High-level diplomats from the United States, South Korea and Japan on Tuesday discussed the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s nuclear and missile programs, warning of harsher sanctions against any further provocations.
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Increased activity has been reported around North Korea’s main nuclear testing site in the country’s northeast, leading to speculation Pyongyang’s leadership is preparing another nuclear weapons test ahead of a key political meeting next month.
North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2005.
“As seen in North Korea’s recent fourth nuclear test, there is a possibility for (a fifth nuclear test) taking place by surprise at a time which we can hardly predict”, Xinhua quoted Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-Kyun as saying.
China is North Korea’s most important economic and diplomatic backer, but has been infuriated by North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests and has signed on for tough United Nations sanctions. The UN measures were created to cripple the North Korean economy, including a total ban on exports of gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore and rare earth minerals and a ban, unless for “livelihood purposes”, on exports of coal, iron ore and iron, and oil sales to North Korea.
Seven women who worked at the same restaurant gave an interview on Thursday to CNN in Pyongyang – where they have returned – and claimed their former colleagues had been tricked into going to South Korea.
“Can you believe that 13 North Koreans were abducted in China, where state security is so tight?” the source asked.
Ri was also involved in a furor a year ago upon the German release of The Interview, a comedy about an attempt to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un – the Berlin International Film Festival ended up having to explain to the ambassador that it had nothing to do with the movie’s distribution.
“I think that concern is shared by China and other parties of the six-party process that North Korea may conduct another provocative action”, Kim said in Beijing.
The two allies’ air forces have once again shown that their alliance can “deter and respond to any provocation” from North Korea, according to Lt. Gen.
With its bellicose but empty threats, the North Korean regime plays directly into the hands of U.S. imperialism.
USA military firepower was on display again this week.
A North Korean solider patrols the border last May near the North Korean city Sinuiju, across the Yalu River from Dandong, China’s largest border city with North Korea.
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This year’s drill involves about 1,200 US personnel and approximately 600 South Korean service members, it added.
