North Korea
Trump meets North Korean leader as part of broader anti-China agenda
By Ben McGrath, 1 July 2019
Washington’s approach to North Korea has nothing to do with peace on the Korean Peninsula, but is about drawing Pyongyang into Washington’s orbit.
Chinese and North Korean leaders pledge closer links at Pyongyang summit
By Ben McGrath, 25 June 2019
The United States will not welcome closer relations between the two Stalinist regimes as it tries to pull the North into its own orbit.
CIA’s murky ties to North Korean leader’s slain half-brother
By Peter Symonds, 13 June 2019
If nothing else, the revelation that the CIA held meetings with Kim Jong-nam demonstrates, once again, just how extensive are its efforts to spy on, and intervene in, every country.
US seizes North Korean ship
By Mike Head, 10 May 2019
This week’s developments demonstrate that the Trump administration has no intention of striking a deal with Pyongyang unless it involves a total capitulation and embrace of Washington’s offensive against China.
The social crisis and the global eruption of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 9 May 2019
Washington’s brazen and reckless military threats and provocations on a world scale are driven by deep-going social and political crises within the US itself.
Joint US-South Korean war games amid rising tensions with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 March 2019
While there is no return as yet to Trump’s previous bellicose threats of war, negotiations are clearly stalled, if not unravelling.
Second summit between Trump and Kim collapses with no agreement
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2019
Talks collapsed on the second day of the summit in Vietnam with the two sides failing to produce any tangible results.
Trump to hold second summit with North Korean leader
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2019
By holding out the prospect that North Korea could become an “economic powerhouse,” Trump is seeking to entice Pyongyang out of China’s orbit and into closer ties with the US.
Amid stalled US-North Korean talks, second Trump-Kim summit mooted
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2019
The unstated aim of Trump’s diplomacy has been to “flip” North Korea—that is, to induce Pyongyang through threats and bribes to reorient away from Beijing and towards Washington.
US-South Korean tensions over stance towards North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2018
US ultimatums to Pyongyang to denuclearise are threatening South Korean efforts to reduce tensions and engage with North Korea.
US-North Korean talks called off
By Peter Symonds, 9 November 2018
While the US said the meeting was merely postponed, the cancellation is another sign of an impasse in negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear program.
Korean summit yields new agreement, but few tangible results
By Ben McGrath, 20 September 2018
Regardless of the immediate results of the talks in Pyongyang, the deal does not address the underlying regional tensions fueled by the US war drive against China.
South Korean president in Pyongyang for summit on denuclearization
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2018
Whatever the result of this week’s talks, it will do nothing to resolve the dangerous tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
Washington and Pyongyang in talks for second summit
By Ben McGrath, 13 September 2018
Trump is under pressure to ramp up the offensive against the targets of US imperialism.
Trump hits out at China over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 September 2018
Trump’s criticism of China comes amid growing signs that talks over Pyongyang’s nuclear programs, following his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, have stalled.
US threatens North Korea with resumption of war games
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2018
Trump’s decision to halt talks with North Korea and resume joint military drills with South Korea could rapidly lead to the renewal of extreme tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump cancels secretary of state’s trip to North Korea one day after its announcement
By Ben McGrath, 25 August 2018
The US president has directly linked his pressure on North Korea with the trade war with China, exposing the fraudulent nature of the “peace talks” with Pyongyang.
Trump backs talks with North Korea despite nuclear stalemate
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2018
Trump’s bragging about his “good chemistry” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un suggests that Washington hopes to align Pyongyang more closely with the US and against China.
Seoul and Pyongyang prepare for September summit while US intensifies campaign against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 17 August 2018
Washington will only accept the complete subjugation of the North as it continues to raise tensions in the region with China.
US-North Korean nuclear deal stalls amid growing recriminations
By Peter Symonds, 11 August 2018
The US is insisting North Korea hand over 60 to 70 percent of its nuclear warheads, without any significant concessions in return.
Trump on defensive over North Korean summit
By Peter Symonds, 21 July 2018
Under fire over his meeting with Russian President Putin, Trump has also hit back at critics of his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
After nuclear talks, North Korea denounces Washington’s “gangster-like” demands
By Peter Symonds, 9 July 2018
The lack of progress towards any agreement between Washington and Pyongyang threatens a rapid slide back towards confrontation and war.
Trump under pressure from US intelligence agencies over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2018
The Washington Post, citing unnamed US intelligence officials and undisclosed “evidence,” claimed that North Korea was planning to deceive the US over its pledge to denuclearise.
US cancels military drills, but maintains sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 June 2018
The tentative moves toward ending the confrontation on the Korean Peninsula could rapidly fall apart if North Korea fails to meet all the US demands.
Geo-strategic conflicts set to intensify following US-North Korea summit
By Ben McGrath, 14 June 2018
The disagreements in Washington are over how best to proceed with planning for war against China and Russia.
The Singapore summit and the growing war threat
By Bill Van Auken, 13 June 2018
The meeting between Trump and Kim heralds not a new era of peace in Northeast Asia, but rather the continuing shakeup of the global geopolitical order that is paving the way to war.
Trump and Kim prepare for Tuesday’s unpredictable summit
By Ben McGrath, 11 June 2018
No matter the results of the meeting, it will only exacerbate the underlying US conflict with China.
US ramps up threats to China and North Korea
By Mike Head, 4 June 2018
Whatever the outcome of a Trump-Kim summit, the US confrontation with China will escalate.
War danger remains despite North and South Korean leaders holding second summit
By Ben McGrath, 28 May 2018
Trump’s cancellation of his summit with Kim was designed to wring further concessions from Pyongyang, while sending a warning to China.
Trump calls off summit with North Korea
By James Cogan, 25 May 2018
Even as it threatens nuclear war, the Trump administration has not given up on trying to draw North Korea into a rapprochement.
Trump offers North Korea “incremental” denuclearisation ahead of planned summit
By James Cogan, 23 May 2018
Trump and the South Korean president both exuded optimism that talks would ultimately proceed on US terms, even if not on June 12.
As US applies “painful pressure” to North Korea
Tensions mount over South China Sea
By Mike Head, 22 May 2018
Far from lessening the dangers of war, the US offer of talks with Kim Jong-un has heightened the conflict with Beijing.
US blames China for renewed tensions with North Korea
By James Cogan, 18 May 2018
Citing the “Libyan model,” Trump implied that North Korea would face “total decimation” if no agreement is reached.
Japan maneuvering to prevent being left out on North Korean negotiations
By Ben McGrath, 17 May 2018
Japan is trying to justify ongoing military pressure on North Korea, and ultimately China, in the event of an agreement between Pyongyang and Washington.
North Korea denounces US “provocation” and threatens to cancel talks with Trump
By James Cogan, 16 May 2018
The Trump administration has, to a great extent, boxed both itself and North Korea into a corner.
Overtures continue ahead of Trump-North Korea summit
By James Cogan, 14 May 2018
Secretary of State Pompeo indicated that the US objective is to bring the North Korean regime within its sphere of influence.
North Korea releases American prisoners ahead of summit with Trump
By James Cogan, 10 May 2018
Trump hailed the release as another step forward in his administration’s push to bring North Korea under US influence.
Trump to meet North Korean leader in “three or four weeks”
By James Cogan, 30 April 2018
Any talks could entirely break down over the definition of “denuclearisation” and a “nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.”
North and South Korea hold “peace” summit
By James Cogan, 27 April 2018
Any concrete development toward a rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula on US-dictated terms will be viewed with immense concern in Beijing.
North Korea suspends nuclear tests in latest concession to Trump
By Mike Head, 21 April 2018
Despite the announcement, there is no guarantee that a Trump-Kim summit will go ahead.
Trump’s secret diplomacy with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2018
The Trump administration senses the possibility of advancing US imperialism’s interests in Asia against its chief rivals, Russia and China, and potential competitors such as Japan.
US and North Korean officials discuss Trump-Kim summit
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2018
The cynical character of Trump’s decision to meet with Kim Jong-un is underscored by the fact that two militarists—Pompeo and Bolton—are in charge of preparing the summit.
Tokyo wary of dialogue with North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 2 April 2018
An agreement between the US and North Korea, while highly unlikely, would undermine Japan’s pretext for remilitarization to prosecute its imperialist interests.
North Korean leader holds unannounced talks in China
By Peter Symonds, 28 March 2018
Facing mounting threats from the Trump administration, China and North Korea are under pressure to mend an increasingly frosty relationship.
Bolton’s appointment: Another warning of new US wars
By Peter Symonds, 24 March 2018
Bolton is notorious for his advocacy of illegal wars of aggression, his contempt for the UN and international law, and his belligerent stance towards US rivals such as China and Russia.
On eve of Pennsylvania vote
Trump, Democrats race to the right
By Patrick Martin, 12 March 2018
Trump made fascistic remarks at a campaign rally near Pittsburgh, while Democrats attacked him from the right, on both trade and policy towards North Korea.
US-North Korean talks still a tentative prospect
By Peter Symonds, 10 March 2018
Even if the summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un proceeds, it could rapidly break down, creating an even more explosive situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump accepts North Korean offer of talks, on US terms
By James Cogan, 9 March 2018
The Pyongyang regime’s decades-long perspective has been to reach an accommodation with US imperialism and the South Korean ruling class.
North Korea offers to enter talks to denuclearise
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2018
Trump reacted positively to the announcement of possible talks with North Korea, but maintained Washington’s threats against the Pyongyang regime.
South Korea delegation heads to Pyongyang for talks
By Peter Symonds, 5 March 2018
Despite appeals from South Korea, there is no sign that the Trump administration is prepared to make any concessions to enable negotiations with North Korea to proceed.
US media airs pretexts for preemptive attack on North Korea
By James Cogan, 3 March 2018
Newspaper articles indicate that a war crime of historic dimensions is being prepared.
US airstrike kills dozens amid mounting Western war propaganda over Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 28 February 2018
The orchestrated outcry over civilian deaths in Ghouta and chorus of chemical weapons allegations are aimed at preparing a major new imperialist escalation in the Middle East.
South Korean president holds talks with top North Korean officials
By Ben McGrath, 26 February 2018
North Korea has offered to hold talks with the US, but the Trump administration is insisting that Pyongyang must first demonstrate its willingness to denuclearise.
Trump uses Australian PM’s visit to threaten North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 24 February 2018
Trump warned that if sanctions on North Korea did not work he would move to “phase two,” which could be “a very rough thing.”
Top US intelligence official declares “decision time” on North Korea coming closer
By Peter Symonds, 14 February 2018
Amid speculation about talks between North and South Korea, the US Director of National Intelligence was skeptical that Pyongyang would negotiate away its nuclear weapons.
US to expand military deployments as war danger builds in Asia
By James Cogan, 12 February 2018
The United Sates is preparing for “great-power conflict” in the Pacific by massively increasing its military presence in the region.
US vice president foreshadows “toughest” sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2018
Pence’s aggressive remarks cut across any attempt by the South Korean president to use the Winter Olympics to create an opening for negotiations with North Korea.
Trump considers “bloody nose” strike on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 6 February 2018
US aggression against North Korea would almost certainly trigger retaliation and result in an escalating conflict that would drag in other nuclear-armed powers such as Russia and China.
Trump administration presses for more options for war on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 February 2018
Even as tensions appear to have eased on the Korean Peninsula with the Winter Olympics about to begin, the US is continuing its preparations for a military strike.
Will there be a US nuclear sneak attack on North Korea?
By Bill Van Auken, 26 January 2018
Amid a feverish US military buildup, Washington rolled out a new round of sanctions aimed at strangling North Korea’s economy.
With Indo-Pacific tensions rising, Japan and Australia strengthen military ties
By Mike Head, 19 January 2018
Turnbull’s visit to Tokyo constitutes another warning that all the major powers in the region are preparing for war.
Canada joins US in stepping up threats against North Korea at Vancouver summit
By Roger Jordan, 18 January 2018
The talk of negotiations and a diplomatic solution is a smokescreen behind which preparations for a military attack are well advanced.
Hawaii’s “false alarm” and the advanced preparations for war against North Korea
By Bill Van Auken, 16 January 2018
The terror unleashed upon the population of Hawaii cannot be understood outside of the myriad exercises being conducted by the Pentagon in preparation for an invasion of North Korea.
Trump emphasises hostile stance on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 January 2018
The latest fracas underscores the erratic character of the Trump administration’s stance toward North Korea.
Two Koreas hold talks amid continuing acute tensions
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2018
The meeting produced an agreement for North Korea to participate in the Winter Olympics, but did nothing to end the dangerous standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons.
US President Trump backs meeting between two Koreas
By Peter Symonds, 8 January 2018
Trump suggested the possibility of talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, even though he had threatened North Korea with nuclear annihilation just days earlier.
Talks between North and South Korea to proceed
By Peter Symonds, 6 January 2018
The meeting will take place under conditions of extreme tension as a result of the Trump administration’s campaign of “maximum pressure” to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal.
Trump threatens North Korea with nuclear war
By Peter Symonds, 4 January 2018
Trump’s “nuclear button” remark is aimed not just at North Korea, but any country that poses a challenge to American global hegemony.
North and South Korea propose to hold talks
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2018
The proposal came amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula after bellicose US threats and crippling sanctions against North Korea.
US president accuses China of illegal oil transfer to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 December 2017
Trump’s tweet declaring Beijing was “caught RED HANDED” smacks of a contrived provocation aimed at ramping up tensions with China and North Korea.
UN imposes harsh new sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 23 December 2017
The latest measures, drawn up by Washington, represent a last-ditch attempt to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal.
Japan’s cabinet approves draft budget that boosts the military
By Ben McGrath, 23 December 2017
Tokyo’s buildup of weaponry further aligns it with the US in preparation for war with North Korea and China.
US will “compel” North Korea to denuclearise
By Peter Symonds, 21 December 2017
Trump’s National Security Adviser McMaster said the president had ordered him to “to continue to refine a military option should we have to use it.”
US secretary of state issues new ultimatum to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 16 December 2017
If North Korea does not give up its nuclear arsenal, the US is not only demanding an international economic blockade, but preparing to attack Pyongyang.
Trump administration scotches suggestion of talks with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 December 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s offer of talks without pre-condition was quickly followed by a White House official declaring that “now is not the time.”
Is the United States on the brink of nuclear war?
By Andre Damon, 11 December 2017
In the 13 days since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching large portions of North America, the US has further escalated its war threats.
Further signs of looming US war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 9 December 2017
Out of the blue, Trump officials have suggested that US athletes might not compete in the Winter Olympics in South Korea due to security concerns.
Australian foreign policy White Paper underscores danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 5 December 2017
The document reflects the rising anxieties in ruling circles over the breakdown of the post-World War II order and the emergence of “a more competitive and contested world.”
Top US official warns “not much time” to prevent Korean war
By Peter Symonds, 4 December 2017
To justify US military aggression, National Security Adviser McMaster grossly inflated the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
Canada to co-host meeting with US to prepare for war with North Korea
By Roger Jordan, 2 December 2017
References to a negotiated settlement are for public consumption alone, with the Trudeau government well aware that a conflict on the Korean peninsula is deeply unpopular.
Trump administration escalates threat to “utterly destroy” North Korea
By Joseph Kishore, 1 December 2017
The United States is in the advanced stage of planning some form of military operation against North Korea, which, if carried out, would imperil millions of lives.
Tensions rise again as North Korea tests missile
By Peter Symonds, 29 November 2017
The chief responsibility for the fragile and dangerous situation in North East Asia lies with US imperialism.
US sanctions against North Korea target China
By Peter Symonds, 23 November 2017
Washington is determined to exploit the confrontation with Pyongyang to undermine China economically and strategically.
Trump designates North Korea as state sponsor of terrorism
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2017
Trump’s decision is another step towards a catastrophic war that would not only kill millions on the Korean Peninsula but could potentially draw in major powers such as China and Russia.
Trump’s Asia tour leaves region on brink of trade war and military conflict
By James Cogan, 15 November 2017
President Trump’s bellicose rhetoric, on both North Korea and trade, cannot obscure the fact that his trip marks a new nadir in the strategic position of US imperialism.
“Time is quickly running out”
Trump threatens China over North Korea and trade
By James Cogan, 10 November 2017
Three aircraft carrier battlegroups are positioned off the coast of the Korean Peninsula and will rehearse for war this weekend.
In wake of US threats against North Korea, China heaps honors on Trump
By James Cogan, 9 November 2017
The strategic orientation of the Chinese regime is to avoid an open clash with Washington for as long as possible.
In Seoul, Trump delivers war ultimatum to North Korea
By James Cogan, 8 November 2017
The casualties and horrors of a second Korean War, in 2017, could make those of nearly 70 years ago pale in comparison.
Trump encourages Japanese militarism against North Korea and China
By James Cogan, 7 November 2017
Trump displayed complete indifference to anti-war sentiment in Japan, as he strutted alongside right-wing nationalist prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Trump in Asia: On the eve of war
By James Cogan, 6 November 2017
Trump personifies the decay of American imperialism and the calculation of its strategists that it can arrest its decline by military means.
Trump begins 12-day visit to Asia to build war coalition against North Korea
By James Cogan, 4 November 2017
The visit symbolically began with a visit by the president to the Pearl Habor naval base, where war between the US and Japan for dominance over Asia began in December 1941.
US masses ships and aircraft outside North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 October 2017
The Trump administration is threatening a war not just with conventional weapons, but with nuclear bombs—directed against North Korea and any other power that joins the conflict.
Trump: US “totally prepared” for war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 26 October 2017
The US military preparations take place amid bitter infighting in Washington fuelled, in part, by fears an American attack on North Korea could be imminent.
US prepares to put nuclear bombers on 24-hour alert
By Andre Damon, 24 October 2017
Amid a standoff with North Korea and tensions with Russia and China, Washington is preparing to return its fleet of B-52 nuclear bombers to 24-hour alert for the first time since 1991.
Japan’s Stalinists seek to head off anti-war movement ahead of election
By Ben McGrath, 21 October 2017
By blaming Pyongyang for the current crisis, the JCP is effectively lining up behind Japan’s ruling elite and the US in their confrontation with North Korea and China.
US admiral must “imagine the unimagined:” All-out war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 18 October 2017
The comment from Admiral Harry Harris, who is centrally responsible for preparing US forces for conflict with North Korea, is the latest threat against Pyongyang.
US open to diplomacy with North Korea “until the first bomb drops”
By Peter Symonds, 16 October 2017
Far from offering any reassurance of a peaceful solution, Tillerson’s remarks underscore the advanced state of US preparations for a war with North Korea.
Sri Lankan government enforces UN sanctions against North Korea
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 14 October 2017
Colombo has increasingly integrated Sri Lanka behind Washington’s war preparations against China and North Korea.
The US on the brink of war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 October 2017
As Trump faces a mounting political crisis at home, the US president may see a war with North Korea as a means of shoring up his administration and crushing domestic political opposition.
US army chief urges greater “combat readiness” for war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 October 2017
The US is planning an illegal war of aggression against North Korea on a scale that would dwarf its military interventions into Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria.
Follow the WSWS