Articles
Chinese diplomacy toward the Korean Peninsula in late 2023 sputtered forward, driven more by a calendar of bilateral anniversaries with North Korea and multilateral gatherings involving South Korea than any sense of strategic purpose. Both relationships seemed preoccupied with off-stage developments such as the September summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin and the momentum of US-Japan-South Korea trilateral relations, rather than any inherent dynamism of their own. Still, regular Sino-North Korean bilateral exchanges ahead of the 75th anniversary of the bilateral relationship and Sino-South Korean bilateral economic dialogues provide opportunities to overcome resistance and sustain progress in the face of deepening major power rivalries. Senior-level dialogues between China and North Korea occurred on North Korea’s 75th founding anniversary in September, with the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong to Pyongyang, a visit that occurred against the backdrop of the second US-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group meeting, North Korea’s first successful indigenous satellite launch, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho’s visit to Beijing.
Meanwhile, ministerial and working-level economic dialogues on issues such as supply-chain stability, export controls, and trade facilitation continued between China and South Korea, punctuated by a notable bilateral exchange between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in late September on the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. But these exchanges did not generate the traction necessary for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to have substantive bilateral meetings with President Xi on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in San Francisco in November. Bilateral and trilateral foreign ministerial meetings in Busan between South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and counterparts Wang Yi and Kamikawa Yoko—the first in four years—failed to generate sufficient momentum to set a date for the resumption of China-Japan-South Korea summitry. Instead, the resumption of China-South Korea or China-Japan-South Korea summitry will depend on developments in 2024.
Figure 1 President Xi and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo meet in Hangzhou, where the 19th Asian Games start. Photo: Pang Xinglei
China-South Korea Bilateral Dialogues Generate Mixed Signals
Despite relative inertia surrounding China-South Korea relations, the two governments maintained a steady stream of bilateral contacts in the closing months of 2023. But these dialogues failed to generate sufficient impetus to yield a bilateral leader-level summit by the end of the year despite an optimistic exchange between President Xi and Prime Minister Han during the Asian Games. Han’s visit to China was the first by a South Korean prime minister in over four years and generated expectations in South Korea that Xi might make his first visit to Seoul since 2014. Han expressed the desire “to cultivate a healthy and mature relationship between South Korea and China, grounded in mutual respect, mutual benefit, and common interests.” Han also requested China’s support for the Yoon administration’s “Audacious Initiative” toward North Korea and for South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. Xi emphasized the importance of “friendly cooperation” and expressed hope that South Korea “will work with China in the same direction, take policies and actions that can reflect the importance it attaches to the development of China-ROK relations, respect each other, and safeguard the general direction of friendly cooperation.” Media reports expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to the resumption of trilateral China-South Korea-Japan summit meetings to be held in South Korea. But Liaoning University Professor Lü Chao stated in the Global Times that political tensions generated by President Yoon’s pro-US approach and statements regarding Taiwan had “become a significant barrier to revive the three-way cooperation mechanism.”
Despite mixed signals surrounding the Xi-Han exchange, China and South Korea held regular bilateral working-level, private sector, and ministerial consultations through the end of the year. In November, South Korea returned the remains of 25 Chinese troops killed during the Korean War in another gesture designed to improve the bilateral relationship. China received the remains and honored their sacrifices in a burial ceremony at the Shenyang Martyrs’ Cemetery.
Figure 2 On November 23, 2023, a Chinese Air Force Y-20 transported the remains of 25 Chinese People’s Volunteers martyrs from South Korea to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport in Northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Photo: VCG
The inaugural South Korea-China Economic Cooperation Exchange public-private meeting took place in Changchun in November, led by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and South Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, following up on a ministerial pledge made in August 2022. Representatives from Hyundai Motor, LG Chem, and others participated along with China’s Alibaba Group in a meeting designed to promote better public-private sector communication regarding obstacles to doing business in China. In addition, the two countries held the first South Korea-China Supply Chain Hotline meeting and the fourth South Korea-China Working-Level Industrial Cooperation meeting in Seoul in December. Business leaders from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry also met to discuss global supply chains, digital and green transitions, and intellectual property protection issues.
In December, South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Dukgeun led a delegation to Beijing for consultations with International Trade Representative Wang Shouwen on the fifth Korea-China Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee meeting. There, both sides agreed to strengthen industrial supply chain cooperation and exchanged views on launching a dialogue on export controls alongside discussions on FTA implementation. Both sides also agreed to activate a hotline between ministries to discuss supply chain issues, and South Korea requested “imminent action” to address Chinese delays in customs procedures for urea exports to South Korea. At the deputy director-general level, the Chinese and South Korean foreign ministries led a meeting on maritime affairs, marking the return of working-level contact on such issues.
Other developments affecting the bilateral China-South Korea relationship included the announcement of a US-South Korea joint effort to counter disinformation, MOTIE’s announcement of its 3050 Strategy initiative designed to stabilize South Korea’s supply chains and reduce dependence on China to less than 50% by 2030, and South Korean scrambling of jets following the entry of two Chinese and four Russian military planes into South Korea’s air defense identification zone. The signing of the US-South Korea Memorandum of Understanding occurred on the occasion of US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen’s visit to Seoul in December and reflects South Korean concerns about false propaganda and global disinformation campaigns, mentioned by President Yoon in his April address to a joint session of the US Congress. The signing of the MOU is even more salient in light of reports that the Chinese Ministry of State Security attempted to hack South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had infiltrated the computer network of the Presidential Office during the Moon Jae-in administration. Similarly, MOTIE’s effort to reduce dependence on China in its supply chains responds to a deeper realization in South Korea of its vulnerability to possible Chinese economic retaliation. South Korea’s scrambling of jets to defend its KADIZ against Chinese and Russian aerial intrusions further underscores the impact of deepening major power rivalry on South Korea’s security environment.
Multilateral Diplomacy and Missed Opportunities for China-South Korea Summitry
Annual ASEAN and APEC meetings have long provided opportunities for national leaders to hold summit meetings on bilateral issues of concern, such as when President Yoon met President Xi at the November 2022 G20 Summit in Bali. But the November 2023 APEC meeting in San Francisco generated only an exchange of greetings between Presidents Xi and Yoon. Likewise, despite Xi’s expression of willingness to visit Seoul in his meeting with Prime Minister Han referenced above, South Korea’s preparations to host the first leader-level trilateral meeting with China and Japan yielded no fruit in 2023.
President Yoon and Premier Li Qiang held two brief encounters in quick succession on the sidelines of the ASEAN and G20 summits in Jakarta and New Delhi, respectively, in early September. In those meetings, Yoon expressed his hope that the North Korean nuclear issue would not be an obstacle to improved China-South Korea relations. Premier Li emphasized the need to expand cooperation to “seek mutual benefit and win-win results.”
Figure 3 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang meet in Jakarta on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese scholar Zhan Debin laid out the obstacles to the realization of a trilateral summit in a Global Times column pointedly titled “South Needs to Prove Sincerity for China-Japan-SK summit.” The article points to several obstacles to the stabilization of China-South Korea relations under the Yoon administration. First, the article takes issue with the proposition that South Korea will be able to induce greater respect from China based on closer relations with the United States and Japan, asserting that South Korea has instead weakened its “autonomy.” Second, Zhan points to Yoon’s disavowal of the Moon-era “three nos and one restriction” understanding with the Chinese government regarding THAAD and its disregard for Chinese “red lines” on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Xinjiang. Third, Zhan criticizes alleged South Korean interference in the activities of the Chinese ambassador to South Korea, covered in the summer 2023 issue of Comparative Connections. Zhan concludes that “if South Korea is pushing for the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral talk because of US instructions, it would be better not to hold the meeting at all.” A series of Global Times editorials and columns by Zhan reiterated the message that US-Japan-South Korea trilateralism was more likely to hurt than help the China-South Korea relationship.
Efforts to Jump-Start Trilateral China-Japan-South Korea Summitry
Amid such rhetoric, China participated in the trilateral senior officials’ meeting in Seoul in late September and meetings with Foreign Minister Park Jin. Those meetings were accompanied by a more optimistic tone from the Global Times, which emphasized the unchanged framework of “gain from cooperation, lose from confrontation” stemming from economic interdependence, the priority of economic development, and close geographical and cultural ties. President Xi’s meeting with Prime Minister Han further underscored a positive tone around prospects for reviving trilateral China-Japan-South Korea summitry.
However, Chinese commentators responded negatively to the virtual US-Japan-South Korea defense ministerial meeting in mid-November that was held alongside the US-South Korea Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul. Liaoning University’s Lu Chao suggested that following the Camp David Summit, enhanced United States-Japan-South Korea military cooperation contributed to a worsening of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and China Foreign Affairs University’s Li Haidong asserted that such ties would make the Korean security situation more volatile and that the shift to a “trilateral bloc is a substantial step in reshaping US hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Minister Park Jin met Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the trilateral China-Japan-South Korea foreign ministers’ meeting in Busan at the end of November. The South Korean readout from the bilateral meeting emphasized joint efforts to strengthen mutual understanding, strengthen strategic communication, and contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity through economic cooperation, promotion of people-to-people exchanges, and restoring and normalizing cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea. Park also highlighted South Korean concerns about North Korea’s satellite launches and objected to China’s “forcible repatriation of North Korean defectors in China.”
Figure 4 Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Park Jin meet in Busan on the sidelines of the tenth China-South Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Photo: Yonhap
The Chinese readout reported Wang’s description of changes in the international and regional landscapes and their impact on China-South Korea relations in greater detail. Wang emphasized that “China and the ROK are neighbors that cannot move away, and this objective fact will never change,” arguing that cooperation is the only path through which to develop a mutually trusting and respectful relationship. Wang emphasized that “the two sides should jointly resist the tendency of politicizing economic issues, instrumentalizing scientific and technological issues, and overstretching the concept of security of economic and trade issues, maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and work for greater development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.”
Chinese and South Korean readouts of the trilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko emphasized efforts to institutionalize cooperation through a trilateral leader-level summit at the earliest possible time and to deepen substantive trilateral cooperation across six main areas: people-to-people exchanges, science and technology and digital transition, sustainable development and climate change, health and aging population, economy and trade, and peace and security. The three ministers appreciated reforestation projects to combat desertification in Mongolia, the need to maintain communication to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, and cooperation on functional issues including climate change, cybersecurity, and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. In addition to the foreign ministerial meeting, the three countries successfully hosted the 16th trilateral health ministers’ meeting in early December in Beijing for the first time in four years and released a joint statement on cooperation in response to infectious diseases.
China and North Korea Commemorate Friendship as North Korea Test-Fires ICBM
North Korea’s 75th founding anniversary in September and the 75th anniversary of China-North Korea diplomatic ties in December catalyzed bilateral exchanges following the hiatus caused by COVID-19. Vice Premier Liu Guozhong led a Chinese delegation to Pyongyang’s National Day celebrations. Events included a military parade on Sept. 9 attended by Kim Jong Un, who vowed to bolster nuclear deterrence after overseeing North Korea’s launching of a “tactical nuclear attack submarine” three days earlier. In a Sept. 9 message to Kim, President Xi pledged to advance the “traditional friendship,” noting their five meetings between 2018 and 2019. Xi hailed Pyongyang’s “new achievements” pursuing its “socialist cause,” including economic successes since the Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in 2021. While North Korea’s Vice Sports Minister Kim Il-guk visited China in late September for the Asian Games, no other official engagements were reported. In October, China’s National Day prompted Xi and Kim to exchange letters consolidating bilateral ties. Commemorations of China’s entry into the Korean War at the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang symbolized the historical relationship.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho used the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties to reaffirm the friendship, meeting on Dec. 15 in Beijing. The talks coincided with the second US-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group meeting initiated under the April 2023 Washington Declaration. Pak met Foreign Minister Wang Yi three days later when North Korea test-fired a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in violation of UN resolutions. South Korea’s foreign ministry called for China’s “constructive role” as “a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country that has an influence over North Korea,” promising to work with other partners including the United States and Japan on “independent and multilateral sanctions.”
Figure 5 Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Park Jin meet in Busan on the sidelines of the tenth China-South Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Chin
Peninsula tensions had already surfaced with Pyongyang’s launching of a military spy satellite on Nov. 21 after two failed launches in May and August. On Nov. 30, the US Treasury Department sanctioned international agents of North Korean sanctions evasion and a North Korean cyber espionage group. In response to North Korea’s ICBM test, South Korea sanctioned eight North Korean individuals involved in illicit arms trade and cyber activities on Dec. 28.
Nuclear Diplomacy and Strategic Triangles
In a joint statement ahead of a Dec. 19 UN Security Council meeting, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and seven other countries condemned North Korea’s ICBM launch—its fifth this year. The United Nation’s repeated failure to act renewed skepticism about any new resolution emerging over Chinese and Russian opposition. North Korean UN envoy Kim Song reiterated “the right to self-defense of the DPRK,” denouncing the “military threat” from “the US and its followers.” South Korean envoy Hwang Joon-kook reasserted South Korean efforts to counter North Korean security threats in cooperation with the United States and Japan. Joint US-South Korea military exercises on Dec. 20 showed such efforts, in addition to operationalization of a missile warning data-sharing system by the end of the year under the August 2023 Camp David Summit. In a Dec. 21 KCNA press statement, Kim Jong Un’s sister and WPK Central Committee Vice Department Director Kim Yo Jong condemned US-led “military threats” as “the root cause of escalating the regional situation.”
Figure 6 On December 19, 2023, the U.N. Security Council meets to address North Korea’s recent solid-fuel ICBM launch. Photo: U.N. Web TV
Ahead of his parliamentary confirmation hearing on Dec. 20, Seoul’s nominee for foreign minister and former UN Ambassador Cho Tae-yul promised to boost nuclear deterrence. He also signaled intentions to rebalance ties with Washington and Beijing. Projecting a worsening security environment next year, South Korean media commentators urged the Yoon administration to coordinate US deterrence with alternative solutions, including “improving ties with China” to “restore diplomatic balance.”
Chinese and North Korean trilateral ties with Russia are another point of South Korean debate. In a Nov. 19 interview with The Telegraph ahead of his UK state visit, President Yoon reminded China that “pursuing trilateral cooperation with North Korea and Russia…will not be helpful for its international reputation and standing.” US-Japan-South Korea foreign ministerial talks on Nov. 14 at the APEC Summit raised similar concerns over North Korea’s “trilateral security cooperation.” The US State Department highlighted the nuclear risks of such an arrangement in its “Report on Deterrence in a World of Nuclear Multipolarity,” released a day later.
South Korea’s Shifting Regional Geoeconomic Orientation
A significant measure of the impact of South Korea’s evolution in geopolitical orientation reflects the shift in South Korea’s trade relations, as the United States became South Korea’s number one export destination in December 2023, surpassing China for the first time since 2004. South Korea also recorded an $18 billion trade deficit with China, the first bilateral deficit with China in 31 years. South Korean exports to China in 2023 dropped 20% year-on-year, to $124.8 billion, while imports from China dipped 8% year-on-year, to $142.8 billion. Strong investment flows to the United States by South Korea’s major conglomerates have resulted in a boost in South Korean car, automobile parts, and automotive battery exports. If such trends continue, South Korea in 2024 may have the distinction of being the only country adjacent to China for which China is not its number one trade partner.
Another indicator of distancing between China and South Korea post-pandemic is evident in the educational sector, as South Korea’s Ministry of Education reports that the number of South Korean students studying in China has declined from 26,949 (17.2% of Korean students abroad) in 2021 to 15,857 (12.9% of Korean students abroad) in 2023. While the number of Korean students in the United States has declined from 49,809 in 2021 to 40,755 in 2023, the proportion of South Korean students abroad studying in the United States has increased from 31.8% to 33.1%.
In terms of inbound students to South Korea, the Ministry of Education reports that the number of Chinese students has remained the same at around 68,000 from 2018 to 2023, but the proportion of Chinese students among the overall foreign student population has declined from 48.2% to 37.4%, as South Korea has registered an increase in the number of foreign students from 142,205 in 2018 to 181,842 in 2023. During this same period, the number of foreign students from Vietnam has increased from 27,061 (19% of all students) to 43,361 (23.8% of all students).
Border Reopening Revives China-North Korea Trade and Human Rights Concerns
Pyongyang’s post-pandemic border reopening in late August sharpened attention on economic engagements with China. China’s trade with North Korea has rebounded from historic lows resulting from North Korea’s pandemic-era self-quarantine. Chinese exports to North Korea from January to November 2023 increased by over 130% over 2022 levels to almost $1.8 billion while Chinese imports from North Korea increased by a similar amount to $266 million, based on Chinese customs data. Although North Korea has presumably reduced its economic dependency on China somewhat because of its munitions trade with Russia, China likely remains an irreplaceable source for procuring many necessities for daily life in North Korea. In December, South Korea’s Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho raised concerns over North Korea’s unauthorized use of South Korean-owned facilities at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and Beijing’s limited imposition of sanctions on the North Korean regime. Air Koryo’s resumption of Pyongyang-Shenyang commercial flights in August indicated a gradual revival of cross-border activity.
The China-North Korea border reopening also renewed attention on China’s repatriation of North Korean refugees, who China has traditionally identified as illegal economic immigrants. Concerns heightened with China’s reported repatriation of hundreds of North Korean defectors in October, as reflected in recent UN and South Korean resolutions. On Dec. 19, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on North Korean human rights for the 19th year in a row, referencing North Koreans “being forcibly repatriated.” Adopted on Nov. 30, a resolution by South Korea’s National Assembly called on China to stop repatriating North Koreans, while pushing South Korean and international agencies to work harder on the issue. At a forum in Washington earlier that month, Unification Minister Kim urged Beijing to ensure “North Korean defectors in China can be protected of their human rights based on the international norm.” Activists rallied at the South Korean Foreign Ministry in October, voicing public demands to “stop China’s repatriation of North Koreans.” Video talks between special representatives Liu Xiaoming and Sung Kim on Oct. 30 prioritized China’s repatriation of North Korean nationals, in addition to Pyongyang’s aggression and military cooperation with Russia. The Chinese foreign ministry’s report of the meeting did not specify such priorities.
Conclusion
The impact of deepening geostrategic rivalry is clearly contributing to a reconfiguring of political and economic relationships in Northeast Asia, with a mixed impact on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea appears to be drawing away from China’s geoeconomic orbit as South Korean investment in the United States reinforces the geopolitical choices of the Yoon administration. Meanwhile, China’s economic relationship with North Korea has recovered, with the effects of North Korean diversification efforts and revitalization of its relations with Russia still unknown. In addition, it remains to be seen how China grapples with closer Japan-South Korea relations and whether China will achieve the normalization of a “win-win-win” relationship among the three countries “with a particular emphasis on Tokyo and Seoul demonstrating more strategic autonomy” or whether the Camp David Summit will create additional impediments and constraints on China’s ability to project its sphere of influence in the region.
Sept. 2, 2023: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reports that North Korea has fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea.
Sept. 2, 2023: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reports that North Korea has fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea.
Sept. 3, 2023: Korean Central News Agency announces that North Korea has conducted a drill for “simulated tactical nuclear attack.”
Sept. 3, 2023: Korean Central News Agency announces that North Korea has conducted a drill for “simulated tactical nuclear attack.”
Sept. 4, 2023: South Korea reports Russia proposing three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China.
Sept. 4, 2023: South Korea reports Russia proposing three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China.
Sept. 5, 2023: New York Times reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may soon visit Russia for talks with Putin on arms deal.
Sept. 5, 2023: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives in Indonesia to attend ASEAN summits.
Sept. 5, 2023: New York Times reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may soon visit Russia for talks with Putin on arms deal.
Sept. 5, 2023: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives in Indonesia to attend ASEAN summits.
Sept. 6, 2023: US warns North Korea would “pay a price” for any arms deal with Russia.
Sept. 6, 2023: US warns North Korea would “pay a price” for any arms deal with Russia.
Sept. 8, 2023: FBI says that the North Korea-linked hacking group Lazarus is responsible for the theft of $41 million in cryptocurrency from online casino and betting platform Stake.com.
Sept. 8, 2023: President Yoon arrives in India to attend G20 summit.
Sept. 8, 2023: FBI says that the North Korea-linked hacking group Lazarus is responsible for the theft of $41 million in cryptocurrency from online casino and betting platform Stake.com.
Sept. 8, 2023: President Yoon arrives in India to attend G20 summit.
Sept. 9, 2023: North Korea holds paramilitary parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the regime’s founding.
Sept. 9, 2023: President Yoon and US President Joe Biden meet on margins of G20 summit.
Sept. 9, 2023: North Korea holds paramilitary parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the regime’s founding.
Sept. 9, 2023: President Yoon and US President Joe Biden meet on margins of G20 summit.
Sept. 11, 2023: US assistant secretary of state for economic affairs to visit South Korea and Japan for talks on ways to deepen economic cooperation.
Sept. 11, 2023: South Korea attends the fifth round of negotiations on the United States-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Thailand.
Sept. 11, 2023: US assistant secretary of state for economic affairs to visit South Korea and Japan for talks on ways to deepen economic cooperation.
Sept. 11, 2023: South Korea attends the fifth round of negotiations on the United States-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Thailand.
Sept. 12, 2023: White House urges North Korea not to provide weapons to Russia.
Sept. 12, 2023: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un heads to Russia for summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing concerns over military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Sept. 12, 2023: White House urges North Korea not to provide weapons to Russia.
Sept. 12, 2023: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un heads to Russia for summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing concerns over military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Sept. 13, 2023: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea in an apparent show of force ahead of its leader Kim Jong Un’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sept. 13, 2023: North Korean leader Kim and President Putin meet at Russia’s Vostochny spaceport ahead of the summit.
Sept. 13, 2023: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea in an apparent show of force ahead of its leader Kim Jong Un’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sept. 13, 2023: North Korean leader Kim and President Putin meet at Russia’s Vostochny spaceport ahead of the summit.
Sept. 14, 2023: President Putin accepts invitation of North Korean leader Kim to visit Pyongyang.
Sept. 14, 2023: US Department of State approves a possible sale to South Korea of up to 25 F-35A radar-evading fighters and related equipment to help the East Asian ally maintain a “credible” defense capability.
Sept. 14, 2023: US expresses concern about growing defense cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Sept. 14, 2023: President Putin accepts invitation of North Korean leader Kim to visit Pyongyang.
Sept. 14, 2023: US Department of State approves a possible sale to South Korea of up to 25 F-35A radar-evading fighters and related equipment to help the East Asian ally maintain a “credible” defense capability.
Sept. 14, 2023: US expresses concern about growing defense cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Sept. 15, 2023: North Korean leader Kim inspects factory producing modern fighter jets in Russia’s Far East.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the United States warn that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the United States agree to cooperate in using 5G in joint military operations.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the US hold deterrence talks on North Korean nuclear threats following Kim-Putin summit.
Sept. 15, 2023: North Korean leader Kim inspects factory producing modern fighter jets in Russia’s Far East.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the United States warn that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the United States agree to cooperate in using 5G in joint military operations.
Sept. 15, 2023: South Korea and the US hold deterrence talks on North Korean nuclear threats following Kim-Putin summit.
Sept. 16, 2023: North Korean leader Kim meets Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to inspect Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers.
Sept. 16, 2023: North Korean leader Kim meets Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to inspect Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers.
Sept. 18, 2023: South Korea and the United States near completion of work to revise their joint deterrence strategy against evolving military threats from North Korea.
Sept. 18, 2023: South Korea and the United States near completion of work to revise their joint deterrence strategy against evolving military threats from North Korea.
Sept. 19, 2023: President Biden expresses his appreciation to South Korea and other countries for their assistance in the return of five US citizens detained in Iran.
Sept. 19, 2023: US district court dismisses a lawsuit that a US energy firm filed to stop two South Korean state-run companies (KEPCO and KHNP) from exporting nuclear power plants, determining it is not qualified to take the move.
Sept. 19, 2023: President Biden expresses his appreciation to South Korea and other countries for their assistance in the return of five US citizens detained in Iran.
Sept. 19, 2023: US district court dismisses a lawsuit that a US energy firm filed to stop two South Korean state-run companies (KEPCO and KHNP) from exporting nuclear power plants, determining it is not qualified to take the move.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Yoon meets UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss North Korea and Ukraine.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Biden condemns North Korea’s continued violation of UNSC resolutions, but reaffirms his commitment to diplomacy to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Yoon meets world leaders in New York for 2nd day to promote South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan.
Sept. 20, 2023: US energy firm to appeal court decision in favor of South Korean state-run companies KEPCO and KHNP over nuclear reactor exports.
Sept. 20, 2023: United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member, a South Korean, and a Filipino are arrested on charges of smuggling drugs from the US via military mail.
Sept. 20, 2023: US official expresses concerns over North Korean detainees in China who are at the risk of torture if repatriated.
Sept. 20, 2023: South Korean and US defense officials discuss possible space cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow in tabletop exercise.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Yoon meets UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss North Korea and Ukraine.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Biden condemns North Korea’s continued violation of UNSC resolutions, but reaffirms his commitment to diplomacy to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Sept. 20, 2023: President Yoon meets world leaders in New York for 2nd day to promote South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan.
Sept. 20, 2023: US energy firm to appeal court decision in favor of South Korean state-run companies KEPCO and KHNP over nuclear reactor exports.
Sept. 20, 2023: United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member, a South Korean, and a Filipino are arrested on charges of smuggling drugs from the US via military mail.
Sept. 20, 2023: US official expresses concerns over North Korean detainees in China who are at the risk of torture if repatriated.
Sept. 20, 2023: South Korean and US defense officials discuss possible space cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow in tabletop exercise.
Sept. 23, 2023: Top diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan agree to take stern measures against a potential arms deal between Russia and North Korea.
Sept. 23, 2023: US Department of Commerce announces final rule to restrict semiconductor subsidy recipients from expanding their manufacturing capacity in China.
Sept. 23, 2023: Top diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan agree to take stern measures against a potential arms deal between Russia and North Korea.
Sept. 23, 2023: US Department of Commerce announces final rule to restrict semiconductor subsidy recipients from expanding their manufacturing capacity in China.
Sept. 24, 2023: South Korean foreign minister holds a series of meetings with his counterparts from the Netherlands and others for discussions on bolstering cooperation.
Sept. 24, 2023: South Korean companies urge the US to clarify from which foreign companies they are not required to import critical electric vehicle battery minerals under the US Inflation Reduction Act.
Sept. 24, 2023: South Korean foreign minister holds a series of meetings with his counterparts from the Netherlands and others for discussions on bolstering cooperation.
Sept. 24, 2023: South Korean companies urge the US to clarify from which foreign companies they are not required to import critical electric vehicle battery minerals under the US Inflation Reduction Act.
Sept. 25, 2023: South Korea and the US stage joint naval drills in East Sea amid North Korean threats.
Sept. 25, 2023: North Korea slams President Yoon’s warning against Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation as “hysterical remarks.”
Sept. 25, 2023: US wireless chipmaker Broadcom Inc plans to seek an appeal against the South Korean regulator’s decision to slap a 19.1 billion won ($14.3 million) fine for unfair business practices against Samsung Electronics Co.
Sept. 25, 2023: North Korea opens the border to foreigners for first time since COVID-19.
Sept. 25, 2023: South Korea and the US stage joint naval drills in East Sea amid North Korean threats.
Sept. 25, 2023: North Korea slams President Yoon’s warning against Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation as “hysterical remarks.”
Sept. 25, 2023: US wireless chipmaker Broadcom Inc plans to seek an appeal against the South Korean regulator’s decision to slap a 19.1 billion won ($14.3 million) fine for unfair business practices against Samsung Electronics Co.
Sept. 25, 2023: North Korea opens the border to foreigners for first time since COVID-19.
Sept. 26, 2023: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says military cooperation between North Korea and Russia undermines global peace.
Sept. 26, 2023: US senator calls for cooperation from South Korea in pushing for Washington’s technology export and investment curbs against China.
Sept. 26, 2023: President Yoon says the US-ROK alliance will end North Korean regime in event of nuclear weapons use.
Sept. 26, 2023: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says military cooperation between North Korea and Russia undermines global peace.
Sept. 26, 2023: US senator calls for cooperation from South Korea in pushing for Washington’s technology export and investment curbs against China.
Sept. 26, 2023: President Yoon says the US-ROK alliance will end North Korean regime in event of nuclear weapons use.
Sept. 27, 2023: North Korea’s ambassador vows stronger self-defense capabilities, claiming the Korean Peninsula faces the “immediate danger of nuclear war breakout.”
Sept. 27, 2023: Defense Minister-nominee Shin Won-sik vows to “firmly punish” North Korea in event of provocation.
Sept. 27, 2023: North Korea’s ambassador vows stronger self-defense capabilities, claiming the Korean Peninsula faces the “immediate danger of nuclear war breakout.”
Sept. 27, 2023: Defense Minister-nominee Shin Won-sik vows to “firmly punish” North Korea in event of provocation.
Sept. 28, 2023: North Korea stipulates nuclear force-building policy in constitution.
Sept. 28, 2023: Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States, and Japan denounce North Korea’s constitutional amendment to enshrine its policy on nuclear force.
Sept. 28, 2023: Washington officials say U.S. soldier Travis King, who crossed the inter-Korean border into North Korea in July, is in US custody after his release by the reclusive regime.
Sept. 28, 2023: North Korea stipulates nuclear force-building policy in constitution.
Sept. 28, 2023: Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States, and Japan denounce North Korea’s constitutional amendment to enshrine its policy on nuclear force.
Sept. 28, 2023: Washington officials say U.S. soldier Travis King, who crossed the inter-Korean border into North Korea in July, is in US custody after his release by the reclusive regime.
Sept. 29, 2023: US Department of Defense labels North Korea as a “persistent” threat.
Sept. 29, 2023: US Department of Defense labels North Korea as a “persistent” threat.
Sept. 30, 2023: North Korean Foreign Minister slams UNSC meeting over Pyongyang’s nuclear force-building policy in constitution.
Sept. 30, 2023: North Korean Foreign Minister slams UNSC meeting over Pyongyang’s nuclear force-building policy in constitution.
Oct. 2, 2023: North Korea slams IAEA’s adoption of resolution on Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
Oct. 2, 2023: North Korea accuses US of concealing role in bombing of Russia’s Nord Stream.
Oct. 2, 2023: North Korea slams IAEA’s adoption of resolution on Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
Oct. 2, 2023: North Korea accuses US of concealing role in bombing of Russia’s Nord Stream.
Oct. 5, 2023: LG Energy Solution to invest 4 trillion won ($3 billion) in Michigan plant to supply Toyota with batteries.
Oct. 5, 2023: LG Energy Solution to invest 4 trillion won ($3 billion) in Michigan plant to supply Toyota with batteries.
Oct. 6, 2023: 2023 Chicago Council Survey conducted by Ipsos shows that US citizens are divided over troop mobilization to defend South Korea in case of North Korean invasion.
Oct. 6, 2023: North Korea denounces France for its plan to monitor North Korea’s illicit maritime activities.
Oct. 6, 2023: CBS reports North Korea is sending arms to Russia following Kim-Putin summit.
Oct. 6, 2023: Korea Institute for National Unification, a South Korean state-run think tank, suggests that North Korea may launch its military spy satellite between Oct. 10 and 26.
Oct. 6, 2023: South Korea to participate in a new round of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) talks in Malaysia.
Oct. 6, 2023: South Korea seeks 68 billion won ($50.42 million) in combined fines against Google and Apple for their violation of the country’s in-app payment laws.
Oct. 6, 2023: 2023 Chicago Council Survey conducted by Ipsos shows that US citizens are divided over troop mobilization to defend South Korea in case of North Korean invasion.
Oct. 6, 2023: North Korea denounces France for its plan to monitor North Korea’s illicit maritime activities.
Oct. 6, 2023: CBS reports North Korea is sending arms to Russia following Kim-Putin summit.
Oct. 6, 2023: Korea Institute for National Unification, a South Korean state-run think tank, suggests that North Korea may launch its military spy satellite between Oct. 10 and 26.
Oct. 6, 2023: South Korea to participate in a new round of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) talks in Malaysia.
Oct. 6, 2023: South Korea seeks 68 billion won ($50.42 million) in combined fines against Google and Apple for their violation of the country’s in-app payment laws.
Oct. 7, 2023: US suspects North Korea in orchestrating the September hack of a decentralized finance project.
Oct. 7, 2023: US suspects North Korea in orchestrating the September hack of a decentralized finance project.
Oct. 9, 2023: US eases export controls on chip equipment for Samsung and SK factories in China.
Oct. 9, 2023: South Korea’s top nuclear envoy meets Sweden’s special envoy for the Korean Peninsula to discuss the recent release of a US soldier from North Korean custody.
Oct. 9, 2023: US eases export controls on chip equipment for Samsung and SK factories in China.
Oct. 9, 2023: South Korea’s top nuclear envoy meets Sweden’s special envoy for the Korean Peninsula to discuss the recent release of a US soldier from North Korean custody.
Oct. 10, 2023: South Korea, the United States, and Japan stage a trilateral maritime interdiction exercise for the first time in seven years.
Oct. 10, 2023: North Korea defends its military spy satellite as “indispensable strategic option” to counter the United States.
Oct. 10, 2023: ROK, Japan, and US advanced assets join naval exercise to intercept DPRK weapons.
Oct. 10, 2023: South Korea, the United States, and Japan stage a trilateral maritime interdiction exercise for the first time in seven years.
Oct. 10, 2023: North Korea defends its military spy satellite as “indispensable strategic option” to counter the United States.
Oct. 10, 2023: ROK, Japan, and US advanced assets join naval exercise to intercept DPRK weapons.
Oct. 11, 2023: President Yoon and US senators condemn Hamas attack on Israel.
Oct. 11, 2023: President Yoon and US senators condemn Hamas attack on Israel.
Oct. 13, 2023: Congressional report shows that North Korea is “on pace” to deploy sufficient nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to overcome the US missile defense.
Oct. 13, 2023: Unification ministry says many North Koreans have been repatriated from China.
Oct. 13, 2023: North Korea threatens to strike US aircraft carrier.
Oct. 13, 2023: US brushes aside concerns about potential impact of Middle East conflict on Korean Peninsula security.
Oct. 13, 2023: Pyongyang dismisses speculation over Hamas’ use of North Korean weapons against Israel.
Oct. 13, 2023: Policymakers of South Korea and the US discuss economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Oct. 13, 2023: Congressional report shows that North Korea is “on pace” to deploy sufficient nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to overcome the US missile defense.
Oct. 13, 2023: Unification ministry says many North Koreans have been repatriated from China.
Oct. 13, 2023: North Korea threatens to strike US aircraft carrier.
Oct. 13, 2023: US brushes aside concerns about potential impact of Middle East conflict on Korean Peninsula security.
Oct. 13, 2023: Pyongyang dismisses speculation over Hamas’ use of North Korean weapons against Israel.
Oct. 13, 2023: Policymakers of South Korea and the US discuss economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Oct. 14, 2023: A White House official says North Korea has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Oct. 14, 2023: A White House official says North Korea has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Oct. 16, 2023: North Korea condemns Japan’s move to accelerate its planned acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States as an “arrogant choice.”
Oct. 16, 2023: Royal United Services Institute reports that Moscow has begun large-scale shipments of ammunition from the North Korean port of Rajin to a Russian military facility on the Dunai.
Oct. 16, 2023: South Korea cracks down on firms building Taiwan navy submarines amid growing concerns over China’s possible economic retaliation.
Oct. 16, 2023: North Korea condemns Japan’s move to accelerate its planned acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States as an “arrogant choice.”
Oct. 16, 2023: Royal United Services Institute reports that Moscow has begun large-scale shipments of ammunition from the North Korean port of Rajin to a Russian military facility on the Dunai.
Oct. 16, 2023: South Korea cracks down on firms building Taiwan navy submarines amid growing concerns over China’s possible economic retaliation.
Oct. 17, 2023: Washington Post reports that two Russian ships have made at least five round trips between North Korea and Russia since mid-August, in what could be arms transfers.
Oct. 17, 2023: Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan to hold talks over suspected DPRK-Russia arms transfer.
Oct. 17, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan install a trilateral communication hotline amid North Korea’s evolving military threats and China’s increasing assertiveness.
Oct. 17, 2023: South Korean diplomat discusses North Korean human rights with US envoy.
Oct. 17, 2023: United States expresses deep concerns about what North Korea will get in return for its suspected delivery of military equipment to Russia.
Oct. 17, 2023: US strategic bomber B-52 lands at South Korean air base for the first time.
Oct. 17, 2023: US envoy hopes to work with South Korea on efforts to hold North Korean human rights abusers accountable.
Oct. 17, 2023: Washington Post reports that two Russian ships have made at least five round trips between North Korea and Russia since mid-August, in what could be arms transfers.
Oct. 17, 2023: Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan to hold talks over suspected DPRK-Russia arms transfer.
Oct. 17, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan install a trilateral communication hotline amid North Korea’s evolving military threats and China’s increasing assertiveness.
Oct. 17, 2023: South Korean diplomat discusses North Korean human rights with US envoy.
Oct. 17, 2023: United States expresses deep concerns about what North Korea will get in return for its suspected delivery of military equipment to Russia.
Oct. 17, 2023: US strategic bomber B-52 lands at South Korean air base for the first time.
Oct. 17, 2023: US envoy hopes to work with South Korea on efforts to hold North Korean human rights abusers accountable.
Oct. 18, 2023: Department of Commerce toughens rules on exports of advanced computing chips to China.
Oct. 18, 2023: South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy says that new export controls on chips by the United States will not have a significant impact on local businesses.
Oct. 18, 2023: Chief of US Indo-Pacific Command expresses concern over North Korea-Russia military ties.
Oct. 18, 2023: South Korean defense firm Huneed Technologies reaches a preliminary agreement with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to develop an advanced radar for drones carrying out observation missions at high altitudes.
Oct. 18, 2023: Department of Commerce toughens rules on exports of advanced computing chips to China.
Oct. 18, 2023: South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy says that new export controls on chips by the United States will not have a significant impact on local businesses.
Oct. 18, 2023: Chief of US Indo-Pacific Command expresses concern over North Korea-Russia military ties.
Oct. 18, 2023: South Korean defense firm Huneed Technologies reaches a preliminary agreement with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to develop an advanced radar for drones carrying out observation missions at high altitudes.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea mulls sanctions amid suspected North Korea-Russia arms deal.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea’s Navy holds regular multinational mine warfare drills.
Oct. 19, 2023: Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, says North Korea tries to use artificial intelligence to accelerate writing malicious software.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea proposes top-level diplomatic talks with Japan and China in late November.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea mulls sanctions amid suspected North Korea-Russia arms deal.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea’s Navy holds regular multinational mine warfare drills.
Oct. 19, 2023: Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, says North Korea tries to use artificial intelligence to accelerate writing malicious software.
Oct. 19, 2023: South Korea proposes top-level diplomatic talks with Japan and China in late November.
Oct. 20, 2023: FBI says thousands of remote IT workers contracting with U.S. companies have for years secretly sent millions of dollars of their wages to North Korea for use in its ballistic missile program.
Oct. 20, 2023: South Korea and the US discuss efforts to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Oct. 20, 2023: North Korean leader Kim vows to build a “forward-looking” and “far-reaching” relationship with Russia.
Oct. 20, 2023: State Department says the US will take “whatever steps” it can to hold to account those involved in arms transfers between North Korean and Russia.
Oct. 20, 2023: FBI says thousands of remote IT workers contracting with U.S. companies have for years secretly sent millions of dollars of their wages to North Korea for use in its ballistic missile program.
Oct. 20, 2023: South Korea and the US discuss efforts to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Oct. 20, 2023: North Korean leader Kim vows to build a “forward-looking” and “far-reaching” relationship with Russia.
Oct. 20, 2023: State Department says the US will take “whatever steps” it can to hold to account those involved in arms transfers between North Korean and Russia.
Oct. 22, 2023: Navies of South Korea and the United States stage joint anti-submarine drills near Guam.
Oct. 22, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan stage joint air exercise for the first time near the Korean Peninsula.
Oct. 22, 2023: Navies of South Korea and the United States stage joint anti-submarine drills near Guam.
Oct. 22, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan stage joint air exercise for the first time near the Korean Peninsula.
Oct. 26, 2023: South Korea and the US conduct a large-scale maritime exercise in the Yellow Sea.
Oct. 26, 2023: South Korea and the US conduct a large-scale maritime exercise in the Yellow Sea.
Oct. 28, 2023: UN expert panel overseeing sanctions against Pyongyang estimates North Korea’s state-sponsored cyber theft last year at $1.7 billion.
Oct. 28, 2023: UN expert panel overseeing sanctions against Pyongyang estimates North Korea’s state-sponsored cyber theft last year at $1.7 billion.
Nov. 1, 2023: FBI says North Korea, China, and Russia engage in cyber operations to target US research.
Nov. 1, 2023: FBI says North Korea, China, and Russia engage in cyber operations to target US research.
Nov. 2, 2023: Chinese President Xi Jinping tells North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that he is “willing to make bigger contributions” to “defend the region’s peace, stability, development and prosperity.”
Nov. 2, 2023: Joint Chiefs of Staff says North Korea might have provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and portable anti-aircraft missiles.
Nov. 2, 2023: South Korean military detects signs of North Korea supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.
Nov. 2, 2023: Chinese President Xi Jinping tells North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that he is “willing to make bigger contributions” to “defend the region’s peace, stability, development and prosperity.”
Nov. 2, 2023: Joint Chiefs of Staff says North Korea might have provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and portable anti-aircraft missiles.
Nov. 2, 2023: South Korean military detects signs of North Korea supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.
Nov. 4, 2023: Report from the Institute for National Security Strategy says North Korea is trying to diversify its cybercrimes to offset the declining value of cryptocurrencies it steals to fund its nuclear and missile programs.
Nov. 4, 2023: Report from the Institute for National Security Strategy says North Korea is trying to diversify its cybercrimes to offset the declining value of cryptocurrencies it steals to fund its nuclear and missile programs.
Nov. 5, 2023: Hyundai and Kia announce that combined sales of their electric vehicles using their electric-only dedicated platform top 100,000 in the United States in the past two years.
Nov. 5, 2023: Hyundai and Kia announce that combined sales of their electric vehicles using their electric-only dedicated platform top 100,000 in the United States in the past two years.
Nov. 8, 2023: Pentagon declines to comment on a growing debate in South Korea over whether a 2018 inter-Korean military accord aimed at reducing border tensions should be suspended.
Nov. 8, 2023: South Korea and the United States announce a push for a “wide range of actions” to prevent North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft and cyber espionage.
Nov. 8, 2023: North Korea threatens to “pour a shower of shells” into South Korea over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets.
Nov. 8, 2023: Defense ministers of South Korea, the US, and Japan to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul.
Nov. 8, 2023: North Korea denounces upcoming visits to Seoul by top US officials.
Nov. 8, 2023: G7 Foreign Ministers condemn North Korea’s arms transfer to Russia.
Nov. 8, 2023: Pentagon declines to comment on a growing debate in South Korea over whether a 2018 inter-Korean military accord aimed at reducing border tensions should be suspended.
Nov. 8, 2023: South Korea and the United States announce a push for a “wide range of actions” to prevent North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft and cyber espionage.
Nov. 8, 2023: North Korea threatens to “pour a shower of shells” into South Korea over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets.
Nov. 8, 2023: Defense ministers of South Korea, the US, and Japan to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul.
Nov. 8, 2023: North Korea denounces upcoming visits to Seoul by top US officials.
Nov. 8, 2023: G7 Foreign Ministers condemn North Korea’s arms transfer to Russia.
Nov. 9, 2023: US envoy calls for human rights dialogue with North Korea.
Nov. 9, 2023: Top diplomats of South Korea and the US to hold talks amid tightening North Korea-Russia military ties.
Nov. 9, 2023: US envoy calls for human rights dialogue with North Korea.
Nov. 9, 2023: Top diplomats of South Korea and the US to hold talks amid tightening North Korea-Russia military ties.
Nov. 10, 2023: South Korea’s spy agency signs an agreement with the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity.
Nov. 10, 2023: South Korea’s spy agency signs an agreement with the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity.
Nov. 13, 2023: Defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States hold annual security talks as the two countries seek to update joint military strategies on North Korea.
Nov. 13, 2023: Defense chiefs of South Korea and the US revise “tailored deterrence strategy” on North Korea.
Nov. 13, 2023: North Korea slams South Korea-UN Command defense chief meeting as attempt for “new war of aggression.”
Nov. 13, 2023: South Korea and the US issue joint communique after the 55th Security Consultative Meeting.
Nov. 13, 2023: South Korea and the United States issue the Defense Vision of the South Korea-US Alliance.
Nov. 13, 2023: Defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States hold annual security talks as the two countries seek to update joint military strategies on North Korea.
Nov. 13, 2023: Defense chiefs of South Korea and the US revise “tailored deterrence strategy” on North Korea.
Nov. 13, 2023: North Korea slams South Korea-UN Command defense chief meeting as attempt for “new war of aggression.”
Nov. 13, 2023: South Korea and the US issue joint communique after the 55th Security Consultative Meeting.
Nov. 13, 2023: South Korea and the United States issue the Defense Vision of the South Korea-US Alliance.
Nov. 14, 2023: UN Command member states vow united response if South Korea is attacked.
Nov. 14, 2023: UN Command member states vow united response if South Korea is attacked.
Nov. 15, 2023: US approves possible sale of SM-6 missile interceptors to South Korea amid North Korea threats.
Nov. 15, 2023: North Korea tests newly developed solid-fuel engines for new-type for a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Nov. 15, 2023: President Yoon departs for San Francisco to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting.
Nov. 15, 2023: Top diplomats of South Korea, the US, and Japan hold three-way talks on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in San Francisco.
Nov. 15, 2023: US envoy travels to Brussels to discuss North Korean human rights.
Nov. 15, 2023: South Korea and the US stage joint air drills with B-52H bombers over Yellow Sea.
Nov. 15, 2023: US approves possible sale of SM-6 missile interceptors to South Korea amid North Korea threats.
Nov. 15, 2023: North Korea tests newly developed solid-fuel engines for new-type for a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Nov. 15, 2023: President Yoon departs for San Francisco to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting.
Nov. 15, 2023: Top diplomats of South Korea, the US, and Japan hold three-way talks on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in San Francisco.
Nov. 15, 2023: US envoy travels to Brussels to discuss North Korean human rights.
Nov. 15, 2023: South Korea and the US stage joint air drills with B-52H bombers over Yellow Sea.
Nov. 16, 2023: President Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio hold bilateral summit in San Francisco.
Nov. 16, 2023: North Korea threatens to take more “visible and strategic” military actions after South Korea and the United States updated their joint deterrence strategies.
Nov. 16, 2023: North Korea and Russia sign a protocol on expanding cooperation following bilateral talks on economy, science and technology.
Nov. 16, 2023: President Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio hold bilateral summit in San Francisco.
Nov. 16, 2023: North Korea threatens to take more “visible and strategic” military actions after South Korea and the United States updated their joint deterrence strategies.
Nov. 16, 2023: North Korea and Russia sign a protocol on expanding cooperation following bilateral talks on economy, science and technology.
Nov. 17, 2023: South Korea and the US discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy and supply chain sectors.
Nov. 17, 2023: South Korea and the US sign an arrangement for prioritized supply of defense products.
Nov. 17, 2023: Leaders of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework agree to launch “critical minerals dialogue.”
Nov. 17, 2023: President Biden expresses worries about North Korea’s “illicit” nuclear and missile programs during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nov. 17, 2023: Seoul and Washington agree to deepen cooperation in disaster and climate change response.
Nov. 17, 2023: South Korea and the US discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy and supply chain sectors.
Nov. 17, 2023: South Korea and the US sign an arrangement for prioritized supply of defense products.
Nov. 17, 2023: Leaders of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework agree to launch “critical minerals dialogue.”
Nov. 17, 2023: President Biden expresses worries about North Korea’s “illicit” nuclear and missile programs during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nov. 17, 2023: Seoul and Washington agree to deepen cooperation in disaster and climate change response.
Nov. 20, 2023: President Yoon says that China would not benefit from trilateral cooperation with North Korea and Russia.
Nov. 20, 2023: President Yoon says that China would not benefit from trilateral cooperation with North Korea and Russia.
Nov. 21, 2023: North Korea notifies Japan of a plan to launch satellite by Dec. 1.
Nov. 21, 2023: USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier arrives in Busan in show of force.
Nov. 21, 2023: North Korea notifies Japan of a plan to launch satellite by Dec. 1.
Nov. 21, 2023: USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier arrives in Busan in show of force.
Nov. 22, 2023: North Korea claims it has successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit and will launch more.
Nov. 22, 2023: Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s satellite launch.
Nov. 22, 2023: South Korea suspends part of a 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement.
Nov. 22, 2023: US nuclear-powered submarine arrives in South Korea after North Korea’s satellite launch.
Nov. 22, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan share information on North Korea’s spy satellite launch.
Nov. 22, 2023: North Korea claims it has successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit and will launch more.
Nov. 22, 2023: Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s satellite launch.
Nov. 22, 2023: South Korea suspends part of a 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement.
Nov. 22, 2023: US nuclear-powered submarine arrives in South Korea after North Korea’s satellite launch.
Nov. 22, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan share information on North Korea’s spy satellite launch.
Nov. 23, 2023: IAEA chief reports a “strong” water outflow from a reactor’s cooling system at North Korea’s key nuclear complex in Yongbyon.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea vows to restore all military measures halted under inter-Korean military accord.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea, but launch apparently failed.
Nov. 23, 2023: US regards South Korea’s partial suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement a “prudent” and “restrained” move.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea scraps military deal with South and vows to deploy weapons to border.
Nov. 23, 2023: IAEA chief reports a “strong” water outflow from a reactor’s cooling system at North Korea’s key nuclear complex in Yongbyon.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea vows to restore all military measures halted under inter-Korean military accord.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea, but launch apparently failed.
Nov. 23, 2023: US regards South Korea’s partial suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement a “prudent” and “restrained” move.
Nov. 23, 2023: North Korea scraps military deal with South and vows to deploy weapons to border.
Nov. 26, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan stage joint naval drills involving aircraft carrier.
Nov. 26, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan stage joint naval drills involving aircraft carrier.
Nov. 28, 2023: North Korea says its spy satellite has taken photos of the White House, the Pentagon and nuclear aircraft carriers docked at a US naval base.
Nov. 28, 2023: North Korea says its spy satellite has taken photos of the White House, the Pentagon and nuclear aircraft carriers docked at a US naval base.
Nov. 29, 2023: South Korea’s Busan comes up short in World Expo bid.
Nov. 29, 2023: South Korea’s Busan comes up short in World Expo bid.
Nov. 30, 2023: US sanctions a cryptocurrency mixer for serving as a “key money-laundering tool” of a North Korea-linked hacking group.
Nov. 30, 2023: North Korea says its spy satellite has taken photos of US military facilities in San Diego and Japan.
Nov. 30, 2023: Biden visits a Colorado-based factory of a South Korean wind tower maker in a trip meant to highlight his economic agenda.
Nov. 30, 2023: North Korea dismisses the possibility of resuming dialogue with the United States.
Nov. 30, 2023: US and South Korea hold talks on lingering uncertainties regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and chips subsidy rules.
Nov. 30, 2023: US sanctions a cryptocurrency mixer for serving as a “key money-laundering tool” of a North Korea-linked hacking group.
Nov. 30, 2023: North Korea says its spy satellite has taken photos of US military facilities in San Diego and Japan.
Nov. 30, 2023: Biden visits a Colorado-based factory of a South Korean wind tower maker in a trip meant to highlight his economic agenda.
Nov. 30, 2023: North Korea dismisses the possibility of resuming dialogue with the United States.
Nov. 30, 2023: US and South Korea hold talks on lingering uncertainties regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and chips subsidy rules.
Dec. 1, 2023: South Korea imposes sanctions on 11 North Korean individuals after spy satellite launch.
Dec. 1, 2023: US slaps additional sanctions against North Korea in response to spy satellite launch.
Dec. 1, 2023: US keeps North Korea on its list of state sponsors of terrorism in 2022 report.
Dec. 1, 2023: South Korea imposes sanctions on 11 North Korean individuals after spy satellite launch.
Dec. 1, 2023: US slaps additional sanctions against North Korea in response to spy satellite launch.
Dec. 1, 2023: US keeps North Korea on its list of state sponsors of terrorism in 2022 report.
Dec. 2, 2023: North Korea bristles at US over comments about possible disabling of its spy satellite.
Dec. 2, 2023: US approves a potential sale to South Korea of munitions for the operation of F-35 radar-evading fighter jets and related equipment.
Dec. 2, 2023: South Korea successfully launches its first indigenous military spy satellite into orbit.
Dec. 2, 2023: North Korea bristles at US over comments about possible disabling of its spy satellite.
Dec. 2, 2023: US approves a potential sale to South Korea of munitions for the operation of F-35 radar-evading fighter jets and related equipment.
Dec. 2, 2023: South Korea successfully launches its first indigenous military spy satellite into orbit.
Dec. 4, 2023: South Korea successfully conducts third test flight of solid-fuel space rocket.
Dec. 4, 2023: North Korea denounces Washington for having a “double standard” over South Korea’s spy satellite launch.
Dec. 4, 2023: South Korea successfully conducts third test flight of solid-fuel space rocket.
Dec. 4, 2023: North Korea denounces Washington for having a “double standard” over South Korea’s spy satellite launch.
Dec. 5, 2023: Washington Post reports that South Korea has indirectly supplied more 155-mm shells for Ukraine than all European countries combined.
Dec. 5, 2023: Security advisers of South Korea, the US, and Japan to discuss joint responses to regional geopolitical risks, including North Korean threats.
Dec. 5, 2023: Washington Post reports that South Korea has indirectly supplied more 155-mm shells for Ukraine than all European countries combined.
Dec. 5, 2023: Security advisers of South Korea, the US, and Japan to discuss joint responses to regional geopolitical risks, including North Korean threats.
Dec. 7, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan hold 1st trilateral working-level talks on North Korea cyber threats.
Dec. 7, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan hold 1st trilateral working-level talks on North Korea cyber threats.
Dec. 8, 2023: US defense policy bill calls for maintaining 28,500 US troops in Korea.
Dec. 8, 2023: North Korea slams UN resolutions condemning its nuclear program.
Dec. 8, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan sign framework agreement on research cooperation.
Dec. 8, 2023: US defense policy bill calls for maintaining 28,500 US troops in Korea.
Dec. 8, 2023: North Korea slams UN resolutions condemning its nuclear program.
Dec. 8, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan sign framework agreement on research cooperation.
Dec. 9, 2023: South Korea and the US agree to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors.
Dec. 9, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan vow to strengthen cooperation against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Dec. 9, 2023: South Korea and the US agree to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors.
Dec. 9, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan vow to strengthen cooperation against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Dec. 10, 2023: North Korea increases activities in the truce village of Panmunjom after effectively scrapping an inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement.
Dec. 10, 2023: North Korea increases activities in the truce village of Panmunjom after effectively scrapping an inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement.
Dec. 11, 2023: North Korea lambasts South Korea-US joint military drills.
Dec. 11, 2023: North Korea lambasts South Korea-US joint military drills.
Dec. 13, 2023: Defense Minister Shin Won-sik meets eight NATO representatives to expand security and defense industry cooperation.
Dec. 13, 2023: Air Koryo, North Korea’s national carrier, operates first commercial flights connecting Pyongyang and Shenyang after a hiatus of nearly four years prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dec. 13, 2023: Defense Minister Shin Won-sik meets eight NATO representatives to expand security and defense industry cooperation.
Dec. 13, 2023: Air Koryo, North Korea’s national carrier, operates first commercial flights connecting Pyongyang and Shenyang after a hiatus of nearly four years prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dec. 16, 2023: South Korea and the US agree to complete establishment of guidelines on the planning and operation of a shared nuclear strategy by mid-2024.
Dec. 16, 2023: South Korea and the US agree to complete establishment of guidelines on the planning and operation of a shared nuclear strategy by mid-2024.
Dec. 17, 2023: US nuclear-powered submarine arrives in South Korea amid the possibility of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Dec. 17, 2023: Industry data shows that combined vehicle sales of Hyundai and Kia in the US surpass 1.5 million units in 2023.
Dec. 17, 2023: US nuclear-powered submarine arrives in South Korea amid the possibility of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Dec. 17, 2023: Industry data shows that combined vehicle sales of Hyundai and Kia in the US surpass 1.5 million units in 2023.
Dec. 18, 2023: North Korea fires one short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea.
Dec. 18, 2023: Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s missile provocations.
Dec. 18, 2023: North Korea fires one short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea.
Dec. 18, 2023: Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s missile provocations.
Dec. 19, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan launch a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time.
Dec. 19, 2023: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the ICBM launch shows what option he has if the US makes the wrong decision.
Dec. 19, 2023: North Korea confirms test-launch of a HWASONG-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile.
Dec. 19, 2023: President Yoon appoints Cho Tae-yong as new director of the National Intelligence Service and Cho Tae-yul as foreign minister.
Dec. 19, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan share information on North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft and other malicious cyber activities.
Dec. 19, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan launch a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time.
Dec. 19, 2023: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the ICBM launch shows what option he has if the US makes the wrong decision.
Dec. 19, 2023: North Korea confirms test-launch of a HWASONG-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile.
Dec. 19, 2023: President Yoon appoints Cho Tae-yong as new director of the National Intelligence Service and Cho Tae-yul as foreign minister.
Dec. 19, 2023: South Korea, the US, and Japan share information on North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft and other malicious cyber activities.
Dec. 20, 2023: LG Chem Ltd., South Korea’s leading chemical firm, begins construction of cathode plant in the United States.
Dec. 20, 2023: UNSC ends meeting on North Korea’s latest test-firing of an ICBM without a united response.
Dec. 20, 2023: US deploys B-1B bombers near Korean Peninsula after North Korean ICBM launch.
Dec. 20, 2023: LG Chem Ltd., South Korea’s leading chemical firm, begins construction of cathode plant in the United States.
Dec. 20, 2023: UNSC ends meeting on North Korea’s latest test-firing of an ICBM without a united response.
Dec. 20, 2023: US deploys B-1B bombers near Korean Peninsula after North Korean ICBM launch.
Dec. 21, 2023: North Korean leader Kim says the launch of an ICBM shows he won’t hesitate to launch a nuclear attack in event of enemy’s nuclear provocations
Dec. 21, 2023: Sister of North Korean leader Kim denounces UNSC meeting on Pyongyang’s ICBM launch.
Dec. 21, 2023: North Korean leader Kim says the launch of an ICBM shows he won’t hesitate to launch a nuclear attack in event of enemy’s nuclear provocations
Dec. 21, 2023: Sister of North Korean leader Kim denounces UNSC meeting on Pyongyang’s ICBM launch.
Dec. 24, 2023: US expresses serious concern over North Korea showing signs of starting the operation of a new light-water nuclear reactor.
Dec. 24, 2023: US expresses serious concern over North Korea showing signs of starting the operation of a new light-water nuclear reactor.
Dec. 27, 2023: South Korea signs a contract with the US government to buy 20 additional F-35A stealth fighter jets amid efforts to bolster response capabilities against North Korean military threats.
Dec. 27, 2023: North Korea convenes a key year-end meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance to discuss next year’s policy direction.
Dec. 27, 2023: South Korea signs a contract with the US government to buy 20 additional F-35A stealth fighter jets amid efforts to bolster response capabilities against North Korean military threats.
Dec. 27, 2023: North Korea convenes a key year-end meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance to discuss next year’s policy direction.
Dec. 28, 2023: KCNA reports that North Korean leader Kim is calling for stepped-up efforts to prepare for war.
Dec. 28, 2023: President Yoon names First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin as new national security adviser and Lee Kwan-sup, the director of national policy at the presidential office, as his new chief of staff.
Dec. 28, 2023: KCNA reports that North Korean leader Kim is calling for stepped-up efforts to prepare for war.
Dec. 28, 2023: President Yoon names First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin as new national security adviser and Lee Kwan-sup, the director of national policy at the presidential office, as his new chief of staff.