News

S. Korea secures key trade dialogue with U.S. amid tariff concerns

2025/03/04 20:00

The Korean trade authorities say a communication channel is ready with the U.S. to discuss tariffs while the two sides seek to strengthen their cooperation on shipbuilding and energy. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. South Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun says his recent visit to the United States has established a key communication channel with the Trump administration to discuss tariffs and industrial cooperation, including shipbuilding and energy. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Ahn described this as a major achievement, allowing negotiations to take place in a way that best serves South Korea's interests. He likened the tariff talks to a "marathon," warning that new tariffs on industries such as semiconductors, bio-manufacturing, and automobiles could emerge at any time. During his visit, Ahn met with senior U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House Energy Adviser Doug Burgum. He confirmed that four working-level dialogue groups have been established on shipbuilding, energy, Alaska gas development, and non-tariff barriers, alongside separate channels with the U.S. Commerce Department, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the National Energy Council. With the U.S. set to expand tariffs on steel and aluminum starting next week and poised to introduce more, Ahn stressed that securing a fair competitive environment is crucial --saying South Korean firms will be able to adapt if they are not placed at a disadvantage compared to other countries. He also emphasized the need for consistent policy, highlighting the strong industrial ties between the two countries, and stated that Seoul is urging Washington to uphold commitments made to Korean companies under the previous administration such as the Inflation Reduction Act. On shipbuilding, Ahn said Washington views South Korea as a key partner in strengthening U.S. naval capabilities, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick expressing appreciation for Seoul's willingness to cooperate. Ahn further revealed that he had explored opportunities for South Korean participation in Alaska's gas development project, which has become a priority under President Trump's push for increased domestic oil and gas production. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

The fallout from U.S.-Ukraine summit and its global implications

2025/03/04 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The U.S.-Ukraine summit ended without progress, derailing what was seen as a crucial step toward a ceasefire. The collapse of the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement has not only stalled negotiations but has also deepened tensions between Washington and Kyiv. President Trump reportedly ordered a complete halt to U.S. military aid, fueling concerns that the war may become even more protracted. European leaders meanwhile are attempting to fill the diplomatic void, proposing a peace framework that includes a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war. However, questions remain about whether the U.S. will accept this proposal and how Moscow will react. To help us analyze these pressing issues, we invite Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Welcome. Also joining us online is Hannah Kim, Assistant Professor at Sogang University GSIS. Great to have you with us again. 1. (KIM) So Prof. Kim, on February 28, the summit between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents ended in failure. The U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, which was considered the first step toward a ceasefire, has now returned to square one. What was the decisive reason for the breakdown in talks between the two leaders? 2. (DAVIS) Now to Dr. Davis, following the meeting, President Zelenskyy has been working to manage the situation through media interviews. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ramped up pressure, even bringing up the possibility of a "regime change" in Ukraine. How likely is it that discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine will make any meaningful progress going forward? 3. (KIM) In response to the failed U.S.-Ukraine summit, world leaders held an emergency meeting on the 2nd to discuss follow-up measures. They announced plans to propose a peace negotiation framework to the U.S., including a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war. Prof. Kim, do you think the U.S. will accept this proposal? 4. (DAVIS) So with these developments concerns are growing over a prolonged war in Ukraine following the collapse of the summit. Adding to the concern, President Trump has reportedly ordered a temporary halt to U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Dr. Davis, how do you assess the future trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war? 5. (KIM) On the other hand, some speculate that the failure of the talks could shift the balance of power in the peace negotiations in Russia's favor. Prof. Kim, could the Trump administration push harder for a peace deal that aligns more with Russia's interests—such as blocking Ukraine's NATO membership and preventing territorial recovery? 6. (DAVIS) As President Trump focuses on improving relations with President Putin, the idea of strengthening Europe's self-reliant defense is gaining traction, regardless of whether a peace deal is reached. This stems from concerns that Russia's threat could grow with tacit U.S. approval. How do you view this development, Dr. Davis? 7. (KIM) Amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks, President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have placed emphasis on their close communication, including a recent phone call. What message does this China-Russia dialogue send, Prof. Kim? Additionally, how might the U.S.-Russia rapprochement impact the China-Russia relationship in the future? 8. (DAVIS) Meanwhile, Russia continues to strengthen its ties with North Korea. On Feb. 27, President Putin met with Ri Hi-yong, Secretary of North Korea's Workers' Party. Given that such a meeting was highly unusual, analysts suggest that critical issues were discussed. Dr. Davis, what do you think was on the agenda? 9. (DAVIS) A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces has reportedly expressed a clear intention to defect. However, some speculate that it may be difficult for South Korea to bring them in solely through bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. What are the possibilities and potential challenges surrounding the repatriation of the North Korean soldier? 10. (KIM) So the U.S.-Russia peace negotiations are interconnected with North Korea-Russia, North Korea-U.S., and South Korea-Russia relations, potentially causing further turbulence on the Korean Peninsula. Prof. Kim, how should South Korea strategize its response as Ukraine peace talks unfold?

U.S. senior APEC envoy visits S. Korea ahead of APEC summit

2025/03/04 17:00

A senior U.S. official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is scheduled to arrive here in South Korea tomorrow that is Wednesday. According to the U.S. State Department APEC Ambassador Matt Murray's week-long visit to Korea will include agendas in Seoul and the host city of this year's APEC Gyeongju . Murray is expected to engage with government officials and business leaders here to better align American and South Korean interests ahead of the annual gathering slated for this November under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow". South Korea's southern port city of Busan hosted the APEC summit back in 2005.

Trump reportedly pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House meeting debacle

2025/03/04 17:00

On the diplomatic front. U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a halt in American defense support of Ukraine following a dramatic exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last Friday. Our Kim Jung-sil has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a pause in all military aid to Ukraine just days after the heated confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Multiple U.S. media outlets reported on the decision on Monday local time, citing senior administration and military officials. "An agreement to end the war is still very, very far away, and no one has started all these steps yet." Trump, who is eager to bring an end to the conflict quickly, slammed the Ukrainian president's remarks shortly after. "I want to see it end fast. I don't want to see this go on for years and years. He said he thinks the war's going to go on for a long time. And he better not be right about that." Trump also suggested that if Zelenskyy continues to resist negotiations with Russia, his position may soon be in jeopardy. "Now, maybe somebody doesn't want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn't want to make a deal, I think that person won't be around very long." Trump's order reportedly halts over $1 billion in military aid, as he demanded Ukraine demonstrate a commitment to peace talks with Russia. He has repeatedly called on Zelenskyy to show more gratitude for U.S. aid, while European allies have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks. "Clearly, we've had a major U.S.-European break on all of this, something that I think the Russians in their wildest hopes wouldn't have dreamt of before." Stent warned that this could signal the beginning of a "U.S. exit from Europe." With the U.S. and European allies at odds, Russia's President Vladimir Putin may look to exploit the diplomatic divide to push for further territorial gains while peace efforts remain stalled. Meanwhile, French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, calling it an attempt to force Ukraine into agreeing to a deal with Russia under duress. This escalating situation has raised significant concerns about the future of the war, and the Western alliance. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

China's 'Two Sessions' opens Tuesday with focus on countermeasures against U.S. tariffs

2025/03/04 17:00

Meanwhile in China. The country is hosting its biggest annual political event against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions with the U.S. and a complex geopolitical landscape. Lee Seung-jae touches upon the potential issues on the agenda at the latest "TWO SESSIONS". On Tuesday, China begins its largest political event of the year with the annual plenary sessions of the National People's Congress and of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,.. collectively known as the "Two Sessions." Much of the discussion is expected to focus on countermeasures against Trump's tariff war. On top of the 10 percent tariff U.S. President Donald Trump initially imposed on China, another 10 percent tariff was added on top, as the U.S. leader felt that not enough was being done to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. This brings the combined tariff to 20 percent on Chinese imports since the start of the Trump administration. According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson last Friday, Beijing will seek necessary measures to "firmly safeguard" its interests. "The U.S. has once again threatened to impose additional tariffs on Chinese products exported to the United States under the pretext of the fentanyl issue. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this. We will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate interests. China has repeatedly stated that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States seriously violates WTO rules and harms the interests of both countries and the world." According to experts, China could respond to Trump's tariffs, by targeting American agricultural products and food. As China is a major importer of American agricultural products, such retaliatory measures would greatly affect American farmers and exporters alike. With the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opening the 'Two Sessions' on Tuesday, the top political advisory body will first discuss countermeasures against the tariffs. They're also set to discuss economic policies as the country sees an economic downturn. During the 'Two Sessions' an economic growth target of around five percent is expected to be announced, and a policy of replacing old consumer goods with new ones will be further expanded to increase domestic demand. A special national bond issuance is also expected to be used to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile, the National People's Congress on Wednesday is expected to present China's national administration direction. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump says tariffs to go ahead as planned, target countries retaliate

2025/03/04 17:00

And on the topic of tariffs. The 25-percent duty on Canadian and Mexican imports into the American market are going into effect on this Tuesday as are additional tariffs against China. Ahn Sung-jin reports. U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico went into effect on March 4th, local time. Likewise, tariffs on China were doubled, to 20 percent on the same day. However, these countries issued immediate responses. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to respond, issuing a statement that said Beijing will take retaliatory measures with "import taxes" of 10 to 15 percent on some U.S. goods, including American beef, pork, dairy and agricultural products starting from March 10th. The statement also said that imposing tariffs is a "typical act of unilateralism and bullying." China also vowed to impose export control sanctions on some American companies for strategic items. Canada has also retaliated by immediately imposing 25 percent tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars or 20 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. imports, adding that more will be levied on another 86 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods within the next 21 days. In a written statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said these tariffs will continue until U.S. trade measures are withdrawn. These corresponding measures come as Trump again cited drug trafficking as a major reason for the import taxes. "No room left for Mexico or for Canada. No, the tariffs, you know they're all set." Trump, on his social media, further announced that the U.S. will be levying tariffs on crop purchases as well, starting from April 2nd. Fruit, vegetable and nut imports have been climbing, leading to an agriculture trade deficit in the U.S. As Trump continues to slap tariffs, the U.S. economy has been startled. U.S. stocks plunged on Monday, with the Nasdaq dropping by around 3 percent and the Dow Jones losing nearly 2 percent. Pundits say that as investment confidence has fallen following the tariff impositions, there are growing concerns for the U.S. market, especially regarding inflation. "I think the tariff scenario is definitively an inflationary aspect to what can happen within the economy, in the market. Right now, what I'm seeing and hearing is a little bit of a stagflation concern." The tariffs are raising concerns that tit-for-tat levies could eventually lead to a global trade war. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

World News: Israeli drone fire kills two Palestinians in Gaza amid ceasefire deal deadlock

2025/03/04 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories around the globe. At least two people were killed by Israeli drone fire in Rafah, and three others were injured in Khan Younis on Monday, local time. This comes amid growing fears of renewed conflict after the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an end over the weekend. The initial ceasefire, which began in January, expired without an agreement on how to proceed. Hamas is demanding the immediate implementation of a second phase, calling for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel has proposed a temporary extension of the ceasefire until April, contingent on further hostage and prisoner exchanges. After negotiations to extend the ceasefire broke down Israel on Sunday, imposed a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off all supplies, including food and fuel, to the enclave. At least two people were killed and 11 others were injured in the western German city of Mannheim on Monday, local time when a car was driven into a crowd during a carnival celebration. Authorities have arrested the suspect, a 40-year-old German man, who is now under investigation for two counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. According to Mannheim prosecutors, the man shot himself following the attack but survived and is in a stable condition in hospital. They also said the attack did not appear to be politically or religiously motivated but suggested the suspect may have been mentally unstable. Police in Mannheim had been on high alert after a surge in violent incidents in Germany in recent months. In December, a similar car-ramming attack occurred in Magdeburg, followed by another in Munich last month. Pope Francis is back on a ventilator in a hospital in Rome after experiencing two episodes of acute respiratory distress on Monday. According to a Vatican official later the same day the pope's acute respiratory distress had stabilized and the 88-year-old pontiff was under "careful observation." Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14th due to a respiratory infection with pneumonia detected in both lungs. The latest setback means the pope will miss the procession and mass on Wednesday marking the first day of Lent. U.S. space company Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its uncrewed lunar lander, Blue Ghost, on the moon, becoming the second private company to successfully land on the moon. Blue Ghost, about the size of a compact car and equipped with four legs, carried 10 scientific payloads. It landed in the northeastern region of the moon in the early hours of Sunday, U.S. time. Firefly claims it is the first to achieve a "fully successful" soft landing. Previously, Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus lander last year, but it touched down at an angle, causing many of its onboard instruments to malfunction. Yoon Se-young, Arirang News

Train group tour visiting spots near DMZ offered marking 80th anniversary of liberation

2025/03/04 17:00

In other news. A special tour program took place this past weekend offering those interested a rare glimpse of civilians across the inter-Korean border and more. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung has details. Hundreds of people have gathered at Seoul Station, to visit strictly controlled tourist spots near the Demilitarized Zone. They are on group "DMZ Peace Train" tours offered by national railroad operator KORAIL's subsidiary, KORAIL Tourism Development, headed by Kwon Beack-shin, Gyeonggi-do Province and its cities of Gimpo and Paju, marking the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation. This limited one-day trip provides three courses, and one is visiting Gimpo. Going on a train itself gave them the journey's excitement, but scheduled events spiced things up. "In Gimpo, a coastal barbed-wire trail runs along the Hangang River, offering a unique experience of walking along the DMZ border. Also, visitors can experience local culture by trying coffee grounds using a Korean traditional millstone, setting it apart from other places." "There were guides leading everyone, so we could travel comfortably on schedule. We could also wear military uniforms on the train, and there were many other enjoyable activities." The pre-set itinerary offers a lot, but the most notable is a visit to the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo City. At Jogang Observatory, people can see North Korea's border county of Kaepung, just 1-point-4 kilometers across the Imjingang River. "Within this restricted military zone lies a branch of the iconic capitalist coffee brand Starbucks, which operates under strict security protocols. It has already attracted many visitors eager to get a rare glimpse of North Korean civilian villages." Coffee in hand, visitors can take a look at the villages, with some lucky enough to find North Koreans plowing and doing laundry in the spring. That is, however, not the only feature of Aegibong Park. "Although it is located within the Civilian Control Line, it opens at night once a month. About ten years ago, there was a steel tower where a Christmas lights ceremony was held every year. This no longer exists. but instead, we offer a unique trail that looks like a Christmas tree as a whole." An opportunity to witness the traces of a divided nation's history, and have a peek at North Korea from up close. The DMZ Peace Train program will continue this year, starting in mid-April. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gimpo.

Acting President Choi calls for nat'l unity amid opposition's boycott of joint consultative body

2025/03/04 17:00

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for unity on the national front as Korea faces a host of concerns amid the threat of U.S. tariffs and shifting global order. Remarks to this end were shared during a Cabinet meeting earlier on this Tuesday during which he urged the main opposition party to rejoin the multilateral talks with the government and ruling party on state affairs. The talks fall under the consultative body launched by the parliament and government amid the current political turmoil. Last week opposition lawmakers refused to partake in the talks citing acting President Choi's continued failure to appoint justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitution Court as recommended by the National Assembly. Now there has been a more recent development in this story. Ruling and opposition lawmakers have agreed to meet this coming Thursday afternoon for talks on state affairs in the absence of the government amid the ongoing conflict over the appointment of justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk .

SEOUL & TOKYO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF TIES

2025/03/04 17:00

Hello and welcome to this workweek's FIRST edition of Press Perspective as we here in Korea return from a long weekend to mark the March 1st Independence Movement Day. Today that is Tuesday March 4th we touch upon ties between Seoul and Tokyo as the two countries celebrate six decades of diplomatic relations this year. For more I have Koichi Yonemura the deputy foreign news editor at The Mainichi. Koichi it's been a while. Welcome back. I also have Professor Lim Eun-jung of International Relations at Kongju National University with the pundit's take on today's discussion. Professor Lim as always it's a pleasure. 1) Koichi, let's start with details of this survey by the Japanese Cabinet Office. 2) Koichi, the same survey showed the percentage of Japanese people who believe Tokyo and Seoul have good ties also rose over five percentage points to 51.2% What do you believe is behind this improvement? 3) Professor Lim, how does a shift in political landscape here in South Korea look to affect Seoul-Tokyo ties going forward? I mean some say a change in leadership from conservative to liberal may hamper advances in bilateral relations. Others believe Trump's protectionist policies may push Seoul and Tokyo closer together regardless of which political party gains power. What are your thoughts? 4) Koichi, speaking about Korea's political turmoil. A Hong Kong–based news website claims Japanese newspapers are voicing concern over the deepening political divide in South Korea, fearing that North Korea may seek to take advantage of the polarization. Do tell us more. 5) Professor Lim, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya become the first top diplomat to visit South Korea in January amid the country's political turmoil, and both he and Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul shared hopes for a trilateral meeting with China in the near future. Again, what are the PROSPECTS of productive ties among these three East Asian countries amid the current changes in the global geopolitical landscape, and what would be the GAINS of active trilateral interactions? 6) Koichi, Tokyo hosted a trilateral secretariat meeting among South Korea, Japan and the U.S. last Thursday. What was the gist of that gathering? 7) Professor Lim, what are your prospects with regard to the trilateral partnership among South Korea, Japan and the U.S. under the Trump administration? 8) Meanwhile Koichi, on a light note beyond politics and diplomacy. A host of joint productions between South Korea and Japan are showing on Netflix this year including a food show and a drama series as well as movies for the big screen. Do you see these efforts on the entertainment front encouraging constructive interaction between the two countries on security and trade? All right.

Hallyu People_Reflecting on 80 years of Korean liberation through digital ambassador campaign by VANK

2025/03/04 14:00

1) Mr. Park, the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea, or 'VANK', is known as an organization that's active in public diplomacy. Could you please introduce your organization in more detail? 2) Ms. Kwon, every year you have been holding events and activities to commemorate March 1st Independence Movement Day. Please tell us about those. 3) This year, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, a special digital ambassador campaign is being held. What's that about Mr. Park? 3-1) How are the ideas for this campaign gathered and what kind of people are participating? 4) Ms. Kwon, according to an article, you are also promoting seven projects in line with the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation? 4-1) What is it that you want to achieve through this project? 5) Mr. Park, VANK recently also ran the "Korea Brand Up" exhibition. Introduce us to this event please. Was this year's event also themed around Liberation Day? 6) Ms. Kwon, with hallyu attracting more interest from around the world, it must be even more important to promote Korea in the right way. What are your thoughts on this? 7) Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, do you have a wish or goal you'd like to accomplish this year? Let's start with you Ms. Kwon. And Mr. Park? Thank you very much Mr. Park for sharing your thoughts and organization's projects with us.

Israeli drone fire kills two Palestinians in Gaza amid ceasefire deal deadlock

2025/03/04 10:00

At least two people were killed by Israeli drone fire in Rafah, and three others were injured in Khan Younis on Monday, local time. This comes amid growing fears of renewed conflict after the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an end over the weekend. The initial ceasefire, which began in January, expired without an agreement on how to proceed. Hamas is demanding the immediate implementation of a second phase, calling for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel has proposed a temporary extension of the ceasefire until April, contingent on further hostage and prisoner exchanges. After negotiations to extend the ceasefire broke down Israel on Sunday, imposed a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off all supplies, including food and fuel, to the enclave.

China's 'Two Sessions' opens Tuesday with focus on countermeasures against U.S. tariffs

2025/03/04 10:00

So Trump is doubling a 10% levy on China to 20% starting Tuesday And with with China's largest political event taking place, Beijing is expected to look for ways to deal with Trump's tariff salvo. Lee Seung-jae has more. On Tuesday, China begins its largest political event of the year with the annual plenary sessions of the National People's Congress and of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,.. collectively known as the "Two Sessions." Much of the discussion is expected to focus on countermeasures against Trump's tariff war. On top of the 10 percent tariff U.S. President Donald Trump initially imposed on China, another 10 percent tariff was added on top, as the U.S. leader felt that not enough was being done to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. This brings the combined tariff to 20 percent on Chinese imports since the start of the Trump administration. According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson last Friday, Beijing will seek necessary measures to "firmly safeguard" its interests. "The U.S. has once again threatened to impose additional tariffs on Chinese products exported to the United States under the pretext of the fentanyl issue. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this. We will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate interests. China has repeatedly stated that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States seriously violates WTO rules and harms the interests of both countries and the world." According to experts, China could respond to Trump's tariffs, by targeting American agricultural products and food. As China is a major importer of American agricultural products, such retaliatory measures would greatly affect American farmers and exporters alike. With the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opening the 'Two Sessions' on Tuesday, the top political advisory body will first discuss countermeasures against the tariffs. They're also set to discuss economic policies as the country sees an economic downturn. During the 'Two Sessions' an economic growth target of around five percent is expected to be announced, and a policy of replacing old consumer goods with new ones will be further expanded to increase domestic demand. A special national bond issuance is also expected to be used to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile, the National People's Congress on Wednesday is expected to present China's national administration direction. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

TSMC to invest US$ 100 bil. to build semiconductor facilities in U.S.

2025/03/04 10:00

With U.S. President Donald Trump eyeing higher semiconductor tariffs, TSMC, one of the world's largest chipmakers, announced plans for a further 1-hundred billion dollar investment in the U.S. Following a meeting with the company's CEO on Monday, Trump said the investment would boost domestic production and national security. The new investment will used to build additional chip facilities in the U.S. in the coming years, creating thousands of jobs and making the U.S. less reliant on chips made in Asia. TSMC had already pledged 65 billion dollars worth of investment between 2020 and April of last year, when the company also said it would add a third semiconductor factory in Arizona by 2030.

Signs of continued operation of N. Korea's Yonbyong and Kangson uranium enrichment facilities: IAEA

2025/03/04 10:00

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that there are signs North Korea is continuing activities at uranium enrichment facilities in two locations. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, the uranium enrichment plants in Kangson and Yongbyon have been operating, which he called a "clear" breach of UN Security Council resolutions. Grossi added that there are also indications that the light water reactor at Yongbyon continues to operate. The assessment comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was said to have toured a nuclear material production base and a nuclear weapons institute in January.

Kim Yo-jong condemns arrival of USS Carl Vinson in Busan

2025/03/04 10:00

North Korea has issued fresh threats following the arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson in Busan over the weekend. Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un, condemned the deployment and warned of stronger military action, saying Pyongyang would have no choice but to "break records in strategic deterrence." South Korea's Defense Ministry dismissed Kim's remarks as an excuse to justify North Korea's nuclear ambitions, warning that any provocation will be met with an overwhelming response. Seoul maintains that the deployment of U.S. strategic assets to South Korea is for regular joint drills with the U.S.

S. Korea offers to prioritize large-scale U.S. ship orders: Trade Ministry

2025/03/03 18:00

Trade relations between South Korea and the U.S. appear to be promising. According to the Trade Ministry, its minister Ahn Duk-geun, during his visit to Washington D.C. last month, proposed that Korean shipbuilders prioritize U.S. orders if they come as large-scale, long-term package deals for warships, tankers, and icebreakers. The offer reportedly received a positive response from the U.S. Meeting with the Commerce and Interior Secretaries and the U.S. Trade Representative, Ahn also brought up securing a stable investment environment for Korean companies and exemptions from tariffs. Yonhap News, citing a ministry official, reported that the talks were less tense than those with the EU, Canada, and Mexico.

U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico will take effect on Tuesday

2025/03/03 18:00

Now to the latest in the trade war between the U.S. and some of its top trading partners. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect on Tuesday, but that the situation is "fluid." Speaking to Fox News on Sunday local time, Lutnick said President Donald Trump and his team would determine whether to stick with the planned 25-percent tariffs, signaling that there could be some adjustments. In February, Trump proposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada.

Israel blocks humanitarian aid into Gaza as ceasefire standoff continues

2025/03/03 18:00

Tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East after Israel blocked humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday. In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the decision followed Hamas's refusal to extend the phase one ceasefire, which expired on Saturday. It also warned of further consequences if Hamas continues to reject an extension to the proposal. The U.S.-backed proposal aims to prolong the truce for six more weeks, covering the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday, ending on April 20th. Hamas, which previously said it would not agree to an extension without guarantees of phase two, called Israel's halt of aid "cheap blackmail."

European leaders discuss peace in Ukraine at London summit

2025/03/03 18:00

European leaders gathered on Sunday to discuss peace efforts for Ukraine and the broader European continent. There, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his intention to visit the U.S. again for further talks, following his heated public confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump last week. Our Park Kun-woo reports. European countries are stepping up their efforts to end the war in Ukraine. During a summit in London on Sunday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that Europe is a continent at "a crossroads in history." "This is not a moment for more talk. It's time to act, time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace." Starmer said during Sunday's summit that EU countries would form a "coalition of the willing" and draft a peace plan that will later be presented to U.S. President Donald Trump. He also spoke about allowing Ukraine to use UK export finance worth 2-billion U.S. dollars to buy some 5-thousand air defense missiles. But he also stressed all of these efforts need strong U.S. backing. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the urgent need to "re-arm Europe." After the summit, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that his relationship with Trump would continue despite their public spat on Friday. "I think our relations will continue. From our side we are ready to sign the minerals deal. I honestly think the United States will be ready as well." The summit between 19 world leaders came just two days after a fiery exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where Zelenskyy was blamed on live television for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support. Zelenskyy was visiting Washington to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. but his visit was cut short. But Zelenskyy also shared his willingness to visit the U.S. for a further dialogue if he gets invited once again, representing the interests of a country that "heavily depends on support from partners." U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday local time that Zelenskyy needs to "come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude" to accept the minerals deal while adding it might require new leadership in Ukraine to make that happen. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.