sputnik.
• Pyongyang Vows 'Toughest Action' as US Naval Strike Group Heads to Korean Waters VOA 14 Apr 2017 -- North Korea's military on Friday directly responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed threats to take "care of" Pyongyang's nuclear threat amid expectations of a new nuclear test that could come at any time.
• Trump Warns North Korea Against More Provocations VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump sent North Korea a fresh warning Thursday not to engage in new provocations, as reports increased of an imminent public gesture by Pyongyang to mark its biggest national holiday, possibly with a nuclear test.
• DPRK's top leader makes frequent public appearances amid tension with U.S. People's Daily 13 Apr 2017 -- Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has made frequent public appearances this week amid rising tension with the United States over the latter's threat to take military action against Pyongyang.
• China would protect a denuclearized North Korea: State-run Chinese daily Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A state-run Chinese daily says Beijing would protect the North Korean government and people if Pyongyang gave up its nuclear program.
• Not Our Fault: North Korea Says Washington to Blame for Escalating Tensions Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- On Thursday, a North Korean peace institute affiliated with country's Foreign Ministry blamed the US for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, saying that any strike from Washington would prompt a "merciless retaliatory strike."
• China tells US to resolve North Korea tensions peacefully Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has told US President Donald Trump to resolve ongoing tensions with North Korea peacefully.
• Trump responds to North Korea nuclear attack threat Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump says North Korea is "looking for trouble" as Pyongyang threatens a nuclear attack on American soil.
• Trump, Xi Discuss 'Menace Of North Korea' In Telephone Call RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping by telephone about what be called the North Korean "menace."
• US WC-135 'Nuke Sniffer' Arrives in Japan as World Watches Pyongyang Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- As tensions continue to simmer on the Korean Peninsula, due in part to North Korea's continuous nuclear weapons development, a "nuke sniffing" US aircraft arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan on Friday.
• North Korea to Test Strength of US-China Ties VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- It's been less than a week since President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping held their first high-level talks. Chinese state media have been playing up the positives following the get-together, highlighting how the meeting put ties back on track and how it is giving the relationship new dynamism.
• China denies any deployment of troops near North Korea Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- China's Defense Ministry has denied reports of troop deployment along the border with North Korea to respond to contingencies emerging from a potential US attack on the peninsula.
• Data on Sending 150,000 Chinese Troops to N Korea Border 'Fabrication' - Beijing Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- China's Defense Ministry denied on Wednesday information on the alleged deployment of an additional 150,000 servicemen of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to the border with North Korea, saying the data was fabricated.
• S. Korea Dismisses Rumors of War Crisis on Korean Peninsula KBS World Radio 11 Apr 2017-- South Korea's Foreign Ministry has dismissed rumors of a looming war on the Korean Peninsula, which are rapidly spreading on social networking sites.
• S. Korea Cautious of Possible US Action on N. Korea KBS World Radio 11 Apr 2017 -- Amid concerns over possible North Korean provocations and a U.S. military response, Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn urged the government and the public to remain cool-headed.
• Strike Force Group Deployment Seen as US Signal to N. Korea VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- The Pentagon's decision to move a powerful U.S. Navy strike force to Pacific waters near North Korea serves as a signal to the regime to cease further provocations, former U.S. officials say.
• DPRK vows to react to mode of war desired by U.S. Xinhua 11 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said late Monday that the U.S. preparations for invading the DPRK have reached "a serious phase of its scenario" with the sending of a nuclear carrier task group in waters off the Korean Peninsula by Pentagon.
• North Korea Poses Threat of Chemical Attack - Japan's Defense Ministry Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Japan's defense minister said US deterrence was necessary for peace and stability in the region.
• Seoul: US to Coordinate Possible Attack on North Korea With South Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The possible attack against North Korea will occur in the framework of the reliable Seoul-Washington joint defense based on close cooperation, the South Korean military announced on Tuesday.
• Mounting Tensions: Pyongyang Ready to Respond to Potential US Military Actions Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The North Korean Foreign Ministry believes that US decision to send an aircraft carrier strike group to the shores of the Korean Peninsula proves the aggressive intentions of Washington, and Pyongyang is ready to take countermeasures in case of military action, local media reported Tuesday, citing a ministry's official.
• Trump: North Korea 'Looking for Trouble' with Nuclear Weapons Development VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that "North Korea is looking for trouble" with its nuclear weapons development program and implored China to help rein in Pyongyang.
• South Korea, China Agree on Action to End North Korea Nuclear Threat VOA 10 Apr 2017 -- South Korea and China say they have agreed they will take strong action against North Korea if Pyongyang conducts more nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
• US Strike Force Heading Towards N. Korea Causing Anxiety Among Friends, Foes VOA 10 Apr 2017 -- By sending a U.S. navy strike force into waters near North Korea, President Donald Trump is raising concerns that he is prepared to put America's interests ahead of those of regional allies.
• US Top Diplomat Tillerson Claims China Ready for 'Action' on North Korea Sputnik 09 Apr 2017 -- Reacting to continued North Korean ballistic missile and nuclear weapons testing, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has affirmed that, following recent talks between Beijing and Washington, China has stated that it is prepared to move.
• Trump Wants Options to End North Korea Nuclear Threat, Security Aide Says VOA 09 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has asked officials to give him options for removing the threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Sunday.
• Carl Vinson Strike Group Departs Singapore for Western Pacific NNS 09 Apr 2017 -- Admiral Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, has directed the Carl Vinson Strike Group to sail north and report on station in the Western Pacific Ocean after departing Singapore April 8.
• U.S. aircraft carrier strike group heads toward Korean Peninsula People's Daily 09 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. Carl Vinson Strike Group has departed from Singapore and sailed northward to the Western Pacific ocean near the Korean Peninsula, the United States Pacific Fleet Commander announced Saturday.
• The Empire Strikes East: US Navy Sends Its Warships to Korean Peninsula Sputnik 09 Apr 2017 -- A US naval strike group is on its way to the western Pacific Ocean in a bid to provide its presence near the Korean Peninsula amid concerns over Pyongyang's missile tests, media reports said.
• US naval strike force deployed to Korean peninsula Press TV 09 Apr 2017 -- A US aircraft carrier-led strike group has set course for the western Pacific Ocean close to the Korean peninsula amid growing fears over the North's weapons tests.
• US Imposes New Sanctions on Eritrea's Navy Over North Korea Links VOA 08 Apr 2017 -- Eritrea has once again found itself on the wrong side of international norms as a U.N. report accused the East African country of violating an arms embargo by buying military communications equipment from North Korea.
• US Strike Group Heads Toward North Korea VOA 08 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. Navy is sending a strike group toward the Korean Peninsula to bolster the U.S. presence there and send a message to North Korea, which this week conducted a ballistic missile test despite U.N. Security Council resolutions banning such launches.
• US Considering Nukes in South Korea to Counter Pyongyang Threat - Report Sputnik 08 Apr 2017 -- Following yet another missile test by North Korea and a constant volley of threats, US President Donald Trump was presented with several options for responding to Pyongyang's nuclear activities by the National Security Council, including placing nukes in South Korea and killing Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.
• UN condemns North Korea missile test, Japan extends unilateral bans Press TV 07 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations has condemned North Korea's latest missile launch, and the Japanese government has extended unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang by two years over the same matter.
• N Korea to deliver 'ruthless blow' to US provocation: Pyongyang Press TV 06 Apr 2017 -- North Korea's ambassador to Moscow says Pyongyang is ready to deliver the "most ruthless blow" to any provocative move by the US during an ongoing joint military drill with South Korea and Japan in waters off the troubled Korean Peninsula.
• Russia Can Be Helpful to Pressure North Korea on Nuclear Program - State Dept. Sputnik 06 Apr 2017 -- According to a senior US Department of State, Russia can help pressure North Korea on its nuclear program with sanctions.
• EU Increases Curbs on Investment, Services to North Korea Over Arms Tests Sputnik 06 Apr 2017 -- The European Union announced on Thursday new curbs on investment and services to North Korea's industries linked to its military after new ballistic missile tests.
• Post latest missile test, Security Council condemns DPRK's 'highly destabilizing behaviour' UN News 06 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council today strongly condemned the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling it "in grave violation" of the country's international obligations under six of the body's resolutions passed between 2006 and 2016.
• UN Condemns North Korean Missile Test VOA 06 Apr 2017 -- The U.N. Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned North Korea for its ballistic missile test this week.
• Pacom Detects, Tracks North Korean Missile Launch AFPS 05 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Pacific Command detected and tracked what officials assess to be a North Korean missile launch at 11:42 a.m. yesterday, Hawaii time - 5:42 p.m. EDT - Pacom officials announced.
• DPRK fires ballistic missile into eastern waters People's Daily 05 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday test-fired one ballistic missile into eastern waters, South Korea's defense ministry said.
• Japanese PM Calls to Maintain N Korea Tracking System Following Missile Test Sputnik 05 Apr 2017 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, ordered to maintain the tracking system at a high-level in connection with North Korea's new missile test, General Secretary of the Cabinet Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday.
• Tokyo, Beijing Urge North Korea to Refrain From Missile Test Provocations Sputnik 05 Apr 2017 -- Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese foreign ministry chief of Asia-Pacific affairs, and Chinese Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawei have jointly urged North Korea to abstain from further provocations following their recent missile test, a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
• Update: North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile into Sea of Japan Sputnik 05 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired off another projectile presumed to be a missile as Japanese, Korean and US forces hold military drills in the region.
• North Korea launches another missile into Sea of Japan Press TV 04 Apr 2017 -- North Korea has launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan just days after it warns the global community of retaliation over sanctions.
• North Korea Fires Missile Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting VOA 04 Apr 2017 -- North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test, just 48 hours before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.
• Tillerson to Chair UN Meeting on North Korea Nuclear Tests VOA 03 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will chair a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the North Korea nuclear issue later this month.
• Trump's North Korea Comments Raise Speculation About Chinese President's Visit VOA 03 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's tough but vague talk on North Korea, in advance of this week's visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is fueling a wide range of speculation that he may pursue a major policy shift that could either lead to a grand bargain with Beijing or start a preemptive war.
• US will tackle North Korea alone if necessary: Trump Press TV 03 Apr 2017 -- The United States has threatened to take a unilateral action to restrain North Korea's nuclear program unless China increases pressure on Pyongyang.
• Trump Hopes China Will Help US Eliminate North Korea Nuclear Threat Sputnik 02 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Washington is determined to resolve the issue of the North Korean nuclear program and hopes that Beijing will help it to do so.
• Trump Says US Ready to Act Alone on North Korea VOA 02 Apr 2017 -- President Donald Trump says if China is not going to solve the problem of North Korea, "we will."
• China offers assistance to transit of remains of DPRK citizen murdured in Malaysia People's Daily 01 Apr 2017 -- China said Friday it offered "necessary assistance" to the transit of the remains of a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) citizen murdered in Malaysia.