Analysts tip a stronger hand for China ahead of Xi-Trump summit in Washington

South China Morning Post - Sep 19, 2026

When the presidents of the United States and China meet in Washington, the world will be watching to see whether their two countries can make good on their agreement to work towards “constructive strategic stability”. In the second part of a series, Fan Chen looks at Beijing’s stronger position going into the high-stakes visit. Beijing is poised to begin this week’s summit with Washington from a position of strength, bolstered by a flurry of recent diplomatic outreach. Chinese confidence could...

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NK leader calls for 'most concentrated and destructive' artillery capability

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for his country's artillery forces to have the "most concentrated and destructive" capabilities as he visited major munitions factories earlier this week, state media reported Saturday. Kim inspected munitions enterprises from Wednesday to Friday, accompanied by senior officials, including Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "Our artillery should have the most concentrated and destructive, massive and versatile offensive capability and responsibly perform the two missions of deterring and fighting war," the KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Kim said the munitions industry should play a bigger role in carrying out the strategic policy of the ruling Workers' Party to build the "most powerful army," according to the KCNA. He outlined policy tasks, including enhancing the level of artificial intelligence of offensive and defensive weapons, upgrading the armor and automation of artillery weapons, and improving production conditions, it said. Kim appears

N. Korea rejects IAEA resolution, vows to maintain nuclear force amid US threats

N. Korea rejects IAEA resolution, vows to maintain nuclear force amid US threats

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Cheong Wa Dae says Lee's 'no war intervention' remark not a rejection of Trump's Hormuz request

Cheong Wa Dae says Lee's 'no war intervention' remark not a rejection of Trump's Hormuz request

Cheong Wa Dae said Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung's remarks ruling out troop dispatches that could involve the country in a war were not a refusal of U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send forces to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The presidential office clarified the position after the New York Times reported that Lee's comments at a press conference Friday amounted to a rejection of Trump's appeal for Seoul's military cooperation in the Middle East. "Lee did not turn down Trump's request for Korea's cooperation on Middle East-related issues during yesterday's press conference," a presidential official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "The government has been reviewing practical ways to contribute in close communication with the international community, including the United States, in order to protect our citizens and safeguard national interests." Seoul will continue to examine concrete options under its stated principle of not intervening in a war or combat, the official added. On Friday, Lee said during the nationally televised press conference that "

Kim withdraws as justice minister nominee

Kim withdraws as justice minister nominee

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Lee considering creation of dedicated body for youth policies

Lee considering creation of dedicated body for youth policies

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Incheon airport braces for record foreign arrivals, with up to 60,000 expected per day

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Peace Corps Volunteers gather in Seoul, possibly for last time

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Somali piracy rise tests China’s long-running Gulf of Aden mission

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US space weapons move has ‘broken taboo’, could spark new arms race, Beijing forum told

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Stray Kids' Bang Chan donates $143,915 for rehabilitation patients, Nepal relief

Stray Kids' Bang Chan donates $143,915 for rehabilitation patients, Nepal relief

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