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Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
North Korea Ignores Trump's Overtures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. North Korea continues to give the United States the cold shoulder, despite President Donald Trump's apparent willingness to resume dialogue with the country's supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. State media has branded Washington a "hostile force" after Trump expressed confidence in his ability to end a potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Why It Matters Trump claims to have considerable leverage over Kim, citing their correspondence during his first term in office. During this period, he also met with Kim face-to-face in a failed effort to entice the North Korean leader to draw down his regime's United Nations-sanctioned nuclear weapons program, which Pyongyang claims is necessary to deter aggression by the U.S. and its South Korean ally. The stalled talks sent bilateral ties into a chill, with North Korea moving to enshrine its nuclear weapons capability into its constitution and resuming its ballistic missile launches and bellicose rhetoric that drove up tensions with the South. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in China by email with a request for comment. What To Know Rodong Sinmun, the official mouthpiece of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, took aim at the U.S.—without mentioning it by name—in an editorial published Sunday. "Hostile forces have, for over 10 years, clung to unprecedentedly harsh sanctions and blockades in an attempt to make us abandon the path of self-reliance," the article said. It went on to praise North Korea's continued determination to resist "imperialists," saying that their designs can only be countered by "stockpiling strong power to defend the nation's sovereignty and security." The article was published just two days after Trump touted his "good relationship" with Kim, but did not confirm or deny he had reached out to the North Korean strongman. Trump also expressed confidence he could resolve any conflict that might break out between Pyongyang and Seoul. Because Korean War hostilities ended with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty, the neighbors technically remain in a state of war. Earlier this month, North Korea-focused outlet NK News reported Trump had written a letter to Kim, seeking to open the door for renewed dialogue. According to an "informed high-level source" cited by the outlet, in-person attempts to deliver the letter were rebuffed by staff members of North Korea's U.N. office. What's Next The conditions in which Kim would agree on returning to the negotiating table remain unclear, but analysts widely concur North Korea is unlikely to accept any deal that demands full denuclearization. Meanwhile, Russia's war in Ukraine and heightened tensions in the Middle East in the wake of the war between Iran and Israel are likely to keep North Korea off the White House's list of immediate priorities. What People Have Said Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Friday: "If there is a conflict, I get along with him very, very well. And we'll get the conflict solved. "I've had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un [...] but somebody's saying if there's a potential conflict—I think we'll work it out, and if there is it wouldn't involve us." Andrei Lankov, visiting research fellow for the Seoul-based Sejong Institute think tank, wrote in a June analysis: "Under current circumstances, compared with 2019, North Korea is under much less pressure to engage in negotiations with the United States. "This might mean that the North Korean side will not start where the talks ended in 2019, and will make a few steps back, withdrawing some of their 2019 proposals which might be seen now as excessively generous [...] This might mean that the U.S. delegation would have to accept the conditions it rejected in Hanoi in 2019 or accept the collapse of the talks."
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Photos Over North Korea Reveal Kim's Partially Sunken New Warship
New satellite imagery offers a detailed look at the North Korean destroyer damaged in a failed launch that infuriated Kim Jong Un, who was present during the incident. The 5,000-ton warship appears to be keeled over, stuck on a slideway in the northeast city of Chongjin, and may be partially submerged, analysts say. The destroyer is the second to be constructed following the launch of the Cho Hyon, which North Korea unveiled with much acclaim in late April and which has since begun weapons systems testing. The Kim regime has stepped up efforts to modernize its armed forces, including its United Nations-sanctioned nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile fleet, citing "provocations" by the U.S. and Washington's South Korean and Japanese allies. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in Beijing by email with a request for comment. During Thursday's launch, the bottom of the destroyer's hull was pierced after a transport cradle beneath the stern section slid off and became stuck, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Images supplied to Newsweek by U.S. commercial satellite firm Planet confirmed the ship was resting in an awkward position at Chongjin's Hambuk Shipyard Thursday, partially covered by blue tarpaulins to mask the damage. A high-definition image captured by Germany-based Airbus Defence and Space shows the vessel listing heavily to starboard. "Vessel now covered, but angle consistent with reporting bow got stuck on slideway. It is likely the vessel may be on its side or at least partially submerged," Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "North Korea's admission of failure is rare but would have likely been undeniable once satellite imagery revealed the extent of the 'serious accident,'" he added. The Korean Central News Agency reported: "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a stern assessment, saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism which should never occur and could not be tolerated." Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow at London-based Royal United Services Institute think tank, was quoted by X account Open Source Centre as saying: "The Choe Hyon class represents North Korea's most ambitious naval project to date and its construction was a departure from practice for a navy historically focused on its littorals." Kim called for the destroyer to be restored as soon as possible, setting a deadline for completion ahead of the key June meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee, according to KCNA. He stressed that the issue was not only a practical one but also a political matter tied to state prestige. In a speech delivered in late April, the leader announced plans to begin construction of additional warships in 2026, including a cruiser and various escort vessels. Related Articles North Korea's Kim Could Face War Crimes Charge: Ex-ICC ChiefNorth Korean Ship Damaged on Launch in Blow to Kim's Navy AmbitionsChina and North Korea's Militaries Don't Trust Each Other: US IntelUS Issues Update on North Korea Military Power 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photos Over North Korea Reveal Kim's Partially Sunken New Warship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery offers a detailed look at the North Korean destroyer damaged in a failed launch that infuriated Kim Jong Un, who was present during the incident. The 5,000-ton warship appears to be keeled over, stuck on a slideway in the northeast city of Chongjin, and may be partially submerged, analysts say. An image captured on May 12, 2025, by U.S. commercial satellite company Planet shows North Korea's new navy destroyer prior to its attempted launch on May 21 at Hambuk Shipyard in the northern port city... An image captured on May 12, 2025, by U.S. commercial satellite company Planet shows North Korea's new navy destroyer prior to its attempted launch on May 21 at Hambuk Shipyard in the northern port city of Chongjin. More Planet Labs PBC Why It Matters The destroyer is the second to be constructed following the launch of the Cho Hyon, which North Korea unveiled with much acclaim in late April and which has since begun weapons systems testing. The Kim regime has stepped up efforts to modernize its armed forces, including its United Nations-sanctioned nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile fleet, citing "provocations" by the U.S. and Washington's South Korean and Japanese allies. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in Beijing by email with a request for comment. Drag slider compare photos What To Know During Thursday's launch, the bottom of the destroyer's hull was pierced after a transport cradle beneath the stern section slid off and became stuck, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Images supplied to Newsweek by U.S. commercial satellite firm Planet confirmed the ship was resting in an awkward position at Chongjin's Hambuk Shipyard Thursday, partially covered by blue tarpaulins to mask the damage. A higher-definition image captured by Germany-based Airbus Defence and Space shows the vessel listing heavily to starboard. North Korea's latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. — Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025 "Vessel now covered, but angle consistent with reporting bow got stuck on slideway. It is likely the vessel may be on its side or at least partially submerged," Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "North Korea's admission of failure is rare but would have likely been undeniable once satellite imagery revealed the extent of the 'serious accident,'" he added. What People Are Saying The Korean Central News Agency reported: "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a stern assessment, saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism which should never occur and could not be tolerated." Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow at London-based Royal United Services Institute think tank, was quoted by X account Open Source Centre as saying: "The Choe Hyon class represents North Korea's most ambitious naval project to date and its construction was a departure from practice for a navy historically focused on its littorals." What Happens Next Kim called for the destroyer to be restored as soon as possible, setting a deadline for completion ahead of the key June meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee, according to KCNA. He stressed that the issue was not only a practical one but also a political matter tied to state prestige. In a speech delivered in late April, the leader announced plans to begin construction of additional warships in 2026, including a cruiser and various escort vessels.
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China's Arrest of North Korea Spy Reveals Cracks in Xi-Kim Alliance
A North Korean has been arrested in China after allegedly stealing information related to Chinese military technology on behalf of his country, according to a recent report. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in Beijing and the Chinese Foreign Ministry with emailed requests for comment. The arrest offered a rare glimpse into strains between China and North Korea, its only treaty ally. China props up the isolated nation's economy to prevent a refugee crisis and because the reclusive country serves as a buffer between China and U.S. ally South Korea, home to tens of thousands of American troops. Kim Jong Un's growing ties with Russia-including arms transfers and the deployment of North Korean troops to the Ukrainian front-are seen as a growing thorn in Beijing's side. While Chinese President Xi Jinping has tolerated this relationship, it could invite additional U.S.-allied military activity to the region and raise the risk of conflict on China's doorstep. The alleged North Korean spy was recently apprehended by Chinese authorities for stealing Chinese military technology, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency cited sources familiar with the matter as saying in an April 29 report. He was among an unknown number of IT workers who had been sent by an organization under the Workers' Party of Korea's Munitions Industry Department to the northeast Chinese city of Liaoning. According to a source familiar with North Korean affairs, the suspect fled his local accommodation last month with a laptop and subsequently went missing. He was later arrested by Chinese public security authorities. During the investigation a large amount of hacked information relating to Chinese weaponry and military technology was reportedly discovered on the suspect's laptop. The individual was said to have confessed during interrogation. Once North Korea became aware of the arrest, it recalled all other IT personnel who had been working at the same location, likely out of fear that their intelligence-gathering operations would be discovered, a source said. The Munitions Industry Department is a United Nations-sanctioned entity that oversees North Korean weapons production and R&D programs. It is well known that IT personnel dispatched by the Munitions Industry Department or the Reconnaissance General Bureau to locations like China and Southeast Asia often live together in dormitories and operate under false identities online. North Korean-linked hacking groups have repeatedly attempted to steal information from defense agencies and companies worldwide. That the story was carried by Chinese media suggests it was published with the implicit approval of the authorities, given the country's tightly controlled and heavily censored media environment. A North Korean source told Yonhap: "This incident shows that North Korea has expanded the scope of its hacking operations to include China in its bid to strengthen its military capabilities." Yonhap quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun as saying: "I would like to emphasize that China and North Korea are friendly neighboring countries, and we maintain normal exchanges, cooperation, and personnel interactions." One of the news agency's sources said the suspect remains in detention. It is unclear what charges he may face or whether Chinese authorities will make the case public. Related Articles Map Shows US Counties With Life Expectancy Below North Korea'sNorth Korea Fires New Missile Warning at US and AlliesNorth Korea Photos Offer Glimpse of Kim Jong Un's Tank FactoryWhy China's Rogue State Allies May Worry Beijing 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China's Arrest of North Korea Spy Reveals Cracks in Xi-Kim Alliance
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A North Korean has been arrested in China after allegedly stealing information related to Chinese military technology on behalf of his country, according to a recent report. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in Beijing and the Chinese Foreign Ministry with emailed requests for comment. Why It Matters The arrest offered a rare glimpse into strains between China and North Korea, its only treaty ally. China props up the isolated nation's economy to prevent a refugee crisis and because the reclusive country serves as a buffer between China and U.S. ally South Korea, home to tens of thousands of American troops. Kim Jong Un's growing ties with Russia—including arms transfers and the deployment of North Korean troops to the Ukrainian front—are seen as a growing thorn in Beijing's side. While Chinese President Xi Jinping has tolerated this relationship, it could invite additional U.S.-allied military activity to the region and raise the risk of conflict on China's doorstep. What To Know The alleged North Korean spy was recently apprehended by Chinese authorities for stealing Chinese military technology, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency cited sources familiar with the matter as saying in an April 29 report. He was among an unknown number of IT workers who had been sent by an organization under the Workers' Party of Korea's Munitions Industry Department to the northeast Chinese city of Liaoning. According to a source familiar with North Korean affairs, the suspect fled his local accommodation last month with a laptop and subsequently went missing. He was later arrested by Chinese public security authorities. This photo taken on September 22, 2023, shows a general view of the flags of China and North Korea near the Yalu River, on the border between the North Korean town of Sinuiju and the... This photo taken on September 22, 2023, shows a general view of the flags of China and North Korea near the Yalu River, on the border between the North Korean town of Sinuiju and the city of Dandong, in China's Liaoning province. More Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images During the investigation a large amount of hacked information relating to Chinese weaponry and military technology was reportedly discovered on the suspect's laptop. The individual was said to have confessed during interrogation. Once North Korea became aware of the arrest, it recalled all other IT personnel who had been working at the same location, likely out of fear that their intelligence-gathering operations would be discovered, a source said. The Munitions Industry Department is a United Nations-sanctioned entity that oversees North Korean weapons production and R&D programs. It is well known that IT personnel dispatched by the Munitions Industry Department or the Reconnaissance General Bureau to locations like China and Southeast Asia often live together in dormitories and operate under false identities online. North Korean-linked hacking groups have repeatedly attempted to steal information from defense agencies and companies worldwide. That the story was carried by Chinese media suggests it was published with the implicit approval of the authorities, given the country's tightly controlled and heavily censored media environment. What People Have Said A North Korean source told Yonhap: "This incident shows that North Korea has expanded the scope of its hacking operations to include China in its bid to strengthen its military capabilities." Yonhap quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun as saying: "I would like to emphasize that China and North Korea are friendly neighboring countries, and we maintain normal exchanges, cooperation, and personnel interactions." What's Next One of the news agency's sources said the suspect remains in detention. It is unclear what charges he may face or whether Chinese authorities will make the case public.
