North and South Korea
As contract deadline looms in US, 8,000 GM autoworkers strike in South Korea
By James Cogan, 10 September 2019
The issues over which the Korean workers are striking are ones that their American co-workers will readily identify with.
Dangerous encounter of warplanes from four nations over Sea of Japan
By Ben McGrath, 25 July 2019
While the US was not directly involved, its aggressive military buildup in Asia created the conditions for the aerial standoff.
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-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.
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.
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.
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 aggression on Korea, trade overshadows Southeast Asian meetings
By Mike Head, 7 August 2018
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used the occasion to warn Russia, China and others against any breach of US-led sanctions that North Korea still faces.
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.
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.”
Trump lauds “declaration for peace” on Korean Peninsula
By James Cogan, 28 April 2018
The political shift in barely two months—from ominous threats of war to the Korean leaders hugging each other—is a measure of the volatility produced by growing US-China tensions.
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.
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.
US and South Korea hold war games ahead of talks
By Peter Symonds, 7 April 2018
While scaled back, the joint exercises still involve 300,000 troops and advanced weaponry amid continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
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.
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.
2018 Winter Olympics held in Korea under shadow of war
By Will Morrow, 13 February 2018
This Olympics, like those that have preceded it, has been dominated by extreme expressions of nationalism and chauvinism, particularly by the US.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 defence secretary calls on military to be ready for war against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 October 2017
President Trump has repeatedly dismissed efforts to start talks with North Korea and to end the dangerous confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.
UK draws up plans to back US military attack on North Korea
By Robert Stevens, 10 October 2017
At the Conservative Party’s annual conference, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said his government was prepared to use nuclear weapons against North Korea or another adversary.
Surrounded by generals, Trump remarks on “the calm before the storm”
By Peter Symonds, 7 October 2017
Trump’s menacing comment—almost certainly directed against North Korea—is another warning that the US is on the brink of launching a catastrophic war.
Trump rules out negotiations with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 October 2017
Trump’s crude tweet branded Tillerson’s efforts as “a waste of time” while also targeting Chinese leaders, with whom the US secretary of state had just held talks.
As Trump threatens North Korea, most Americans oppose war
By Peter Symonds, 25 September 2017
An opinion poll revealed the majority of Americans oppose a US attack on North Korea, fear it will lead to a wider war and do not trust Trump as commander-in-chief.
Trump provokes North Korean counter-threats and heightens war danger
By Peter Symonds, 23 September 2017
North Korea has clearly concluded that the US is intent on destroying its government and is developing its nuclear arsenal in a desperate bid to counter the US threat.
South Korea assassination squad to target Pyongyang leadership
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2017
This “decapitation squad” is part of a broader plan for preemptive war against North Korea that would have devastating consequences for the region.
Trump threatens North Korea with “effective and overwhelming” military force
By Peter Symonds, 16 September 2017
Senior Trump officials insisted that the US had a “military option” and warned that time was running out for any diplomatic solution to the Korean crisis.
North Korea tests missile in response to sanctions
By James Cogan, 15 September 2017
Washington is pushing the besieged regime in North Korea into a corner from which it could escape only by a complete capitulation to US demands.
As US threatens North Korea, NATO chief warns of “more dangerous world”
By Peter Symonds, 11 September 2017
The danger of catastrophic war in Asia is provoking deep fears in Europe and exacerbating divisions with Washington.
As US threatens war against North Korea, China appeals to European powers
By Alex Lantier, 9 September 2017
China has called on Germany and France to coordinate sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear test and prevent US escalation on the Korean Peninsula from leading to war.
US completes anti-missile deployment in South Korea amid heightened war danger
By Ben McGrath, 8 September 2017
Under pressure from Washington, South Korean President Moon has moved away from his previous calls for dialogue with North Korea and toward increasingly hawkish positions.
UN head warns Korean crisis could spiral into world war
By James Cogan, 7 September 2017
Sharp divisions exist between the US, China and Russia over Washington’s demands that the UN impose a total trade embargo on North Korea.
Trump, North Korea and the danger of world war
By Peter Symonds, 4 September 2017
While North Korea’s nuclear test certainly compounds the risk of conflict, the prime responsibility for pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war rests with US imperialism.
Trump threatens North Korea with war
By Peter Symonds, 30 August 2017
By declaring “all options are on the table,” Trump effectively ruled out strong hints last week that a peaceful solution to the standoff could be found.
US pushes ahead with provocative war games in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2017
By proceeding with the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises, the US is once again deliberately inflaming its confrontation with North Korea.
A temporary step back in US-North Korean tensions
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2017
The confrontation on the Korean Peninsula remains on a hair trigger and a mistake or miscalculation could plunge the world into war.
New Zealand government would “consider” joining US war against North Korea
By Tom Peters, 15 August 2017
For the government and opposition parties alike, the threat of war has been the great unmentionable in their campaigns for the September 23 election.
As Trump initiates hostile trade inquiry against China
US defence secretary threatens war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 August 2017
Mattis’s remarks came in the aftermath of bellicose threats by President Trump last week to engulf North Korea in “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
China rejects Trump’s accusations over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2017
Beijing’s determination not to be bullied into tougher action against North Korea sets the stage for an escalating US confrontation not only with Pyongyang, but also China.
US generals discuss “military options” after North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 29 July 2017
Yesterday’s launch of a long-range missile will only heighten the clamour in Washington for action, including military strikes and regime-change operations.
US military declares “time is running out” before war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 28 July 2017
The situation is rendered even more volatile and dangerous by the besieged character of the Trump presidency.
US accuses China of unsafe mid-air encounter
By Peter Symonds, 26 July 2017
The incident involving a US spy plane and Chinese fighters highlights the acute tensions generated by Washington’s repeated threats to attack North Korea.
South Korea extends deadline for talks with the North
By Ben McGrath, 24 July 2017
Seoul has reassured Washington that its proposal is not meant to undermine the larger demand for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 18 July 2017
Seoul’s offer is likely to aggravate differences with Washington, which were largely papered over during the summit between the leaders of the two countries last month.
Trump’s frosty phone call with Chinese President Xi
By Peter Symonds, 4 July 2017
Trump is adopting a more confrontational stance toward China in an effort to pressure Beijing to force North Korea to bow to US demands.
South Korean president aligns with US war plans against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 3 July 2017
With his election out of the way, President Moon sought to reassure Washington that he remained committed to the military alliance.
US demands “much greater” Chinese pressure on North Korea, or else
By Peter Symonds, 22 June 2017
While continuing to press China over North Korea, the Trump administration is warning that the US will resort to other measures—including military action—if there are no results.
South Korean president tries to smooth disagreements with Washington
By Ben McGrath, 22 June 2017
Seoul has suggested reaching out to Pyongyang as the US ramps up pressure on North Korea.
Trump takes another step towards war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 June 2017
By declaring that Chinese pressure on Pyongyang has “not worked out,” Trump is left with few options but to launch reckless military attacks on North Korea.
US ex-basketballer heads to North Korea to “open door”
By Peter Symonds, 15 June 2017
Given the accelerating US confrontation with North Korea, the chances that Rodman’s visit can open meaningful talks between the two countries appear remote.
South Korea delays THAAD battery installation
By Ben McGrath, 13 June 2017
Washington is concerned that the new government in Seoul is pursuing closer relations with China.
Following new UN sanctions, North Korea tests more missiles
By Peter Symonds, 8 June 2017
A US nuclear-powered attack submarine docked in South Korea on Tuesday—the latest step in Washington’s military build-up near the Korean Peninsula.
US anti-missile test sends warning to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2017
The successful interception of a dummy ICBM demonstrates to North Korea and also China that the US can launch a nuclear attack and counter any attempt to retaliate.
North Korea tests missile as US deploys third aircraft carrier
By James Cogan, 29 May 2017
The test follow steps by the US and its allies that would have heightened fears in the North Korean regime of the possibility of attack.
UN Security Council to meet again after North Korea missile test
By James Cogan, 22 May 2017
The test followed actions by the US and its allies that would only have heightened the North Korean regime’s fears about an imminent military assault.
North Korea accused of cyber attacks in mounting demonisation campaign
By James Cogan, 18 May 2017
A propaganda campaign is underway in the US and international media that is ominously reminiscent of the 2002-2003 hysteria over Iraq and “weapons of mass destruction.”
US, South Korea emphasise alliance after North Korean missile test
By Ben McGrath, 15 May 2017
Concerns persist in Washington that the new Moon administration in Seoul could undermine attempts to pressure Pyongyang.
As war tensions continue, signs emerge of talks with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 May 2017
The Trump administration appears to be giving China a short window of opportunity to bully North Korea into accepting US demands.
South Korean presidential frontrunner stresses agreement with Trump
By Ben McGrath, 8 May 2017
On the eve of South Korea’s election, DPK candidate Moon Jae-in is attempting to placate fears in Washington that he will cut across war plans in the region.
South Korean election candidates back US war preparations
By Ben McGrath, 2 May 2017
Widespread opposition to the THAAD antiballistic missile battery and the drive to war can find no expression in the presidential contest.
Trump threatens “major conflict” with North Korea
By Mike Head, 28 April 2017
The US president invoked the danger of war, while claiming to be seeking a diplomatic solution to the Korean crisis.
US tests missile in Pacific as it escalates threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 26 April 2017
The provocatively-timed US test again underscores where the real risk of nuclear war resides—in Washington.
South Korean presidential candidates move further to the right on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 26 April 2017
Moon Jae-in of the DPK has sought to prove his pro-US credentials by calling for an additional military buildup.
US naval “armada” menaces North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 25 April 2017
The nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, is due to arrive in South Korea today where it will be joined by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group.
US continues dangerous brinkmanship with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2017
By keeping the world guessing as to what he will do, Trump has added a great deal of uncertainty into an already precarious situation and heightened the danger of conflict.
Trump threatens North Korea, issues ultimatum to China
By Peter Symonds, 12 April 2017
Trump is preparing to attack North Korea if China fails to heed his dictates and Pyongyang conducts another nuclear or missile test.
South Korean presidential candidates line up behind US war drive
By Ben McGrath, 12 April 2017
As tensions with North Korea rise, the leading “democratic” contenders, Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo, have taken a pro-militarist and pro-US stance.
China fears US military attack on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 April 2017
The state-owned Global Times warned that “a military strike on the North will very likely evolve into large-scale bloody war on the Peninsula.”
US aircraft carrier deployed in direct threat to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2017
Following its attacks on Syria, the US, in a “show of force,” dispatched the Carl Vinson strike group to waters near the Korean peninsula.
Trump official warns “the clock has run out” on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 5 April 2017
Unless China forces North Korea to bow to Washington’s demands, the US will use every means, including its huge military forces, to crush the Pyongyang regime.
Trump threatens China with war on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 4 April 2017
The Trump administration has threatened to launch a war that will not only be catastrophic for the people of the Korean peninsula but could drag in other major powers, including China, Russia and Japan.
After Park’s ouster, South Korean pseudo-left orients to pro-US opposition
By Ben McGrath, 4 April 2017
The state-capitalist Workers’ Solidarity group is backing the campaign to install a new president favorable to the US war drive against China.
Growing debate in Beijing over North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 28 March 2017
Sections of the Chinese ruling elite are growing increasingly frustrated with Pyongyang and the danger it represents to China’s security interests.
China warns US strategic bomber in East China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 25 March 2017
The war plane was one of two B-1Bs deployed from Guam to join massive war games underway in South Korea amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
US threatens more sanctions, military build-up against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 22 March 2017
As the US secretary of state declared last week, all options, including military action against Pyongyang, are under consideration.
Trump, Tillerson press China for action against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 20 March 2017
Despite his muted public remarks in Beijing, the US secretary of state had already made clear that “all options,” including military ones, were on the table to deal with Pyongyang.
US sends drones, assassination squad to South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2017
The military build-up by the Trump administration takes place as the White House considers launching strikes on North Korean nuclear and military sites.
Is the US preparing for war against North Korea?
By Peter Symonds, 13 March 2017
Amid a shrill media campaign inflating the threat posed by North Korea, the Trump administration is considering “all options” against Pyongyang.
US rejects talks over North Korea, declaring “all options on table”
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2017
China’s foreign minister warned that the US and North Korea are like “accelerating trains” on a collision course “with neither side willing to give way.”
As US deploys anti-missile system, China warns of nuclear arms race
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2017
Using North Korean missile tests as a pretext, the US has begun deploying its THAAD anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea.
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