Featured World Economy Sports Video Latest Hotspots Donate Search Axios Atlas

Keyword

VI|EN

Featured World Eco Sports Video New Hot Support Go Atlas

Loading page…

Axios Times

World news — politics, business, society, and sports; a modern reading layout on every device.

Newsletter

Get a curated summary by email. Email language matches the site language when you subscribe.

Newsletter page & unsubscribe

Quick links

Featured
Latest
World
Economy
Video
Axios Atlas

About

Editorial focus: global news with emphasis on politics, economy, society, and sports.
Contact
Donate

North Korea | Axios Times

← Home

Topic

North Korea

71 articles

World

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Pledge to Boost Cooperation at Pyongyang Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation during Xi's rare visit to Pyongyang. The leaders agreed on closer strategic coordination, with Kim reaffirming support for China's One China policy. The visit marks Xi's first to North Korea in seven years, aimed at reasserting Chinese influence amid Pyongyang's warming ties with Russia.

Jun 9, 2026

World

Xi Jinping visits North Korea: The ups and downs of the 'lips and teeth' alliance

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on June 8 for the first time since 2019, as both nations seek to reaffirm their historic 'lips and teeth' alliance. The visit highlights the complex ties that have weathered war, famine, nuclear tensions, and geopolitical shifts. Xi's journey underscores China's enduring role as North Korea's key economic and diplomatic partner.

Jun 9, 2026

World

President Xi Jinping reaffirms unwavering China-North Korea friendship

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to its traditional friendship with North Korea during talks with leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on June 2. Xi declared the bond unchanged despite international turmoil, signaling Beijing's unwavering diplomatic approach toward Pyongyang amid heightened regional tensions.

Jun 8, 2026

World

China's Xi Jinping visits North Korea: Beijing reasserts itself amid warming Russia-North Korea ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Friday (June 5) for his first foreign trip this year, aiming to strengthen ties with nuclear-armed North Korea amid warming Russia-North Korea relations. The visit underscores Beijing's role as an indispensable neighbor and its efforts to reassert influence as North Korea leans toward Moscow.

Jun 8, 2026

World

Kim Jong Un's Sister Labels North Korea Denuclearization Goal 'Fake News'

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed the joint U.S.-China call for North Korea's denuclearization as 'fake news'. Her statement came after a White House meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi, where they reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Analysts view this as another sign of Pyongyang's unwavering nuclear stance.

Jun 7, 2026

World

China's Xi Jinping visits North Korea: What signals at this time?

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for the first time in seven years, signaling Beijing's concern over growing Russia-North Korea ties and rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Analysts see the trip as a bid to reassert Chinese influence amid geopolitical shifts.

Jun 7, 2026

World

Kim Jong Un orders construction of 10,000-ton destroyer ahead of Chinese President's visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the navy to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to visit Pyongyang early next week. Kim oversaw naval tests on June 5, boarding a 5,000-ton destroyer and observing another, according to state media. The activity comes amid an ongoing push to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal and military capabilities.

Jun 6, 2026

World

Kim Jong Un Calls for 'Exponential' Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured a new nuclear bomb fuel production facility and called for an 'exponential' increase in his atomic arsenal to counter rising security threats. State media reported production capacity of weapons-grade materials has more than doubled in five years. Analysts view this as a signal that denuclearization is not negotiable ahead of potential diplomatic talks.

Jun 4, 2026

World

North Korean leader inspects new nuclear material production facility

North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong-un inspected a new nuclear material production facility, a move that could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Analysts view this as a sign that North Korea continues to maintain its nuclear weapons program despite United Nations sanctions.

Jun 4, 2026

3 / 3Next

World

North Korea Tests Series of Upgraded Missile Systems

North Korea announced on June 28 it had completed tests of upgraded missile systems, including ballistic and cruise missiles, amid rising regional tensions. The tests are seen as a response to joint US-South Korea military drills, though Pyongyang claims they are a right to self-defense.

May 27, 2026

Sports

North Korean Women's Team Wins Asian Champions League on South Korean Soil

Naegohyang Women's FC claimed the AFC Women's Champions League title by defeating Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in Suwon, South Korea. The win marked the first time a North Korean sports team has played in the South in eight years, drawing emotional support from local fans.

May 23, 2026

World

Hope for early resumption of cross-border North Korea tourism at China border crossing

After a passenger train link between China and North Korea resumed operations in March following a six-year hiatus, hopes are rising for the early restart of cross-border tourism in Dandong, a northeastern Chinese border city. Local officials say the train service signals improving bilateral relations, and tourism businesses are optimistic about a prompt resumption of tours to North Korea.

May 22, 2026

Sports

North Korean football team plays in South Korea for first time in over 7 years

Hundreds of fans braved heavy rain at Suwon Sports Complex on May 14 to watch a North Korean football team play in South Korea for the first time in over seven years. The match marks a thaw in inter-Korean sports relations, which had been frozen since 2019. The event was seen as a positive step toward resuming sports exchanges between the two Koreas.

May 20, 2026

Sports

North Korean Women’s Club Beats South Korea, Secures Spot in AFC Champions League Final

Naegohyang Women FC defeated Suwon FC Women 2-1 in the AFC Women's Champions League semifinal in Suwon, South Korea. The victory secures the North Korean club's place in the final and marks the first time a North Korean sports team has played in South Korea in eight years.

May 20, 2026

World

South Korea Kicks Off Formal Process to Acquire Nuclear Submarine

South Korea has formally started the process to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine, a Navy document disclosed on May 14, as security talks with the U.S. remain inconclusive. The initiative aims to strengthen deterrence against North Korean threats but faces geopolitical hurdles.

May 20, 2026

Sports

Suwon FC Women Seek Revenge at Home Against North Korean Opponents

In a historic first, a women's football match between clubs from North and South Korea will be held on South Korean soil this week. Host club Suwon FC Women are determined to avenge a previous defeat suffered on North Korean ground. The match is seen as a chance to showcase the strength of South Korean women's football.

May 18, 2026

World

Trump and Xi Jinping Reaffirm Goal of Denuclearizing North Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their joint commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula during bilateral talks, a U.S. official said today. Both sides agreed that denuclearization is an "irreversible common goal," though specific enforcement measures were not disclosed.

May 18, 2026

World

Trump and Xi Jinping Reaffirm Joint Goal of Denuclearizing North Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their shared objective of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula during a two-day summit in Beijing, while also opposing the imposition of transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts amid strained bilateral ties and Middle East tensions.

May 18, 2026

World

Trump confirms discussion on North Korea with China's President Xi Jinping

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea amid rising tensions. He provided no details on content or timing. China remains a key mediator in denuclearization efforts.

May 15, 2026

World

Google warns North Korean hackers using AI to find security vulnerabilities

Google has reported that state-backed hackers from North Korea and China are showing significant interest in using artificial intelligence to detect previously unknown security vulnerabilities. The report by Alphabet highlights a concerning trend as AI can automate the discovery and exploitation of system weaknesses.

May 12, 2026

World

North Korea Says It Is Not Bound by Any Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty

North Korea’s ambassador to the UN declared that Pyongyang will not be bound by any nuclear nonproliferation treaty, rejecting external pressure to change its nuclear-weapon state status. The statement came during the 11th NPT Review Conference, where the US and allies have criticized North Korea’s nuclear program. The country, which withdrew from the NPT in 2003, has conducted six nuclear tests and is believed to hold dozens of warheads.

May 7, 2026

Sports

For first time in years, North Korean women's football team to play in South Korea

Naegohyang FC will face Suwon FC in the AFC Women's Champions League semifinal on May 20, marking the first time a North Korean sports team has competed in South Korea since 2018. The North Korean delegation of 27 players and 12 staff arrives via Beijing on May 17. The match is a rare sporting exchange between the two Koreas amid ongoing tensions.

May 4, 2026

World

Top UN Political Official Visits Pyongyang

The UN’s top political affairs official stressed the urgent need to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula after concluding a four-day visit to North Korea. The visit, marked by discussions on conflict de-escalation and dialogue promotion, took place amid recent missile launches and increased military activities. No specific agreements were announced, but the trip is viewed as part of UN efforts to keep communication lines open.

May 2, 2026