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Josh Smith
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Nov 9, 2022
North Korean launches show no scarcity of funding and materials despite sanctions
Pyongyang's record-busting number of missile launches have highlighted that the country is likely supported in part by overseas networks that provide funding and material, analysts say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 31, 2022
U.S. and South Korean warplanes begin largest-ever air drills
The operation, called Vigilant Storm, will run until Friday, and will feature about 240 warplanes conducting about 1,600 sorties, the U.S. Air Force said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Oct 28, 2022
Deal for reducing military tensions with North Korea could go 'back to square one'
With talks long stalled, recent drills and shows of force along the fortified border between the two Koreas have cast doubts on the future of the 2018 agreement.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 9, 2022
New North Korea law outlines nuclear weapons use, including pre-emptive strikes
The move comes as observers say North Korea appears to be preparing to resume nuclear testing for the first time since 2017.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 26, 2022
South Korea doubles down on risky ‘Kill Chain’ plans to counter North's nuclear threat
Seoul is pouring resources into preparing for preemptive strikes if necessary, a strategy some experts say may exacerbate their arms race and risks miscalculation during a conflict.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 7, 2022
North Korea's Kim convenes conference for strengthening party rule
The event was the first of its kind and involved 'realizing the organizational and ideological consolidation of the Party ranks in every way,' state-run media said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Jun 29, 2022
Crypto crash threatens North Korea's stolen funds as it ramps up weapons tests
The sudden plunge in crypto values complicates Pyongyang's ability to cash in and may affect how it plans to fund its weapons programs.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
May 27, 2022
U.N. Security Council split spells end of an era for U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea
The two countries on Thursday vetoed a U.S.-led push to impose more U.N. sanctions on North Korea over its renewed ballistic missile launches.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
May 23, 2022
South Korea's Yoon uses Biden summit as springboard for global agenda as China looms
Inaugurated on May 10, Yoon has said his main foreign policy goal will be to make South Korea a 'global pivotal state” with a focus on promoting freedom, peace and prosperity.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 13, 2022
North Korea reports first COVID-19 death as fever 'explosively spreads'
About 187,800 people are being treated in isolation after a fever of unidentified origin has 'explosively spread nationwide' since late April, the KCNA news agency said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 18, 2022
U.S. envoy vows 'strongest possible deterrent' over North Korea weapons tests
Sung Kim and his deputy, Jung Pak, met South Korean officials, including nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk, after arriving in Seoul for a five-day visit.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 11, 2022
North Korea celebrates 10 years of Kim Jong Un as top party leader
Officials praised Kim's leadership in developing nuclear weapons, touted his political achievements, and unveiled new portraits and exhibitions to celebrate.
WORLD
Feb 28, 2022
Russia's missiles see mixed results in Ukraine as world watches
Despite Russia having used hundred of powerful missiles against Ukraine in recent days, analysts and U.S. officials say many Ukrainian defenses remain intact.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 10, 2022
COVAX cuts North Korea's COVID vaccine allotment after no deliveries accepted
The country is not known to have imported any COVID-19 vaccines, though media reports have suggested at least some key people, such as border control officials, may have been vaccinated.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 9, 2022
North Korea boasts of 'shaking the world' by testing missiles that can strike U.S.
International tension has been rising over a recent series of North Korean ballistic missile tests, with January being a record month with at least seven launches.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 31, 2022
From 'hypersonics' to workhorse weapons, North Korea showcases missile diversity
A spate of tests in January has underscored the nuclear-armed state's rapidly expanding and advancing arsenal amid stalled denuclearization talks.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 26, 2022
North Korean internet downed by suspected cyber attacks, researchers say
The incident took place for about six hours on Wednesday morning local time, and came a day after North Korea conducted its fifth missile test this month.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 24, 2022
Minds behind the missiles: North Korea's secretive weapons developers
North Korea's flurry of new missile tests has underscored the importance of the country's missile engineers and scientists, a high-profile group that remains opaque to outsiders.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Dec 18, 2021
Kim Jong Un's crackdowns leave North Korean defectors with little hope
In the 10 years since he came to power, North Korea has cracked down on people trying to get out of the country, leaving many defectors without hope of seeing their families again.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 4, 2021
North Korea could make more weapons-grade uranium with existing mills: report
Satellite imagery suggests the country's current facilities for extracting the nuclear fuel are running below capacity, according to a new academic study.

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