When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

North Korea

North Korea Bans South Korea From Accessing Jointly-Run Industrial Park

YONHAP (South Korea), BBC (UK)

Worldcrunch

PYONYANG – North Korea blocked South Korean workers from accessing a jointly operated industrial park on Wednesday.

North Korea banned South Korean workers from crossing the border to work at the inter-Korean Kaesong Industrial Complex, only allowing about 800 South Koreans who stayed overnight at the border town to return home, reports Yonhap news agency.

The move comes four days after North Korea threatened to shut down the complex, in retaliation against United Nations sanctions and joint U.S.-South Korea military drills.

The industrial park is home to more than 120 factories, employing more than 50,000 North Koreans and several hundred managers from South Korea, reports BBC News. Permission to cross the border into the complex is permitted on a daily basis, with workers allowed to stay overnight.

[rebelmouse-image 27086558 alt="""" original_size="413x492" expand=1]

The Kaesong industrial region, 10 kilometers north of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Source: ASDFGH/GNU

Pyongyang has been increasingly threatening towards South Korea and the U.S. over the past few weeks, notably vowing to restart a mothballed nuclear plant held to be the source for plutonium for North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

Sign up to our free daily newsletter.

Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest