North Korea is paying lip service to the rule of centrality in ASEAN, while objecting to the growing security alliance buildup in the Indo-Pacific led by the United States. The assertion was made by the Korean Central News Agency after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting (ASEAN MIM) and 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, …

According to state media KCNA, On Wednesday North Korea conducted its first test-firing of the recently displayed “Choe Hyon-class” warship with the firing of cruise missiles, anti-air missiles and artillery fire from the 5,000-tonne ship under the order of leader Kim Jong Un and senior officials. Kim called the development as a key step toward enhancing North Korea’s naval force …

Japanese officials joined South Korean and Chinese foreign ministers in Tokyo to plan a summit based on historical turning point statements from Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya. The recent talks between Japan and its neighbors arise from uncertainty about the United States and its traditional alliances while China attempts to build stronger regional connections.  During the meeting Wang Yi stressed the three …

A North Korean test-fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the ocean on Monday before the beginning of annual Freedom Shield military drills between the United States and South Korea. Over the past year, North Korea conducted its fifth missile test breakpoints. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff determined North Korea launched missiles from its Hwanghae province southwestern region. Their officials stated …

With an eye on raising readiness for possible conflict, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lately urged that the military of his nation greatly improve its warfighting capacity. Delivered on Monday via state-run media KCNA, this urgent appeal comes as worries over North Korea’s increasing engagement in Russia’s war in Ukraine surface. Driven by rising regional and worldwide tensions, Kim’s …

In a worrisome turn of events, South Korea said that North Korea has directly affected aircraft and vessel operations by interfering with GPS signals from regions close to the inter-Korean border for two consecutive days. Discovered in important places near the western border, the GPS interference fuels growing conflict between the two nations as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un keeps …

With a record-setting intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, North Korea boldly claimed it as the “world’s most powerful strategic deterrent.” Launched with Kim Jong Un present, the missile set a new record with an 87-minute flight, the longest known flying period for a North Korean missile. While neighboring countries and the world community responded with quick denunciation, state media in …

Recent events revealed North Korea’s plans to send military personnel to assist Russian troops engaged in continuous conflict with Ukraine. From Ukraine’s defense intelligence source, three generals and 500 officers among roughly 12,000 North Korean personnel are apparently scheduled to be stationed in Russia. Many foreign observers especially in view of such support show questions and pay close attention to …

Officially labeling South Korea as a “hostile” state, North Korea is formalizing the growing gulf between the two Koreas. Announced Thursday, this major shift is the first time Pyongyang has publicly confirmed legal changes demanded by leader Kim Jong Un early this year. The rewrite of North Korea’s constitution marks a new and alarming stage in the declining ties with …

Another important milestone in North Korea’s continuous attempts to improve its military capabilities is the declaration of a successful test-firing of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher fitted with a new guiding system. Under direction by leader Kim Jong Un, this most recent test emphasizes Pyongyang’s will to modernize its arsenal in face of growing regional tensions. Strategic Significance of the …