North Korea

South Korea's mixed messages to North: anger, and a Christmas tree

South Koreans erected a huge Christmas tree that can reportedly be seen from the North's side of the demilitarized zone. But a sense of brotherhood has been sharply strained by the North's recent attack.
US, South Korea skeptical of North Korea's nuclear offer

US envoy Bill Richardson said its offer to allow nuclear inspections was a 'step in the right direction.' But the US and the South note a 'string of broken promises.'
South Koreans see North Korea's restraint as calculated

On Yeonpyeong Island and on the streets of Seoul, South Koreans say that North Korea is hoping to portray itself as a voice of reason by not responding to South Korea's artillery drills Monday.
North Korea refrains from retaliation after South Korea artillery drill

North Korea had threatened a harsh response if South Korea went ahead with military exercises in disputed waters Monday. But it could still take action, experts say.
Yeonpyeong Islanders flee in advance of South Korea's expected live-fire drills

Even the plucky few residents who returned after North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells at Yeonpyeong Island on Nov. 23 are fleeing ahead of South Korea's live-fire drills this week.
North Korea threats unlikely to dissuade South from planned military drill

North Korea and South Korea have both raised the stakes in a Yellow Sea confrontation, with each side wanting to save face.
Terrorism & Security
North Korea threatens retaliation for South Korean military drill

North Korea sees South Korea's plans to conduct a live-fire artillery drill this weekend as "needlessly provocative," but the US insists it is normal and necessary.
US blending military and diplomatic strategies to stall North Korea

Top US officials appear to be pressing China to do more to rein in North Korean aggression. Meanwhile, the South held a major civil defense drill Wednesday.
US rallies Tokyo and Seoul, rails against China's support for North Korea

China's highest-ranking foreign affairs official went to Pyongyang on Thursday, just after US Adm. Mike Mullen visited Japan and South Korea.
Yeonpyeong attack spoils South Korea's appetite for sending food aid to North Korea

In South Korea, public support for cutting aid to North Korea has nearly doubled in the wake of the North's Nov. 23 attack on Yeonpyeong Island, a new study shows.
Terrorism & Security
China delegation visits North Korea, expresses support for Kim Jong Il

The US was hoping that China, the only country with diplomatic influence over North Korea, would rebuke the country for shelling South Korea last month. But China appears intent on maintaining support for Kim Jong Il.
US, South Korea eye shift in rules of engagement on North Korea

Seoul's top general and US Adm. Mike Mullen did not formally announce a shift in rules of engagement. But South Korean analysts believe they are shaping the first possible strategy shift since the Korean War.
Why China will not do as Clinton asks on North Korea

China's push for more dialogue and less pressure on North Korea reflects that fact China is more concerned with the economic stability of its neighbor than its nuclear program.
Why China is reluctant to rein in North Korea's bellicose behavior

North Korea is fueling a debate in ruling circles in Beijing over how far China should go in backing the regime in Pyongyang.
Terrorism & Security
Obama urges China to help diffuse North Korea tension

In a phone call Monday, President Obama asked Chinese President Hu Jintao to put pressure on North Korea, even as US held military drills with South Korea.
WikiLeaks release: How China sees North Korea

China appears to be distancing itself from North Korea and warming up to the idea of Korean reunification, according to WikiLeaks.
It's official: North Korea says 'modern' nuclear plant is operating

North Korea boasted Tuesday to running 'thousands' of nuclear centrifuges, a week after launching a deadly artillery attack on South Korea, as China pressed for six-nation crisis talks.
Japan's response to North Korea takes on a sharper edge

Prime Minister Naoto Kan is finding his nation dependent on the US in responding to North Korea, even as public opposition to the US base on Okinawa remains high.
Disillusioned South Korea weighs response to North Korean flare-up

South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak made a tough-sounding speech today, but his critics say it comes too late. US and South Korean warships engaged in 'high-intensity' war games while NKorea makes new threats.
Okinawa election eases pressure on US military base location

Okinawans reelected the incumbent governor, who is less opposed to US military bases than his challenger. The US wants to move ahead with a 2006 deal to relocate Futenma air base within Okinawa.
After North Korean attack, South Korean island empties out

After North Korean artillery showered this island in the Yellow Sea Tuesday, locals say they're fearful of North Korea's latest threats of a peninsula 'on the brink of war.'
Terrorism & Security
North Korea says on 'brink of war' as US, South Korea prepare for military exercises

North Korea kept up its harsh rhetoric Friday, indicating that it saw upcoming military exercises as fresh provocation. US Gen. Walter Sharp toured the island area attacked by the North on Tuesday.
Why South Koreans think North Korean conflict won't escalate

In the wake of the North Korean attack on a South Korean island, the sense among many Koreans is they could carry on as usual. But some warn against complacency.
When would a North Korean attack provoke US military response?

Pentagon officials wonder if and when North Korean aggression will require a US military response. It's 'premature' to say that is being considered after the North Korean attack on South Korea Tuesday, says a Pentagon spokesman.
North Korean attack on South Korea: 8 provocations of the past decade

North Korea shelled South Korea Tuesday, killing two South Korean marines and injuring at least two other marines and four civilians. History shows the North is often an instigator.