INTER KOREAN MILITARY PACT
As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies
The United States concluded its inaugural multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea, marking a milestone in strengthening regional security alliances. Dubbed Freedom Edge, the exercise focused on enhancing joint capabilities in missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance amid escalating threats from North Korea and China. Despite geopolitical tensions, the drills aimed to foster interoperability among allied forces, crucial for coordinated responses to regional challenges. The exercises underscore efforts by the Biden administration to solidify partnerships amidst growing military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Russia Ukraine war: North Korea criticises US for providing military aid to Ukraine
Russia Ukraine war: A top North Korean military official criticised the US over military aid to Ukraine in support of Russia, deepening concerns over Moscow and Pyongyang's military cooperation. A recent pact between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un commits immediate military assistance in case of aggression, potentially facilitating arms trade and anti-US coalition. North Korea plans to send construction forces to Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories for rebuilding work, raising tensions with China.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea
A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, has arrived in South Korea for a joint exercise involving Japan, aimed at bolstering military readiness against North Korean threats. The exercise, called Freedom Edge, follows heightened tensions after a security pact between Russia and North Korea. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are increasing military cooperation, with the USS Roosevelt strike group expected to participate in the drills. The group will later head to the Middle East to promote regional stability and protect commerce.
Russia-North Korea pact could dent China's influence, but Beijing still holds sway over both
China appears concerned as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties through a new defence pact, potentially challenging China's influence over North Korea. Experts suggest China is struggling to respond due to conflicting goals of maintaining peace in Korea while countering the US. China's weak public response may indicate uncertainty on how to proceed. Concerns include Russia aiding North Korea's weapons program and the potential for a new Cold War alliance.
Seoul fires warning shots as N. Korean soldiers cross border again
On Tuesday, dozens of North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea but retreated after warning shots were fired. This marks the second such incident in two weeks, amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas. The North has been reinforcing its border, laying more landmines and building anti-tank barriers. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul believe the crossing was accidental, involving soldiers carrying work tools. Recent landmine explosions have injured multiple North Korean soldiers engaged in these border operations.
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N. Korea sends more balloons as Kim Jong Un's sister warns of 'new counteraction'
North Korea sent hundreds more trash-carrying balloons over the border, Seoul's military said Monday, after Kim Jong Un's powerful sister warned of further responses if the South keeps up its "psychological warfare". Seoul's military said the North had sent around 310 trash-carrying balloons overnight, with no more detected in the air by early Monday, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Seoul says will resume loudspeaker propaganda against North Korea
North Korea sent more than 300 trash-filled balloons across the border in a fresh blitz starting Saturday, Seoul's military said, with the president's office saying this had forced it to take "corresponding measures". "Although the measures we are taking may be difficult for the North Korean regime to endure, they will deliver messages of light and hope to the North Korean military and citizens," it added.
US flies B-1B bomber for first precision bomb drill in 7 years as tensions simmer with North Korea
The United States conducted a precision-guided bombing drill with South Korea, flying a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the first time in seven years. This exercise, seen as a show of force against North Korea, included other advanced U.S. and South Korean fighter jets. The drill aimed to demonstrate the U.S. security commitment to South Korea and strengthen joint defense posture. North Korea has recently engaged in provocative actions, including launching rockets and floating balloons carrying trash toward South Korea.
US, South Korea conduct joint bombing drills
The United States flew a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the first joint bombing drills with South Korea in seven years, amidst heightened tensions from North Korea's provocations. The US bomber, escorted by South Korean F-15K jets, dropped Joint Direct Attack Munitions during the exercise. South Korea suspended a 2018 inter-Korean military pact and resumed military activities along the demarcation line. The drills aim to reinforce the US extended deterrence commitment and combined defense posture against North Korea's threats.
North Korea's trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here's what's happening between rivals
Tensions rise between North and South Korea as North Korea sends balloons carrying trash to South Korea, prompting retaliatory steps from the South. The North's actions threaten to escalate the conflict along the border.
North Korea fires missile barrage toward eastern waters days after failed satellite launch
North Korea allegedly fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles towards the eastern sea. The move drew condemnation from South Korea and Japan amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The launches followed a failed attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite. North Korea's actions have been met with strong international criticism as they violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. The North vowed to continue developing its space reconnaissance capabilities despite setbacks.
North Korea flies trash balloons over the South as leader Kim doubles down on satellite ambitions
North Korea launched hundreds of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, prompting chemical and explosive response teams to recover the debris. This act follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's push to overcome a failed satellite launch and develop reconnaissance capabilities. Kim criticized South Korea's military exercises and warned of "stern" actions.
Pyongyang to deploy new multiple rocket launcher this year: KCNA
North Korea announced plans to equip its military with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher, marking a "significant change" in its artillery combat capabilities. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live-fire test of the updated rocket system, which Pyongyang says underwent technical upgrades for enhanced defense capabilities. The rocket launcher will be deployed to military units as replacement equipment between 2024 and 2026. This announcement comes amid speculation that North Korea could be ramping up production of artillery and cruise missiles for potential use in Ukraine, where it has bolstered ties with Russia.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees air warfare drills, urges preparation for combat, KCNA says
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw air warfare drills and emphasized the need for "realistic" preparation for combat, according to state media KCNA. Kim stressed the importance of training that directly relates to warfare to prepare soldiers as combat fighters. He expressed satisfaction with North Korean troop readiness and ordered training to cover various terrains, weather conditions, and severe circumstances. These drills followed joint annual exercises between South Korea and the U.S., which were the first since North Korea scrapped a 2018 inter-Korean military pact.
South Korea, US to stage annual drills focusing on Korea nuclear threats
The Freedom Shield exercises, set for March 4-14, come as North Korea continues to test missiles and other weapons systems and develop its nuclear capabilities, and will be first since Pyongyang scrapped a 2018 inter-Korean military pact in November. The drills will be "tough and realistic", and based on scenarios that reflect lessons from recent conflicts, officials from the two countries' militaries said at a briefing.
North Korea will no longer pursue reconciliation with South because of hostility, Kim Jong Un says
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has announced that his country will no longer pursue reconciliation with South Korea and has called for a rewrite of the North's constitution to eliminate the idea of shared statehood between the war-divided countries. This historic step comes amid heightened tensions, as both Kim's weapons development and the South's military exercises with the United States have intensified in a tit-for-tat.
North Korea fires 60 rounds of artillery near Yeonpyeong Island
On Friday, KCNA said Kim called for the ramping-up of missile launcher production "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy". His comments came after the White House accused North Korea of providing Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine. Washington has called this an escalation of Pyongyang's support for Moscow.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders military to prepare for possible 'war'
The meeting announced plans for further military development in the coming year, including launching three more spy satellites, building unmanned drones and developing electronic warfare capabilities, as well as strengthening nuclear and missile forces, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
N. Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for 'accelerated' war preparations
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged his party to "accelerate" war preparations including its nuclear programme, state media said Thursday. Kim asked the party to "further accelerate the war preparations" across sectors, including nuclear weapons and civil defense, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency reported.
Troops on S. Korea side of border security area to carry guns: UN Command
Troops on the South Korean side of the Joint Security Area on the border with the North have been authorised to carry guns, the UN Command said Tuesday, after Pyongyang's soldiers reportedly started carrying weapons there last month. The decision to allow the UNC troops to carry guns came after North Korean soldiers resumed "an armed security posture", the UNC said in a statement.
US, South Korea and Japan urge stronger international push to curb North Korean nuclear programme
US, South Korea, and Japan's national security advisers advocate increased global efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear pursuits, missile development, and military alliances. Amid heightened tensions, they emphasize UN resolutions for denuclearization and arms trade bans. Concerns arise over North Korea's alleged arms exchange with Russia, potentially aiding Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Plans include enhanced defense collaboration, real-time missile launch sharing, and addressing cybercrimes to enforce international sanctions against North Korea's weapon programs.
South Koreans want their own nukes. That could roil one of the world's most dangerous regions
The alliance with the United States has allowed South Korea to build a powerful democracy, its citizens confident that Washington would protect them if Pyongyang ever acted on its dream of unifying the Korean Peninsula under its own rule.
North Korea restores border guard posts amid rising tensions over its satellite launch, Seoul says
Tensions rise as South Korea reports North Korea's restoration of previously dismantled guard posts, violating a 2018 deal meant to ease military confrontations. The move follows North Korea's recent satellite launch, prompting South Korea to suspend parts of the deal. North Korea criticizes the decision, deploying weapons at the border and rejecting the 2018 agreement.
Military agreement fractures as tensions rise with North Korea
South Korea responds to North Korea's spy satellite claim by suspending parts of the 2018 military agreement. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo confirms the immediate resumption of reconnaissance activities toward North's forces, previously restricted under the pact. The Comprehensive Military Agreement aimed to halt hostile acts, yet recent tensions and alleged breaches strained the deal. South Korea intends to restore surveillance activities near the border, while further decisions hinge on North's actions.
South Korea partially suspends inter-Korean agreement after North says it put spy satellite in orbit
The U.S., South Korea and others accuse North Korea of shipping conventional arms to support Russia's war in Ukraine in exchange for receiving high-tech Russian technologies to enhance its own military programmes. Both North Korea and Russia have denied the accusations. A spy satellite is among an array of sophisticated weapons systems that Kim wants to introduce. Experts say he would eventually aim to use his enlarged arsenal to win sanctions relief and other concessions from the U.S. when diplomacy resumes.
North Korea will try again to launch a military spy satellite in the coming days
The notice identified three maritime zones where debris from the rocket carrying the satellite may fall. Two are in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and the third in the Philippine Sea, Japanese coast guard spokesperson Kazuo Ogawa said.
South Korea moves to 'normalise' military pact with Japan
South Korea and Japan have agreed to fully implement a military intelligence-sharing pact, which was agreed to at a fence-mending summit between the neighbours last week. South Korea is keen to end the spat with Japan and present a united front against the nuclear-armed North, and has been increasingly seeking to bury the hatchet with its neighbour. Following the summit, South Korea's foreign ministry is expected to send a formal letter to its Japanese counterpart soon.
North Korea's Kim lays out key goals to boost military power
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presented unspecified goals to further bolster his military power next year at a meeting of top political officials, state media reported Wednesday, in an indication he'll continue his provocative run of weapons displays.
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