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N. Korea flaunts new weapons with Russia, China by its side

Kim Jong-un took the reviewing stand to observe the military parade in Pyongyang to commemorate Victory Day while senior representatives from China and Russia were also present

North Korea held a huge military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War, said its state media, displaying the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and drones as a display of its military strength.

Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, took the reviewing stand to observe the military parade in Pyongyang late on Thursday to commemorate Victory Day while senior representatives from China and Russia were also present, Yonhap reported citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

With their presence at the parade, the North appears to have wanted to express its solidarity with Beijing and Moscow, who supported Pyongyang throughout the Cold War fight, at a time when Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo are strengthening their three-way security cooperation.

Kim did not give the highly anticipated speech at the event.

The Korean War, which began with an invasion by the North Korea in 1950, concluded with the armistice on July 27, 1953. However, the North declared the war over and designated the day of the armistice signing as Victory Day.

The recalcitrant regime has displayed new cutting-edge weapons during the parades to show off its military might. The latest parade, which was held amid higher tensions brought on by Pyongyang’s ongoing missile testing, was the second in around five months.

The North displayed new, cutting-edge long-range missiles, including the intercontinental ballistic missiles Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18, at the parade. However, it did not introduce any new types of ICBM.

Later in the day, footage released by the North’s Korean Central Television also showed the “Haeil,” the North’s alleged first-ever autonomous underwater vehicle with nuclear weapons, as well as unmanned spy aircraft and strike drones.

“The strategic reconnaissance drones and multi-purpose attack drones that were newly developed and produced… made circular flights in the sky above the square for the military parade,” Yonhap reported quoting KCNA.

As “the most powerful core mainstay means” of its strategic force to “fully and overwhelmingly” deter nuclear threats from its enemies, the North also referred to the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBMs.

North Korea inviting Chinese and Russian officials to its parade, marks its first known foreign visits since Pyongyang’s strict border closure induced by the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence minister, and Li Hongzhong, a politburo member of the Chinese Communist Party’s, joined the leader of the North in the VIP stand to observe the parade. Shoigu was called on before Li, as the important guests were introduced during the main ceremony.

Kim was seen smiling and talking with Shoigu and Li, who were standing to his right and left, respectively.

The pursuit by the North of nuclear and ballistic missiles that are prohibited by numerous Security Council resolutions is signalled by such imagery by China and Russia, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), note observers.

During their discussions this week, Kim and Shoigu specifically pledged to boost defence cooperation.

The meeting has ignited speculations that the two sides may have discussed Pyongyang’s arsenal for use in Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine during their meeting.

In a speech at the parade, North Korean Defence Minister Kang Sun-nam said the United States would confront a “unimaginable and unforeseen crisis” if it tried to launch a nuclear attack against the North, as per Yonhap.

Kang used the abbreviation for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and declared that, “the US imperialists have no room of choice of survival in case they used nuclear weapons against the DPRK.”

Kim could be seen fighting back tears as he sang along to the national anthem before the military march began in the official TV footage from the North.

Additionally, it was stated that Pyongyang had shown its support for Beijing and Moscow in light of improved trilateral security cooperation between Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a ground test of a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” at Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Cholsan, North Pyongan Province, on Dec. 15, 2022.(Yonhap/IANS)

North Korea has recently increased the frequency of its weapons tests, as Seoul and Washington intensify their efforts to support America’s commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.

Under Kim’s rule, the North has staged 14 military parades, including the one this week. The nation initially unveiled the Hwasong-18 ICBM during the last parade, which was conducted in February to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of its military forces, Yonhap reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: South Korea warns North after its nuclear threat

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North Korea fires several cruise missiles amid tensions

The fresh launches have come just three days after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, reports Asian Lite News

North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea on Saturday, Yonhap news agency reported citing the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analysing the launches, which took place at about 4:00 am (local time), to learn more about the type of missiles fired and other details, according to the JCS. “Our military has bolstered surveillance and vigilance while closely cooperating with the United States and maintaining a firm readiness posture,” Yonhap news agency quoted JCS as saying.

The fresh launches have come just three days after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea.

It also came amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula following the port visit of a nuclear-capable US submarine in more than 40 years and the inaugural session of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group earlier this week.

USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), an 18,750-ton Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), departed Busan naval base on Friday, three days after a rare port visit in a major show of strength against evolving North Korean military threats.

North Korea denounced the visit, saying the SSBN’s deployment may fall under the legal conditions for its use of nuclear weapons.

This was met by a stern response from Seoul, which warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack from the latter’s side would mean an “end” of the Kim Jong Un-led regime. (ANI)

ALSO READ: South Korea warns North after its nuclear threat

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Activists slam China for ignoring North Korean refugees

China considers North Korean refugees as illegal immigrants, whereas, the latter country feels that the people who cross their border as traitors…reports Asian Lite News

Human rights activists and former officials have accused Beijing of violating Chinese and international laws and neglecting North Korean refugees, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

US Representative Chris Smith, Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) said that the Chinese government have detained about 2,000 North Korean refugees at the Chinese border ‘awaiting imminent forced repatriation’. But, they have refused to protect them. For North Koreans, repatriation stands for torture, forced labour in camps that yield that generate export income for the Pyongyang regime, or death. The borders between North Korea and China were closed during the pandemic. Therefore, the commission held a hearing on Tuesday to discuss the issue of North Koreans detained by Beijing, according to VOA.

Voice of America (VOA) is the largest and oldest US-owned news network and international radio broadcaster of the United States of America. It produces digital, TV, and radio content in 48 languages.

Elizabeth Salmon, the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on North Korea’s human rights first cited the number of North Korean refugees detained by China in 2022. Hence, the number mentioned by Smith could be higher.

Ethan Hee-seok Shin, a legal analyst at Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group told VOA Korean Service before testifying on Tuesday, “China has failed to accord protection to North Korean refugees as it is required to do so under its domestic law, international law, and humanitarian principles,” as per VOA.

China considers North Korean refugees as illegal immigrants, whereas, the latter country feels that the people who cross their border as traitors. Moreover, the regime refuses its people’s freedom of speech, religion, mobility or assembly.

The UN explains refugees as those people who were forced to flee their country because of persecution, war or violence.

The UN defines refugees as those forced to flee their country because of persecution, war or violence. According to CECC, the large-scale repatriation of some 2,000 North Koreans who were in China while seeking to reach a third country could mean a humanitarian and human rights crisis, VOA reported.

Beijing has been restricting the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from reaching out to North Korean refugees in China even though it agreed in 1995 to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) staff full access to all refugees, as per CECC.

The UNHCR is accountable for determining refugee status and registering asylum seekers in China.

A former South Korean ambassador-at-large for North Korean human rights who testified virtually at this week’s Washington hearing emailed VOA Korean that it is time to call out both Beijing and UNHCR.

He said, “Beijing is reneging on its obligation and UNHCR on its part is not doing its job of “resorting to binding arbitration” and putting pressure on China to allow its staff to access North Korean asylum seekers,” according to VOA.

Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the hearing and told VOA Korean on Wednesday that the government “has properly handled the issues related to the illegal entry of North Koreans in accordance with China’s law, international law, and the principle of humanitarianism.”

“This so-called committee, biased against China, is distorting facts, and making irresponsible remarks and accusations of China’s social system and the relevant policies. Its rhetoric is full of ignorance and prejudice,” he added, according to VOA.

He said, “We urge the US Congress and relevant parties to reflect on their own problems, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and do more things that are conducive to China-US. relations.”

Smith appealed to Guterres on Tuesday to “please use your influence to the utmost to dissuade the Chinese government from forcibly repatriating these refugees.”

In response, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news briefing on Tuesday that Guterres “stands for the respect of international refugee law and against refoulement.”

Robert King, special envoy for North Korean Human Rights during the Obama administration, who testified at the hearing, told VOA Korean that the UN is cautious about urging China to take steps to protect refugees or “publicly criticizing them” as Chinese officials who hold important positions at the UN wield considerable influence at the UN”

According to the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, a Seoul-based rights group promoting North Korean human rights said that Beijing and Pyongyang profit financially by sending refugees back to North Korea. He added that after China forcibly repatriates refugees, North Korea sends them to forced labour camps where they manufacture fake eyelashes and wigs that are later exported to Chinese companies.

“There is a high probability that [a] portion of products originating from North Korea but produced for Chinese companies have been made in prisons detaining repatriated North Korean refugees from China,” the statement said, as per VOA. (ANI)

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Fresh US sanctions target North Korea’s weapons programme

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a ground test of a "high-thrust solid-fuel motor" at Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Cholsan, North Pyongan Province, on Dec. 15, 2022.(Yonhap/IANS)

The move came hours after Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News

The US has imposed sanctions on two North Korean nationals based in China for assisting North Korea’s “illegal” weapons development programmes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

The move came hours after Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, resuming its missile “provocation” after a brief pause, Yonhap news agency reported.

“Today, the United States is designating two Beijing-based Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) nationals connected to the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) procurement,” Blinken said in a released statement, referring to North Korea by its official name.

“The DPRK’s development of its missile programmes directly threatens regional and international security, and the United States will continue to take action to curtail activities in support of those programs,” he added.

North Korea has launched some 80 ballistic missiles since the start of last year in what the state department has repeatedly called “blatant violation” of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday (Korea time), about two weeks after its botched attempt to launch what it claimed to be a military spy satellite on May 31.

Those designated Thursday include Choe Chol-min, who, according to the state department, has worked with North Korean officials and Chinese nationals to “procure materials used in the production of DPRK missiles”.

“He has also supported Second Academy of Natural Sciences (SANS) representatives to facilitate the importation of over a thousand DPRK workers into the PRC to unlawfully generate income abroad for the DPRK regime,” the released statement said.

The department also designated his wife, Choe Un-jung, who is officially assigned to the North Korean embassy in Beijing.

“Choe Un-jung is being designated for being a North Korean person who has engaged in commercial activity that generates revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Workers’ Party of Korea,” said Blinken.

ALSO READ: UAE, S. Korea hold first bilateral strategic dialogue

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North Korean hackers suspected in $35M crypto theft

Atomic Wallet.

The hackers drained the cryptocurrency accounts of certain customers of Atomic Wallet, an Estonia-based company that claims 5 million users of its software…reports Asian Lite News

North Korean hackers were suspected behind the theft of at least USD 35 million from a cryptocurrency service, multiple crypto-tracking experts told CNN Tuesday.

It is the latest in a string of hacks of cryptocurrency firms linked to Pyongyang that US officials worry could be used to fund the North Korean regime’s nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes. The hackers drained the cryptocurrency accounts of certain customers of Atomic Wallet, an Estonia-based company that claims 5 million users of its software.

Atomic Wallet said on Saturday that “less than 1per cent” of monthly users appeared to be affected by the hack. The firm has not specified how much money might have been stolen or who was behind the hack, CNN reported.

Some of the apparent victims of the hack took to Twitter to beg the hackers for their money back, posting their cryptocurrency addresses in case the hackers took pity on them.

North Korean hackers have stolen billions of dollars from banks and cryptocurrency firms over the last several years, providing a key source of revenue for the regime, according to reports from the United Nations and private firms.

In the Atomic Wallet incident, the hackers’ money-laundering techniques and the tools they used matched telltale North Korean behaviour, according to London-based crypto-tracking firm Elliptic.

An independent cryptocurrency tracker known as ZachXBT told CNN that North Korean hackers were very likely responsible. The amount confirmed stolen could rise above USD 35 million as Atomic Wallet continues to investigate the incident, the analyst said.

“The pattern was similar to what we saw with the laundering of Harmony funds back in January,” ZachXBT said, referring to the laundering of USD 100 million stolen from a California-based firm.

The FBI blamed North Korea for the hack of Harmony. CNN reported on how private investigators and South Korean intelligence operatives were able to claw back a fraction of that money.

Thwarting North Korean hacking and money laundering has quickly become a national security priority for the Biden administration. About half of North Korea’s missile program has been funded by cyberattacks and cryptocurrency theft, a White House official said last month. (ANI)

ALSO READ: North Korea announces ‘satellite’ launch

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North Korea announces ‘satellite’ launch

Pyongyang has informed Japan’s coastguard that a rocket will be launched between May 31 and June 11 and will fall in waters near the Yellow Sea…reports Asian Lite News

Japan said Monday it is preparing for North Korea to launch in the coming weeks what Pyongyang has described as a satellite, but Tokyo believes may be a ballistic missile.

Pyongyang has informed Japan’s coastguard that a rocket will be launched between May 31 and June 11 and will fall in waters near the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and east of Luzon Island in the Philippines, a coastguard spokesman told AFP.

However, the prime minister’s office in a tweet said Fumio Kishida issued instructions “on North Korea’s notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite”.

He has told officials to gather intelligence, remain vigilant and closely coordinate with allies including the United States and South Korea, the tweet added.

And Japan’s defence ministry has issued an order for the Air Self-Defense Force to destroy any ballistic missile confirmed to be on course to fall into the country’s territory.

The troops would be authorised to use Standard Missile SM-3 and Patriot Missile PAC-3 to shoot down a projectile in mid-air, the ministry said.

“Even if it’s described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a serious problem that threatens the safety of people,” Kishida told reporters.

Pyongyang has intensified its missile launches in recent months, with some triggering emergency warning systems in parts of Japan.

Seoul and Tokyo have meanwhile been working to mend long-frayed ties, including with greater cooperation on North Korea’s military threats.

Asked about possible negotiations with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, Kishida on Monday reiterated that Tokyo is open to talks, adding he was interested in “making concrete progress”.

North Korean state media meanwhile published a statement from its vice-minister of foreign affairs, appearing to endorse a conciliatory approach to relations with Japan — an unusual stance from Pyongyang.

If Japan avoids “being shackled by the past, and seeks a way out for improving the relations, there is no reason for the DPRK and Japan not to meet”, the statement from Pak Sang Gil said.

ALSO READ: Kishida wants to initiate talks with N. Korea to release abductees

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N.Korea pledges elevated ties with Russia

This file photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking hands for a summit in Vladivostok on April 26, 2019.(Yonhap/IANS)

The North Korea has been strengthening its close ties with Russia despite international condemnation over Moscow’s war with Ukraine….reports Asian Lite News

North Korea vowed on Tuesday to strengthen its ties with Russia on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the first summit between the leaders of the two nations.

Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon-il issued a statement confirming “mutual support and solidarity” between Pyongyang and Moscow, marking the anniversary of the 2019 summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, held in Vladivostok, reports Yonhap News Agency.

“The two countries are strengthening mutual support and solidarity in the struggle to resolutely smash the dangers of war and military threats from the outside,” Im said.

The official stressed the North will “(invariably) stand to elevate the long-standing and traditional relations of friendship” between the two nations.

The North has been strengthening its close ties with Russia despite international condemnation over Moscow’s war with Ukraine.

The North has denied allegations that it has provided arms to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.

North Korean arms exports are banned under UN Security Council resolutions over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

ALSO READ: Beijing walks tightrope between Russia-Ukraine conflict and EU trade

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Xi keen to deepen ties with Kim

The Chinese leader expressed his willingness to elevate Beijing-Pyongyang relations…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, expressing his willingness to strengthen strategic communication with the latter, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Tuesday.

Xi expressed his “heartfelt” thanks to the North’s leader in a reply sent on April 12 to Kim’s earlier message congratulating Xi’s election as the Chinese president for a third term, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Xi said China and the North have maintained and developed their traditional friendly relations, even though international and regional security situations are changing “seriously and in a complicated way”, reports Yonhap news Agency

The Chinese leader expressed his willingness to elevate the bilateral ties to a higher level by “strengthening the strategic communication and jointly guiding” the development of the Beijing-Pyongyang relations with the North’s leader, the KCNA said.

Kim sent a letter expressing his “warmest congratulations” to Xi on March 10, the day when he won an unprecedented third term as the Chinese president.

Prior to last week’s letter, Xi delivered a similar message thanking the North’s leader earlier this month via China’s new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun.

North Korea has been strengthening its ties with China, tits traditional ally and economic benefactor, amid global sanctions on its nuclear and missile programs, and stalled denuclearisation talks with the US.

ALSO READ: ‘Lender’ China wanes

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N. Korea tests another underwater nuclear drone

This photo, captured from the Korean Central TV on April 8, 2023, shows a broadcast of the "Haeil-2" underwater strategic weapons system's test conducted from April 4-7.(Yonhap/IANS)

The North Korea tested the Haeil-2 underwater strategic weapon system from April 4-7.

North Korea remained unresponsive to regular contact via a military hotline for the second day on Saturday, military officials said.

The North did not respond to the regular 9 a.m. opening call between the two sides after daily calls through the cross-border liaison line and the military hotline the previous day went unanswered, Yonhap News Agency quoted the officials as saying.

The two Koreas typically hold phone calls twice a day in the morning and in the afternoon using the joint liaison office channel and their military channel.

While the liaison office channel operates only on weekdays, the military channel also conducts calls on weekends.

“Regular calls aren’t being made due to an unspecified reason from the North’s side,” a military official said.

“We will monitor the situation, including the possibility of a (technical) problem in the North’s line.”

This file photo, provided by the unification ministry, shows a South Korean liaison officer talking to his North Korean counterpart at the Seoul bureau of their joint liaison office. (Yonhap/IANS)

The suspension comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of North Korea’s recent weapons tests in protest of joint military drills between South Korea and the US.

Underwater n-capable attack drone

Earlier in the day, the North’s state media reported that the country staged an underwater detonation test of its Haeil-2 nuclear-capable attack drone earlier this week, proving the weapon system’s reliability and “fatal” striking capability.

The North tested the Haeil-2 underwater strategic weapon system from April 4-7, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

“The system will serve as an advantageous and prospective military potential of the armed forces of the DPRK essential for containing all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country,” Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

The test drone was deployed from a port in South Hamgyong Province on Tuesday, and “correctly set off” a test warhead underwater on Friday after cruising along an “oval and eight-shaped” course simulating a distance of 1,000 km for 71 hours and six minutes, it added.

The provocation came about two weeks after the North first made public a test of its underwater attack drone Haeil on March 24.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, wearing a white marshal uniform, waves to soldiers during a photo session. (Yonhap/IANS)

It claimed the “secret weapon” is capable of generating a “radioactive tsunami” and stealthily attacking enemies.

On March 28, the regime unveiled its Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead for the first time and claimed that it had staged an underwater detonation test of its Haeil-1 drone a day earlier.

Considering the change in the weapon’s name in the latest test, the North could have tested an improved version of the Haeil this week, observers said.

The North has recently intensified its provocative acts, such as the unveiling of the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead and the launch of cruise missiles from a submarine.

Observers said the North is likely to bolster its weapons tests on key anniversaries this month, namely the 111th birthday of the country’s late founder Kim Il-sung on April 15.

ALSO READ: N.Korea in ‘arms for food’ deal with Russia: US

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N.Korea in ‘arms for food’ deal with Russia: US

US spokesman Kirby said North Korea seeks to secure food supplies in exchange and that the potential arms deal is being arranged through a Slovakian arms dealer…reports Asian Lite News

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that North Korea is working to send dozens of kinds of weapons and munitions to Russia to be used in Moscow’s ongoing war against Ukraine in exchange for food supplies, the media reported on Friday.

Addressing a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Kirby said North Korea seeks to secure food supplies in exchange and that the potential arms deal is being arranged through a Slovakian arms dealer, identified as Ashot Mkrtychev, reports Yonhap News Agency.

“We remain concerned that North Korea will provide further support to Russia’s military operations against Ukraine,” he said, noting that North Korea delivered large quantities of munitions to Russia late last year.

“As part of this proposed deal, Russia would receive over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions from Korea. We also understand that Russia is seeking to send a delegation to North Korea and that Russia is offering North Korea food in exchange for munitions.”

The US Department of Treasury said it has imposed sanctions on Mkrtychev for arranging the arms deal between North Korea and Russia.

Seoul : The captured image shows a photo released by the U.S. National Security Council on Jan. 20, 2023, showing a set of Russian railcars traveling between Russia and North Korea on Nov. 18-Nov. 19, 2022 for a suspected delivery of North Korean military equipment to Russia’s private military company, the Wagner Group. (Yonhap/IANS)

“Between the end of 2022 and early 2023, Mkrtychev worked with DPRK officials to obtain over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions for Russia in exchange for materials ranging from commercial aircraft, raw materials, and commodities to be sent to the DPRK,” the Department said in a statement.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name.

Kirby emphasised that any provision of weapons or munitions to Russia by North Korea would be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit any shipments of weapons to and from the North.

“Any arms deal between North Korea and Russia would directly violate a series of UN Security Council resolutions. We’ve taken note of North Korea’s recent statements that they will not provide or sell arms to Russia and we are continuing to monitor this closely,” he told the briefing.

“We are going to continue to identify, expose and counter Russian attempts to acquire military equipment from North Korea or from any other state that is prepared to support its war in Ukraine.”

North Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world and has experienced chronic food shortages for decades, including a devastating famine in the mid-to-late 1990s, the BBC reported.

In February, experts warned the reclusive nation was facing a critical food crisis due to a significant drop in production — worsened by poor weather, strict border controls and the effect of international sanctions.

Satellite imagery from South Korean authorities shows that the North produced 180,000 tonnes less food in 2022 than in 2021.

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