As Hamada Yasukazu, former minister of defense of Japan, explained in the document “Defense of Japan 2022,” the world is at a moment of historic change: “The international community is facing its greatest challenge since the Second World War.” For Japan, the regional context could not be more complicated: Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory marked … Read more
In 2023, North Korea actively navigated the international geopolitical landscape, fortifying its security coalitions with China and Russia amid China-U.S. tensions and the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. Pyongyang also advanced its nuclear capabilities according to the timeline set during the 8th Party Congress in 2021. This included the successful testing of solid-fuel engines for the Hwasong-18 … Read more
It’s been a busy start to 2024 for North Korea. In less than a month, North Korea has tested a new solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile, topped with a “hypersonic warhead”; a new strategic cruise missile; and a previously-seen “nuclear-capable underwater attack drone.” All that comes on top of leader Kim Jong Un publicly abandoning the … Read more
From November 2 to 3, the Asia Economic Community Forum (AECF) took place in Incheon, South Korea. At this forum, which is aimed at enhancing cooperation among Asian countries, a special session hosted by the Taejae Future Consensus Institute drew considerable attention. The session, titled “Nuclear Arms Race and Emerging Security Challenges: Is U.S.-China Cooperation … Read more
On September 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s main spaceport. When asked if Russia would assist North Korea in launching satellites and rockets, Putin answered, “That’s exactly why we came here. … The leader of North Korea shows great interest in space, in … Read more
Advertisement In September, North Korean state media called on all citizens to display new nuclear missile “trophies” – models of the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles – at home, at work, and in vehicles. No doubt there will be severe consequences for anyone not doing so. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia, offering … Read more