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Explainer-Why is North Korea ramping up criticism of Japan?

Explainer-Why is North Korea ramping up criticism of Japan?

By Kyu-seok Shim SEOUL, Aug 14 (Reuters) - North Korea has stepped up a campaign of rhetoric against Japan's military buildup and its security ties with the United States and South Korea, saying they threaten regional stability.

North Korea denounces upcoming US-South Korea drills, vows stronger nuclear deterrence

North Korea denounces upcoming US-South Korea drills, vows stronger nuclear deterrence

SEOUL, Aug 14 (Reuters) - North Korea on Friday denounced major U.S.-South Korean military drills and said they were more provocative than last year's exercises, state media reported.

North Korea's Military Ties with Russia Influence US-South Korea Exercises

North Korea's Military Ties with Russia Influence US-South Korea Exercises

The upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises by the U.S. and South Korea are being shaped by North Korea's military cooperation with Russia. According to Lt. Gen. Scott Winter of the U.N. Command, North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict has provided it with valuable battlefield experience and opportunities to test ballistic missile systems. This has prompted the U.S. and South Korea to adjust their military strategies to account for these developments. The exercises, which are defensive in nature, aim to enhance readiness through combined operations. Recent missile launches by North Korea, which fell into the Sea of Japan, have raised questions about Pyongyang's intentions, though officials caution against assuming they are strategic messages.

Putin visits disputed island near Japan, drawing Tokyo's ire

Putin visits disputed island near Japan, drawing Tokyo's ire

TOKYO, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a disputed island close to Japan on Thursday prompting a strong condemnation from Tokyo, which said his actions had made any improvement of relations between the countries difficult.

North Korea Launches Missile Ahead of US-South Korea Military Drills

North Korea Launches Missile Ahead of US-South Korea Military Drills

North Korea has launched a ballistic missile into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities. This missile launch comes just days before the scheduled joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. These exercises are intended to counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and weapons capabilities. The missile was launched from the Wonsan area, marking the second such launch from this location in recent days. The timing of the launch is seen as a potential message from North Korea in response to the upcoming military drills.

Russia's Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests

Russia's Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests

Aug 13 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido, Russian media said on Thursday, a day after major naval drills and a missile firing by ally North Korea.

North Korea launches another missile toward sea ahead of US-South Korean military drills

North Korea launches another missile toward sea ahead of US-South Korean military drills

South Korea says North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward the sea, the second such weapons testing activity by North Korea in less than a week

North Korea launches a ballistic missile toward the sea, South Korea says

North Korea launches a ballistic missile toward the sea, South Korea says

South Korea says North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward the sea, the second such weapons testing activity by North Korea in less than a week

North Korea fires missile ahead of major US-South Korea drills

North Korea fires missile ahead of major US-South Korea drills

By Joyce Lee and Kyu-seok Shim SEOUL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday toward the sea off the Korean Peninsula's east coast, South Korean and Japanese authorities said, days ahead of major joint military exercises by Seoul and Washington long denounced by

South Korean Parliamentary Committee Welcomes U.S. House Resolution Honoring Korean War Veterans

South Korean Parliamentary Committee Welcomes U.S. House Resolution Honoring Korean War Veterans

South Korea's parliamentary foreign affairs committee has expressed its approval of a bipartisan U.S. House resolution that honors the sacrifices of Korean War veterans. The resolution, introduced by U.S. Representatives Lois Frankel and Gus Bilirakis, acknowledges the contributions of veterans who served during the Korean War and those who have continued to serve on the Korean Peninsula since the armistice. The committee's statement highlights the enduring alliance between South Korea and the United States, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy. The resolution coincides with the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice, underscoring the historical significance of the U.S.-South Korea relationship.

South Korean Authorities Arrest Two Ex-Chinese Military Personnel for Espionage

South Korean Authorities Arrest Two Ex-Chinese Military Personnel for Espionage

Two former Chinese military servicemembers have been arrested in South Korea on charges of espionage. The individuals are accused of intercepting communications between fighter jets and ground control, as well as collecting information on U.S. military movements. One suspect, a Chinese national in his 60s, allegedly set up an interception device near a joint South Korean-U.S. air base. The other suspect, in his 40s, is accused of gathering information from the U.S. military headquarters near Seoul. Both men previously served in the Chinese military and are charged with violating laws on aiding the enemy and protecting communication secrets.