North Korea

North Korea, led by Kim Jong-un, is currently newsworthy due to its continued development of a nuclear arsenal, including a newly built uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, raising serious concerns from the IAEA. The country has recently conducted multiple ballistic missile launches towards the sea off its eastern coast, following joint military drills between South Korea and the US. Simultaneously, North Korea is deepening its ties with Russia, evidenced by the opening of the first road bridge across their shared border. Domestically, reports suggest an "unlikely outbreak of fun" with new leisure facilities and increased imports of luxury goods, while also offering glimpses into the Kim family's succession plans with speculation about Kim Jong-un's children. China has also indicated readiness to facilitate diplomatic engagement between the US and North Korea.