Symbolic detonations are first of their kind and come amid dispute over drones
Kim Jong Un calls to ‘exponentially’ increase nuclear weapons stockpile
Second possible defection this month comes amid heightened tensions on peninsula
Taipei seeks to ‘close loopholes’ in terrorism financing law that undermined UN sanctions
Stronger Putin-Kim ties and possible Trump re-election increases public support for independent deterrent
Launches come amid high tensions on Korean Peninsula days after Vladimir Putin visit
North Korean leader’s deepening ties with Russian president could increase his sense of independence from Beijing
Tensions rise on Korean peninsula after Russian president raises giving Pyongyang high-precision weapons
Mutual defence pledge marks one of Moscow’s strongest commitments in Asia
Russian leader receives lavish welcome on first trip to Pyongyang in more than two decades
Russian president makes first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years as regimes deepen ties in face of international isolation
The inside story on the Asia tech trends that matter, from Nikkei Asia and the Financial Times
Also in today’s newsletter, ex-Thai PM to be indicted, and key clients ditch PwC China
Pyongyang retaliates against leafleting campaign by pro-democracy activists from South
The west African country is on the verge of becoming a regional oil major
Moscow’s veto over extending panel’s mandate leaves west without means of enforcing international curbs on Pyongyang
Washington says shipments exceeded 165,000 barrels in March and could continue ‘indefinitely’
Pyongyang mobilises army to increase industrial capacity in battered regions
Senior official’s trip to Pyongyang signals Beijing’s disquiet about burgeoning ties between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin
Satellite images shared exclusively with the Financial Times point to ‘arms-for-oil’ trade between Pyongyang and Moscow
Cyber criminals backed by Pyongyang turn to artificial intelligence as they try to secure funds
Tokyo hopes diplomatic breakthrough will boost premier’s domestic popularity
Nuclear weapons development and strong ties with Russia embolden Pyongyang to escalate threats towards Seoul
North Korean leader labels Seoul ‘principal enemy’ as he drops historic commitment to reconciliation
Pyongyang claims successful launch as regime increases weapons sales to Russia
