Despite recent growth, North Korea’s economy remains very small, with its nominal gross national income estimated at US$34 billion last year, equivalent to 1.8% of South Korea’s. (KCNA/EPA Images pic) SEOUL: North Korea’s economy grew 3.5% in 2025 on rising trade with Russia and China, marking a third consecutive year of growth above 3%, according…
Xi Jinping also thanked Kim Jong Un for the ‘enthusiastic and friendly’ hospitality during his recent state visit to Pyongyang. (EPA Images pic) SEOUL: China’s President Xi Jinping said he was ready to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to steer their bilateral relationship toward “long-term, sound and stable” development, Pyongyang’s state media…
Talks between the Chinese and South Korean leaders have renewed diplomatic momentum, but what happens next could hinge on how Seoul balances its relations with Washington, according to analysts. A lighthearted exchange before their state banquet drew media attention. After Xi presented Lee with a gift of two Chinese Xiaomi smartphones with South Korean-made displays,…
The October 10 parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea was attended by Li Qiang – the first Chinese premier to visit the country in 16 years. It featured several advanced weapons systems, including tanks, artillery and drones as well as three new Hwasong-20 missiles. Other high-ranking officials…
Chinese Premier Li Qiang promised closer cooperation with North Korea as he began a three-day visit to the country on Thursday following a recent flurry of diplomatic exchanges that signalled a thaw in relations. Li said Beijing was ready to work with Pyongyang to “strengthen strategic communication, maintain close exchanges and advance friendly cooperation to…
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s coming visit to China – his first in over six years – for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II could reinvigorate Beijing-Pyongyang ties and signal a broader strategic realignment, according to observers. For the first time, Kim will appear alongside Chinese President…
South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers that briefly crossed the heavily fortified border earlier this week, Seoul said Saturday after Pyongyang accused it of risking “uncontrollable” tensions. South Korea’s new leader Lee Jae Myung has sought warmer ties with the nuclear-armed North and vowed to build “military trust”, but Pyongyang has said…
Last month’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could strengthen North Korea’s view that nuclear weapons are vital for its survival, deepening Pyongyang’s distrust and reinforcing its commitment to nuclear arms, security experts have warned. They added that the attacks were likely to undermine denuclearisation efforts on the Korean peninsula, a goal shared by Beijing,…
SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine in July or August and Pyongyang is continuing to supply arms to Russia, South Korean lawmakers said on Thursday, citing a briefing by the intelligence agency. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes Russia may be readying to mount…