Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• China Bans New Business with North Korea August 26, 2017 - China has banned new business ventures with North Korea, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement late Friday.
• Video of North Korean spies trying to steal Ukrainian missile secrets revealed Arirang - 2017-08-25 - Ukraine has released surveillance footage of two North Korean spies photographing what they thought were top-secret missile designs. The hidden camera footage from 2011 was given to CNN
• N.Korea may be developing new solid-fuel missile NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) 24 August 2017 One photo shows a display about an underwater strategic ballistic missile named "Pukguksong-3," which could refer to a new submarine-launched missile. The photo also shows a diagram of a 3-stage missile called "Hwasong-13."
• Kim Jong Un Shows Little Interest in Diplomacy August 24, 2017 - VOA News - Brian Padden - SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — The prospect of reaching any diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear threat remains unclear as its leader Kim Jong Un has shown little willingness to compromise with adversaries in Washington or even to engage with allies in Beijing.
• Kim Jong Un Inspects Chemical Material Institute of Academy of Defense Science Pyongyang, August 23 (KCNA) - Kim Jong Un, learned about the processes for manufacturing ICBM warhead tip and solid-fuel rocket engine. He instructed the institute to produce more solid-fuel rocket engines and rocket warhead tips by further expanding engine production process and the production capacity of rocket warhead tips and engine jets by carbon/carbon compound material.
• North Korea leader orders production of more rocket engines, warhead tips Press TV - 23 August 2017 - One of the photos showed a diagram for a missile called “Pukguksong-3,” which appeared to be the latest in its series. “The Pukguksong-3 is definitely new,” said Michael Duitsman, a research associate at the Center for Non-Proliferation Studies. The diagram suggested that the Pukguksong-3 might be designed to fly farther and to be launched from protective canisters, which allow missiles to be transported more easily and makes them more difficult to locate and destroy in advance.
• Credible Threat’: North Korean Photos Hint at Next-Gen Ballistic Missiles 22:13 23.08.2017 - North Korea’s state media has released photos that hint at their development of the Pukguksong-3 missile, an improved version of North Korea’s first solid fuel ballistic missile, and the next Hwasong missile, an improvement on Pyongyang’s first successful long-range missile.
• Kiev Finds No Evidence of Ukraine's Involvement in N Korean Missile Program Sputnik 22 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine's working group studying the New York Times article on Kiev's involvement in the acquisition of missile technologies by North Korea has confirmed that the country was not involved in the alleged transfer, according to a report of the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to President Petro Poroshenko.
• DPRK envoy warns China to make the right choice People's Daily 22 Aug 2017 -- The DPRK's Envoy to China, Park Myung Ho, held a press conference on Tuesday at the country's embassy in Beijing. He criticized US Vice President Mike Pence's urging of Latin American countries - Brazil, Chile, Peru and Mexico - to cut ties with DPRK.
• U.S. military commanders hold rare press conference in S.Korea on DPRK issues People's Daily 22 Aug 2017 -- Top commanding generals of the United States on Tuesday held a rare press conference in South Korea to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the defense of its ally, South Korea, against nuclear and missile threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• DPRK military says U.S. drills could turn into war People's Daily 22 Aug 2017 -- The army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Tuesday that U.S.-South Korean military drills could result in an outbreak of war.
• US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Russian entities over North Korea Press TV 22 Aug 2017 -- The US Treasury Department has unveiled a fresh round of sanctions over North Korea's nuclear program, this time targeting new Chinese and Russian entities.
• North Korea says weapons program justifiable in face of threats Press TV 22 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has declared that it will not step back an inch from its nuclear program and other weapons development plans, saying it is fully justifiable in the face of threats of attack against the country.
• North Korea condemns US-South Korean wargames Press TV 22 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has warned that the ongoing military drills between the South and the US could trigger a "nuclear war" in the region, vowing a "merciless strike" against American territories.
• Ukraine Rejects Claims It Supplied Rocket Engines To North Korea RFE/RL 22 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has rejected reports that Kyiv supplied missile technology to North Korea, saying that such claims amounted to Russian disinformation.
• U.S. Hits Russians, Chinese With New Sanctions Over North Korea RFE/RL 22 Aug 2017 -- The United States has imposed new economic sanctions against a series of Chinese and Russian companies and individuals, accusing them of aiding the North Korean regime and its missile and nuclear programs.
• Reports: Kim Jong-un Secretly Visits Border Troops to Check Readiness Sputnik 22 Aug 2017 -- Reports surfaced Tuesday indicating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a secret visit to a military unit near the inter-Korean border earlier this month, prompting South Korea to shore up its defenses against a possible provocation.
• North Korea Showed Restraint in Missile Tests After UN Sanctions - Tillerson Sputnik 22 Aug 2017 -- According to the US secretary of state, North Korea shows restraint in missile tests after the newly imposed UN Security Council sanctions.
• Treasury Targets Chinese and Russian Entities and Individuals Supporting the North Korean Regime U.S. Department of the Treasury 22 Aug 2017 -- OFAC Designates 16 for Activities Related to Support of North Korea's Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs, Energy Trade, Labor Exports, and Sanctions Evasion
• S Korean President Warns of Dangerous Fallout From Any US-N Korea Conflict Sputnik 21 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in believes that even a minor conflict between Washington and Pyongyang may threaten the lives of South Koreans and foreigners, including the US forces stationed on the Korean peninsula, a presidential spokesman said on Monday.
• North Korea Warns Australia That Aiding US Would Be 'Suicidal Act' Sputnik 22 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has warned Australia against committing a "suicidal act" by supporting the US and South Korea should those countries attack Pyongyang.
• DPRK says increasing coal production to fend off sanctions People's Daily 21 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Monday that it is increasing coal production to fend off international sanctions.
• North Korea warns US, South against joint drill Press TV 20 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has warned the United States and South Korea against holding a planned joint military drill in the region amid the current high tensions.
• Pyongyang: US, South Korean Military Drills Pushing Peninsula 'Into Nuclear War' Sputnik 20 Aug 2017 -- Joint military exercises by the US and South Korea are only "adding fuel to the fire" on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang said on Sunday.
• Info of Ukraine Selling Rocket Engines to N Korea 'Sounds Reasonable' Sputnik News 19.08.2017 - The United States has intelligence that the engines that power North Korean ballistic missiles allegedly came from Ukraine. In an interview with Sputnik, Polish journalist Janusz Niedzwiedzki said that US media reports to this effect “sound quite reasonable.”
• N Korea Redirects Coal Exports From China to Evade Sanctions - Classified Report Sputnik News 19.08.2017 - North Korea has established coal exports to countries in Southeast Asia in avoidance of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions aimed at curbing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile program, a classified UN report obtained by Kyodo News Agency showed
• North Korea to UN: Nuclear program non-negotiable Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has informed the United Nations that its nuclear program is not negotiable as long as the United States continues its "hostile policy and nuclear threat" toward Pyongyang.
• Russia, China Warn U.S. Against Military Conflict With North Korea RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- Russia joined with China on August 17 in urging the United States not to take military action against North Korea, saying the escalating threats of war being traded between Washington and Pyongyang could reach the "point of no return."
• Amid Protests, China Enforces Tougher Sanctions Against North Korea VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- Seafood importers in northeastern China took to the streets as they watched frozen product melt in trucks blocked from crossing the country's border with North Korea, after Beijing began enforcing a new round of economic sanctions.
• US Affirms Readiness to Defend Itself, Allies Against N. Korea VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. officials said the United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Asian allies in the wake of threats from North Korea, while indicating diplomacy "has to be backed by a strong military consequence."
• White House Aide Bannon says No Military Solution in North Korea VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's chief White House strategist, Stephen Bannon, says there is no military solution to ending the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons development, even though Trump has vowed to meet any Pyongyang aggression with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."
• Any US military action on North Korea must have South's consent: Moon Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in says any US military action against North Korea must be taken with Seoul's prior consent, adding that the United States has agreed to consult South Korea before taking any military measure on the Korean Peninsula.
• Moon says there will never be war on Korean Peninsula for 'certain' People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday said there will never be war on the Korean Peninsula for "certain," and vowed to accelerate his efforts to reform the nation and overcome security and economic difficulties facing the country, during a news conference marking his first 100 days in office.
• Tensions ease on peninsula, ministry says People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Senior diplomats have embarked on a new round of talks to tackle the simmering tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with frequent phone conversations taking place in the past 48 hours to exchange views among the major parties involved.
• South Korea: Trump Promises Not to Attack North Without South's Consent VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in Thursday said he has received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington would not launch any attack against North Korea without Seoul's approval.
• Dunford: North Korean Threat Can Be Peacefully Resolved AFPS 17 Aug 2017 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff believes that the diplomatic and economic pressure campaign aimed at North Korea is making progress and the odds are improving that the nuclear and ballistic missile issues can be solved peacefully, he said today.
• China stresses dialogue on Korean Peninsula issues People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- A senior Chinese military official on Thursday said that dialogue is the only effective way to solve issues regarding the Korean Peninsula.
• N Korea, US Should Step Up Efforts to Settle Korean Crisis - Beijing Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, North Korea and the United States should make more of an effort to settle the perilous situation over Pyongyang's nuclear program.
• US State Dept: North Korea Arrests and Tortures Thousands for Religion Practices Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- According to a new report by the US State Department, the North Korean government has abused, tortured and executed those accused of engaging in religious practices, especially Christianity. The DPRK is perennially accused of harshly persecuting those who privately practice their religion.
• Top US General Meets Chinese President Xi to Discuss N. Korean Threat VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- The United States' top general says the United States and South Korea will proceed with joint military drills next week, resisting pressure from China and North Korea to halt the annual exercises.
• Chinese general says military measures must not become an option on Korean peninsula People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, said that military measures must not become an option on the Korean Peninsula, at his meeting with visiting Gen. Joseph Dunford in Beijing on Thursday.
• Rogozin: Ukraine Could Have Sold Missile Engines Directly to North Korea Sputnik 16 Aug 2017 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday it is possible that either details about Ukrainian missile engine technologies were leaked to North Korea or Kiev sold the engines to Pyongyang directly.
• Ukraine Scrambles to Quash Fallout From North Korea Allegations VOA 16 Aug 2017 -- Ukrainian officials and analysts were quick to deny allegations that the Soviet-era Yuzhmash arms factory was a likely source of engine technology used in North Korea's missiles and to redirect suspicions to Russia.
• Dunford Stresses Diplomacy, Sanctions for North Korea in Talks With Chinese AFPS 16 Aug 2017 -- U.S. and Chinese defense officials are pulling no punches as they discuss issues of concern to both countries, including the problem posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
• China, Russia warn against use of force against North Korea People's Daily 16 Aug 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday noted that no one should be permitted to stir up tensions on China and Russia's doorstep, calling for a peaceful settlement to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
• Report: North Korea Makes Own Rocket Engines, Does Not Need Ukraine Technology RFE/RL 16 Aug 2017 -- The Reuters news agency is quoting U.S. intelligence officials as saying they believe North Korea can produce its own missile engines and does not need to import the technology from Ukraine.
• As tensions on Korean Peninsula grow, UN chief urges world to 'dial up' diplomacy UN News 16 Aug 2017 -- Addressing the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today said it was important "to dial down rhetoric and dial up diplomacy."
• Trump: North Korea 'Wise' to Postpone Missile Launch Toward Guam VOA 16 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made "a very wise and well reasoned decision" to postpone a plan to launch missiles toward the shores of the U.S. territory of Guam.
• Defector: UN Sanctions Would Play Havoc With North Korean Economy VOA 16 Aug 2017 -- The impact of the latest round of U.N. sanctions leveled against North Korea could be greater than the projected $1 billion cut in its export revenue if fully implemented, a high-profile North Korean defector told VOA's Korean Service, and this would deal a significant financial blow to a regime intent on advancing its nuclear and missile programs.
• UN Chief Urges Political Solution on North Korea Nukes VOA 16 Aug 2017 -- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said a political solution must be found to the North Korean nuclear issue, because the potential consequences of military action "are too horrific to even contemplate."
• Ukrainian PM Says Transfers of Missile Technology to North Korea 'Impossible' Sputnik 15 Aug 2017 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman denied on Tuesday reports suggesting a possible transfer of Ukraine's military technologies for ballistic missiles to North Korea.
• Tillerson says US still interested in dialogue with N Korea Press TV 15 Aug 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says that Washington remains ready for talks after North Korea postponed a threat to fire missiles into the waters near Guam.
• China reiterates calls for restraint in Korean Peninsula standoff Press TV 15 Aug 2017 -- China urges all sides to put out fire and maintain restraint on the Korean Peninsula as a war of words has increasingly ratcheted up between North Korea and the United States in recent weeks.
• North Korea delays Guam strike plan amid global calls for peace Press TV 15 Aug 2017 -- Amid global calls for calm, North Korea's leader has decided to halt a plan to launch missiles towards the US Pacific territory of Guam, warning, however, that his country will stay fire-ready while keeping a close eye on Washington's actions.
• US Satellites Allegedly Spot North Korean Missile Launchers Moving Into Position Sputnik 15 Aug 2017 -- US observation satellites have apparently spotted North Korean missiles being moved into position for what may be another launch – a move that may further escalate the already volatile situation in the region.
• Beijing Hopes Seoul, Pyongyang to Reduce Tensions on Korean Peninsula Sputnik 15 Aug 2017 -- China hopes that both North and South Korea will be able to make concerted and decisive efforts in the direction necessary to break the current deadlock, and allow for a return to peaceful dialogue and consultations, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying.
• Signs of Diplomacy Appear as North Korea Delays Guam Missile Test VOA 15 Aug 2017 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Tuesday appeared to postpone a plan to fire missiles toward Guam, a move that could help defuse the potential for imminent conflict, and give new momentum to reported behind the scenes efforts underway to find a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
• Kiev in immediate denial of reports that N. Korea used Ukrainian engines for missile 'success' RT 14 Aug 2017 -- Western experts have suggested that Pyongyang's "astounding progress" with its missile program might be directly linked to an illegal acquisition of engines produced by a Ukrainian factory. Kiev appeared to be extremely infuriated with the reports, with top officials and agencies releasing official disclaimers.
• Ukraine denies supplying missile technology to North Korea Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine says it has never supplied defense technology to North Korea as tensions have increasingly ratcheted up between the North and the US in recent weeks.
• Ukraine Denies Supplying North Korea With Missile Technology, Alleges Russia To Blame RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- An anxious Kyiv has denied a story in The New York Times quoting an expert as saying North Korea may have obtained rocket engines from a Ukrainian state-run factory known as Yuzhmash, and instead alleges Russia is to blame.
• Report on Ukraine Military Supplies to DPRK 'Does Not Suggest Kiev Involvement' Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The report claiming that North Korea acquired military technology from Ukraine does not suggest that the government in Kiev or KB Yuzhnoye executives were involved, a representative from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) press office told Sputnik on Monday.
• Pentagon Declines to Comment on Reports of Ukraine Selling Arms to N Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The US Department of Defense declined to comment on reports of Ukraine selling military technology to North Korea.
• Ukraine Security Council Denies Reports of Arms Supplies to N Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine's military and industrial sector did not supply North Korea with arms and military technologies, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said Monday.
• China announces ban on several imports from DPRK People's Daily 14 Aug 2017 -- China will ban all imports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting from August 15, announced China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday.
• China Imposes Ban on Imports From North Korea, Yields to Trump's Calls Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- China is introducing a ban on imports of some goods from North Korea in line with a UN Security Council resolution, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said Monday.
• China to halt iron, seafood imports from North Korea as part of UN bans Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- China is set to stop importing iron and seafood from North Korea as it moves to implement the new sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Pyongyang over its missile and nuclear programs.
• US military ready to use 'full range' of capabilities against N Korea: Dunford Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- The American military is prepared to use the "full range" of its capabilities to defend the United States and its allies from a possible North Korean attack, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford has said.
• Mattis, Tillerson make US stance on North Korea more confusing Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- The heads of US State and Defense Departments, Rex Tillerson and James Mattis, say they are pushing for a "peaceful pressure campaign" on North Korea, breaking with President Donald Trump who has warned Pyongyang of "fire and fury" amid an ongoing standoff.
• U.S. Ready To Use 'Full Range' Of Capabilities Against North Korea, If Needed RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff has told South Korea's president that the United States is prepared to use all of the military capabilities it possesses to defend against North Korea, a spokesman said.
• Nobody Wants War With North Korea, But Military Stands Ready - US Joint Chiefs Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Speaking from the capital of South Korea, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs Gen. Joe Dunford said that despite the fact some 28,000 US troops stationed in South Korea are prepared for combat at a moment's notice, "it would be a horrible thing were a war to be conducted here on the [Korean] peninsula."
• Spotted Seals, Gifts for Kids, Photo Restrictions: Peculiar Trip to North Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Follow in the footsteps of a Sputnik correspondent to experience an unusual journey to the North Korean special economic zone of Rason and to find out about unusual restrictions on taking photographs, as well as to learn why tourists shouldn't throw away the magazines they bring to Rason.
• S Korea Says Pyongyang Unlikely to Strike Guam, But It's Technically Possible Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- North Korea is extremely unlikely to implement its threats to fire four intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) into waters off of the island of Guam, even though Pyongyang is technically capable of conducting such an attack, South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo said Monday.
• N Korean leader playing dangerous game with US: McMaster Press TV 13 Aug 2017 -- US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is playing a very dangerous game with the United States.
• More Than 10,000 North Koreans Given US Visas in Past 20 Years VOA 13 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. has issued more than 10,000 visas to North Koreans in the past 20 years, including 18 from March to June this year, a Voice of America analysis of visa records shows.
• Top US General Focusing on Diplomacy for N. Korea, but Preparing Military Options VOA 13 Aug 2017 -- The top U.S. general is on the Korean Peninsula as annual U.S. and South Korean military exercises risk further increasing tensions with North Korea.
• All people are rising up to retaliate against the US: North Korea Press TV 12 Aug 2017 -- Pyongyang has claimed that at least 3.5 million people have joined the North Korean army to defend the country in the case of a war with the US.
• Xi urges restraint over DPRK tensions in phone talk with Trump People's Daily 12 Aug 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Saturday discussed bilateral ties and the situation on the Korean Peninsula on phone.
• Chinese leader urges Trump for restraint on N Korean nuclear issue Press TV 12 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have discussed escalated tensions regarding North Korea.
• Xi Urges Trump To Avoid Escalation In North Korea Rhetoric RFE/RL 12 Aug 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone call to avoid "words and deeds" that would "exacerbate" the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula, state television reported on August 12.
• Trump, Chinese President Discuss 'Dangerous' North Korea Situation VOA 12 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated their mutual commitment to denuclearize the Korean peninsula during a telephone conversation Friday, the White House said in a statement.
• DPRK accuses U.S., Japan of tightening military alliance People's Daily 11 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday accused the United States and Japan of reckless behavior, saying the two are strengthening their military alliance.
• Trump says maybe his warning to DPRK "wasn't tough enough" People's Daily 11 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated his threat to the Democratic People' s Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying maybe his previous warning "wasn't tough enough."
• US, North Korea warned against escalating rhetoric Press TV 11 Aug 2017 -- The United States and North Korea have been warned against escalating rhetoric and making threats against one another.
• Military option with North Korea 'locked and loaded': Trump Press TV 11 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has said a military option against North Korea is "locked and loaded," ratcheting up his war of words against the Asian nation.
• Trump says 'fire and fury' comment on North Korea 'wasn't tough enough' Press TV 11 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has issued another provocative warning to North Korea, declaring that his threat to unleash "fire and fury" on the country was not "tough enough," as tensions mount between the two nations over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile program.
• Trump Says Military Option Against North Korea 'Locked And Loaded' RFE/RL 11 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said a military option against North Korea was "locked and loaded," in the latest escalation of rhetorical brinkmanship between the two nations.
• US State Dept. Tones Down Trump's Rhetoric on N Korea as Tensions Escalate Sputnik 11 Aug 2017 -- North Korea must first stop its pursuit of nuclear tipped missiles before any dialogue can take place to avoid a looming US military threat that was signaled by President Donald Trump earlier on Friday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia Patrick Murphy told reporters.
• China Urges US, N Korea to Stay Balanced in Korean Peninsula Crisis Sputnik 11 Aug 2017 -- China hopes that the United States and North Korea will be cautious in their words and actions and will do more to alleviate tensions on the Korean peninsula, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday.
• Trump: Military 'Locked and Loaded' Should North Korea Take Military Action VOA 11 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has issued yet another warning to North Korea, saying the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" and prepared to retaliate against Pyongyang if initiates warfare against the U.S.
• S. Korea urges DPRK to stop threatening rhetoric People's Daily 10 Aug 2017 -- South Korea on Thursday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to stop letting out a threatening rhetoric that runs against the consensus of the international community.
• Trump Stiffens Resolve Against North Korea VOA 10 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump stiffened his resolve against North Korea Thursday, saying that if Pyongyang initiates warfare "things will happen to them like they never thought possible."
• Trump Faces Crisis on North Korea Amid Sliding Polls VOA 10 Aug 2017 -- President Donald Trump is facing his greatest foreign policy challenge to date in dealing with a nuclear-potent North Korea. But the test comes at a difficult time politically for the president. Recent polls show that Trump's standing at home has weakened because of doubts about his leadership and his stalled domestic agenda.
• North Korea Finalizing Test Missile Launches Aimed Toward Guam VOA 10 Aug 2017 -- North Korea said Thursday it is finalizing a plan to launch a salvo of four ballistic missiles off the shores of the U.S. territory of Guam, the newest provocation in the war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.
• DPRK slams Japan for "hyping up threats" from Pyongyang People's Daily 10 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday slammed Japan for "hyping up threats" from the DPRK over its nuclear and missile program.
• N.Korea "seriously examining" Guam missile strike plan amid Pyongyang-Washington row People's Daily 10 Aug 2017 -- North Korea on Thursday renewed its hard-bitten rhetoric amid the Pyongyang-Washington wrangle, as it announced that it is "seriously" examining a plan for an enveloping strike on Guam to signal a "crucial warning" to the United States.
• DPRK military says plan to strike Guam to be ready by mid-August People's Daily 10 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) military has said that its plan to strike Guam with intermediate missiles will be ready by mid-August and its implementation will depend on a decision by DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency said Thursday.
• Maybe 'fire and fury' warning to North Korea 'wasn't tough enough' Press TV 10 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has issued another apocalyptic warning to North Korea, saying his previous threat to hit the country with American "fire and fury" maybe "wasn't tough enough."
• Trump administration faces deep divisions over North Korea threat, analysts say Press TV 10 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump's "fire and fury" warning to North Korea rattled US allies and adversaries alike and prompted senior American officials to send mixed signals on Pyongyang, a sign of ongoing deep divisions in the Trump administration.
• Plans to fire missiles at Guam ready by mid-August: North Korea Press TV 10 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has announced that it will develop plans by mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles at the US territory of Guam.
• Trump Says Warning To North Korea 'Maybe Wasn't Tough Enough' RFE/RL 10 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said his comments that North Korea "will be met with fire and fury" if it threatened the United States again may not have been "tough enough."
• Democrats in US Congress Urge Tillerson to Moderate Trump Rhetoric on N. Korea Sputnik 10 Aug 2017 -- Sixty-four Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress are seeking help from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to tone down President Donald Trump's threats of military action against North Korea, according to a copy of a letter released on Thursday.
• 'Strong and Resolute': South Korea, Japan Issue 'Stern Warning' to North Korea Sputnik 10 Aug 2017 -- South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their support for the US on Thursday following North Korea's announcement that they are considering a ballistic missile attack against Andersen Air Force Base on the US island territory of Guam in Micronesia.
• Pentagon Hopes for Diplomatic Solution on N. Korea, But Has Military Options Sputnik 10 Aug 2017 -- The US Defense Department is hoping for a diplomatic solution that would halt North Korea's quest for a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States, but has military solutions ready if ordered to act, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said in a press briefing on Thursday.
• North Korea Threatens Attack Plan for Guam by Mid-August VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- North Korean state media on Wednesday quoted General Kim Rak Gyom as saying Pyongyang was "about to take" military action targeting the U.S. western Pacific territory of Guam, home to sizable U.S. Air Force and Navy facilities.
• UN Diplomats Mull Options on North Korea VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- On Saturday, August 5, the U.N. Security Council unanimously increased international pressure on North Korea, imposing the toughest sanctions to date on the rogue nation to compel it to stop pursuing nuclear and ballistic weapons.
• Trump: US Nuclear Arsenal 'More Powerful than Ever Before' VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, in the midst of an exchange of bellicose threats with North Korea, declared Wednesday that the United States' nuclear arsenal "is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before."
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis DoD 09 Aug 2017
• DPRK releases jailed Canadian man People's Daily 09 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday released on humanitarian grounds a Canadian man who was serving life sentence for alleged anti-DPRK activities, according to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
• DPRK warns of preemptive strikes against Guam after Trump threatens "fire and fury" People's Daily 09 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has warned of making preemptive strikes against the U.S. military base of Guam in the Pacific, after two U.S. strategic bombers were sent again Tuesday to South Korea to stage mock nuclear bomb droppings on DPRK strategic targets, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Wednesday.
• China warns against escalation in North Korea dispute Press TV 09 Aug 2017 -- China has warned parties to the dispute on North Korea's weapons program that any escalation in rhetoric could further complicate the situation.
• Tillerson, In Guam, Urges Calm On North Korea, Says No Imminent Threat RFE/RL 09 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has urged calm after North Korea and President Donald Trump traded threats, saying Americans should have "no concerns."
• US-North Korea Showdown Comes With Catastrophic Risk VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- In the best case scenario, a limited U.S. pre-emptive strike on a North Korean missile launch site or nuclear facility would not seriously degrade its capabilities, but may convince the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, to seek dialogue rather than risk a war he knows he cannot win, analysts say.
• North Korea Releases Canadian Pastor VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has released a Canadian pastor who had been serving a life sentence since 2015 over allegations of crimes against the state, North Korean state media reported.
• North Korea 'Examining Plans' to Launch Missile Strikes Against US Bases on Guam VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- Elected officials in Guam are reassuring constituents that the U.S. territory is safe following North Korea's claim that it is examining its plan for "making an enveloping fire" around the strategically important Pacific island.
• Trump Warns of 'Fire and Fury' for North Korea if Threats Don't Stop VOA 08 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stark warning to North Korea, saying if Pyongyang continued its threats against the United States, "they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."
• Report: US Concludes North Korea Has Miniaturized a Nuclear Warhead VOA 08 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. is reported to have concluded that North Korea has successfully built a miniaturized nuclear warhead it could fit inside its missiles in what could be a major weapons breakthrough for the reclusive communist nation.
• Trump urges nations to be 'tough & decisive' against North Korea Press TV 08 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has praised the United Nations for addressing North Korea's missile and nuclear program, urging countries to increase their efforts in dealing with the threat posed by the North amid rising tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.
• China Says It Will Pay Price To Enforce North Korean Sanctions RFE/RL 08 Aug 2017 -- China stands to lose the most from new United Nations sanctions against North Korea because of its close economic ties with the country, but is prepared to pay the price, Beijing's foreign minister has said.
• Trump: North Korean Threats 'Will Be Met With Fire & Fury' Sputnik 08 Aug 2017 -- Pyongyang "best not make any more threats to the US," US President Donald Trump told the press pool in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Tuesday, as any attempts at intimidation "will be met with fire & fury -- and frankly power -- the likes of which the world has never seen before."
• US Officials Think North Korea Can Put Nuclear Weapon on Missile Sputnik 08 Aug 2017 -- US intelligence officials assesses North Korea has produced nuclear weapons for ballistic missile delivery, to include delivery by ICBM-class missiles, according to media reports.
• Trump Calls for International Toughness, Decisiveness on North Korea Sputnik 08 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump said that World's countries should be tough and decisive addressing threats posed by North Korea.
• China Ready to Pay Price for Sanctions Against N Korea for Stability in Region Sputnik 08 Aug 2017 -- China as the main trade partner of North Korea is ready to pay high price for the new UN Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang for the sake of denuclearization and stabilization on the Korean peninsula, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
• Russia Convinced No Alternative to Resuming Political Process on North Korea Sputnik 08 Aug 2017 -- Russia is convinced there is no alternative to resumption of political process on issue of North Korea, Moscow is ready to continue dialogue with Pyongyang, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• S. Korean president urges DPRK to come to dialogue table after UN resolution adoption People's Daily 07 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to come to a dialogue table following the UN Security Council's unanimous adoption of a resolution toughening sanctions on Pyongyang.
• North Korea Rejects Calls to Halt Nuclear Weapons Development VOA 07 Aug 2017 -- North Korea vowed Monday to persist in its nuclear weapons development program, rejecting calls from the international community to rein in its aggressive military actions.
• Trump's 'Maximum Pressure' North Korea Policy Gains Support in Seoul VOA 07 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in is voicing strong support for the U.S. policy of maximum pressure against North Korea, after Pyongyang rejected his outreach efforts as "insincere."
• DPRK rejects new UNSC resolution People's Daily 07 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday rejected the new United Nations Security Council resolution on its nuclear and missile program.
• DPRK says no intention to use nuke weapons against any country except U.S. People's Daily 07 Aug 2017 -- The foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Ri Hong-Yo, said on Monday that his country has no intention to use nuclear weapons against any other country except the United States.
• S. Korea, Japan leaders talk over phone on Korean Peninsula issues People's Daily 07 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks over the phone on the Korean Peninsula issues, Moon's office said Monday.
• North Korea threatens 'severe' revenge on US if attacked Press TV 07 Aug 2017 -- North Korea says it is ready to teach the United States a "severe lesson" with its strategic nuclear force if Washington dares opt for military action against Pyongyang.
• Philippine capital hosts high-level talks on North Korea Press TV 07 Aug 2017 -- Foreign ministers of North and South Korea have briefly met on the sidelines of a regional summit in the Philippines amid international pressure on Pyongyang to stop its nuclear and missile programs.
• South Korea, U.S. Agree To Step Up Pressure on North RFE/RL 07 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed in a telephone call on August 7 to apply maximum pressure and sanctions on North Korea, as Pyongyang defiantly vowed to bolster its nuclear arsenal.
• US Handles North Korea Crisis Like 'Spoiled Child' - Moscow Sputnik 07 Aug 2017 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the US resembles a temperamental, "spoiled child" when it assigns other nations the responsibility of tackling the North Korean nuclear crisis.
• N Korea Denounces UN Sanctions, Denies Talks on Nuclear Issue Due to US Threat Sputnik 07 Aug 2017 -- North Korea denounces the UN Security Council resolution with new sanctions as a violation of its sovereignty and denies to hold talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement by the country's government published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
• US, S. Korean Presidents Say N. Korea Poses Growing Threat to Global Security Sputnik 07 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the two leaders called the North Korea a growing threat to the global security, the White House press service said Sunday.
• N. Korean Foreign Minister Denies Seoul Initiatives to Normalize Relations Sputnik 07 Aug 2017 -- North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho held a short meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and denied Seoul's recent initiatives aimed at normalization of the bilateral relations, media reported Monday citing its source.
• Trump praises China, Russia for helping with North Korea sanctions Press TV 06 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has expressed his appreciation to Russia and China for voting in favor of the United Nations' new sanctions against North Korea, the White House says.
• After voting for sanctions, China tells North Korea to act 'smart' Press TV 06 Aug 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged North Korea to act "smart," following the imposition of harsh sanctions on Pyongyang by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which includes North Korean ally Beijing.
• China: Situation 'critical' after new North Korea sanctions Press TV 06 Aug 2017 -- China says the situation in the Korean Peninsula is now at a "critical juncture" after the UN Security Council on Saturday approved new US-drafted sanctions on North Korea.
• US preparing for 'preemptive war' against North Korea: McMaster Press TV 06 Aug 2017 -- The United States is preparing for all options, including a "preemptive war," to stop North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, says White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.
• Japan's Foreign Ministry Urges ASEAN to Increase Pressure on N Korea Sputnik 06 Aug 2017 -- Japan urges the ASEAN to the increase of pressure on North Korea amid its nuclear and weapons program, the deputy press secretary of the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
• Escalation on Korean Peninsula Due to US Military Buildup Unacceptable - Lavrov Sputnik 06 Aug 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during their meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN forum in Manila that the escalation of tensions resulting from the US military buildup in the Korean Peninsula is unacceptable.
• China Urges All Sides in N Korean Crisis to Act Responsively After Sanctions Sputnik 06 Aug 2017 -- The Chinese foreign minister called on all sides of the North Korean crisis to act responsively to avoid escalation.
• China Presses North Korea to Halt Missile and Nuclear Tests VOA 06 Aug 2017 -- China pressed North Korea on Sunday to halt its missile and nuclear tests, saying Pyongyang should not "provoke international society's goodwill."
• UN Security Council slaps new sanctions on DPRK over missile launch People's Daily 06 Aug 2017 -- China has urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to abide by UN Security Council resolutions after the council imposed new sanctions on the country over its recent missile launches.
• UNSC votes unanimously for stricter anti-North Korea sanctions Press TV 05 Aug 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted in favor of a US-drafted resolution significantly bolstering its anti-North Korea sanctions.
• UN Security Council toughens sanctions on DPR Korea over ballistic missile launches UN News 05 Aug 2017 -- In response to the launches of ballistic missiles of possible intercontinental range by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United Nations Security Council today moved to strengthen sanctions on the Northeast Asian country's exports.
• South Korean FM says open to meeting North Korean counterpart Press TV 05 Aug 2017 -- South Korea's new foreign minister has expressed readiness to meet and discuss inter-Korean issues with her North Korean counterpart on the sidelines of a security summit in the Philippines.
• North Korea blasts unilateral US bans on states as 'anachronistic' Press TV 05 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has blasted the United States for its "anachronistic" efforts to impose unilateral sanctions on sovereign states as well as enforcing a "childish" travel ban on Americans wishing to visit the Asian country.
• ASEAN ministers to hold discussions on DPRK People's Daily 04 Aug 2017 -- ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss on Friday ways to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which has continued its nuclear program despite international condemnation, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.
• DPRK says leaving its door open to U.S. visitors People's Daily 04 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday slammed the United States for issuing a travel ban on the country, adding that U.S. visitors "of good will" are welcome to the country, state-run media reported.
• No agreement on North Korea sanctions: Russia Press TV 04 Aug 2017 -- Russia says no agreement has been reached among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on a draft resolution against North Korea.
• You're 'Hopeless': North Korea Calls New US Sanctions a Waste of Energy Sputnik 04 Aug 2017 -- North Korea said Thursday that the US was "wasting its energy" by adopting unilateral sanctions against them, saying the move only increases Pyongyang's "stamina" and further justifies their nuclear weapons development.
• China on Possible US Sanctions: Beijing Didn't Trigger North Korea Problem Sputnik 04 Aug 2017 -- All concerned parties have to join efforts to alleviate the Korean Peninsula crisis as China alone is not responsible for aggravating the conflict, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told Sputnik, commenting on reports of the US working on a set of trade restrictions against Beijing allegedly turning a blind eye to Pyongyang amassing military force.
• N Korean Foreign Ministry Slams New US Travel Ban for Pyongyang Sputnik 04 Aug 2017 -- The North Korean Foreign Ministry condemns to severe criticism the US travel ban.
• US Leads Move to Impose New UN Sanctions on North Korea VOA 04 Aug 2017 -- The United States is seeking the quick adoption of a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that would deprive North Korea of $1 billion a year in revenue that helps fuel its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile program.
• U.S. causes confusion with mixed messages on North Korea in the run up to ASEAN forum ARIRANG 03 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has said that Washington will not be looking to hold direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in order to denuclearize the regime and that the right strategy doesn't involve "engaging North Korea directly."
• DPRK slams US for escalating its military threat People's Daily 03 Aug 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday slammed the United States for escalating military threat, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
• China welcomes Washington's peaceful approach to N Korea Press TV 03 Aug 2017 -- China has expressed a positive response to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's assurance that Washington does not seek to topple the North Korean government and is looking forward to resolve standing issues with Pyongyang through dialog.
• US issues ban on traveling to North Korea Press TV 03 Aug 2017 -- The United States has issued a ban prohibiting its citizens traveling to North Korea, following the death of an American national who was imprisoned in the Asian country over espionage charges.
• U.S. mulls dispatching 2 aircraft carriers to Korean Peninsula: S.Korean media People's Daily 02 Aug 2017 -- The United States was mulling dispatching two aircraft carriers to the Korean Peninsula in an apparent show of force following the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s test-launch of what it called an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday.
• Trump signs sanctions bill targeting Russia, Iran, North Korea Press TV 02 Aug 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has reluctantly signed into law a bill by Congress that imposes new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea, according to the White House.
• Trump Signs New Sanctions On Russia, Iran, North Korea; Calls Measure 'Significantly Flawed' RFE/RL 02 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law new legislation imposing further sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea but called the bill "significantly flawed" and signaled that he might not fully implement the sanctions.
• U.S. not blaming China for Korean Peninsula nuclear issue: Tillerson People's Daily 02 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not blame China for the Korean Peninsula nuclear conundrum.
• U.S. would like to have dialogue with DPRK at some point: U.S. top diplomat People's Daily 02 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday that the United States would like to have dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at some point.
• US Secretary of State to North Korea: 'We are Not Your Enemy' VOA 01 Aug 2017 -- America's top envoy is sending a message to North Korea that "we are not your enemy," while the White House continues to assert that all options remain on the table to halt Pyongyang's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.
• North Korea Lacks Technology to Strike US Mainland, Analysts Say VOA 01 Aug 2017 -- North Korea still lacks a key technology needed to deliver a nuclear weapon to the U.S. mainland, according to analysts, who nevertheless acknowledge the intercontinental ballistic missile that the North launched last week marked a significant milestone for Pyongyang's military program.
• Sen. Graham says Trump ready to go to war with North Korea Press TV 01 Aug 2017 -- A Republican senator says US President Donald Trump would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile.
• North Korea can hit most of US: Intel officials Press TV 01 Aug 2017 -- North Korea's missiles are capable of hitting targets across most of the United States, American intelligence officials claim, citing evidence from Pyongyang's latest missile test.
• China rejects Trump's criticism over North Korea Press TV 01 Aug 2017 -- China slams US President Donald Trump for pointing the finger of blame at Beijing over the North Korean military program, calling on all sides to make joint efforts towards the resolution of the issue.
• Russia, China Hit Back After U.S. Criticizes Them Over North Korea Crisis RFE/RL 01 Aug 2017 -- Russia and China hit back at the United States on July 31 after U.S. leaders blamed them for not doing enough to rein in North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
• Pentagon Detects North Korean Submarine Activity, Ejection Tests - Reports Sputnik 01 Aug 2017 -- The US Defense Department detected highly unusual levels of North Korean submarine activity just days after Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), media reported.