Archives of “Nuclear weapon” tag

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North Korea appears to have resumed operation of its plutonium-producing reactor

  
Analysis, Politics
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Producing plutonium will allow the country to expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Wall Street Journal report on findings of the UN Atomic Agency:
  • “Since early July, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor,” said the report by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
  • and there are indications that North Korea is also using a nearby laboratory to separate plutonium from spent fuel previously removed from the reactor.
The agency described the twin developments as “deeply troubling” and a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
North Korea’s plutonium-producing reactor is at Yongbyon
  • appeared to have been inactive from December 2018 until the beginning of July 2021
Producing plutonium will allow the country to expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons. 

ICYMI – Yonhap on North Korea’s up to 60 nuclear weapons & world’s third-largest stockpile of chemical weapons

  
Analysis, Politics
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Yonhap (South Korean media) cited a U.S. Department of the Army report, “North Korean tactics” published in July.

  • “Estimates for North Korean nuclear weapons range from 20-60 bombs, with the capability to produce 6 new devices each year” 
  • “North Korea sought nuclear weapons because its leaders thought the threat of a nuclear attack would prevent other countries from contemplating a regime change” 
ps. I am expecting something from NK today:
  • North Korea says it will convene a high level meeting on Wednesday – matter of ‘crucial significance’
Kim’s ‘Mission accomplished’ grin:
Yonhap (South Korean media) cited a U.S. Department of the Army report, "North Korean tactics" published in July. 

UN on reports that North Korea have developed nuclear warheads for ballistic missiles

  
Analysis, Politics
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Reuters siting a confidential UN sanctions monitor report they have sighted

  • North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons program
  • Report says several countries assess North Korea has ‘probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles’

News on escalations re NK are yen positive although the market has become a little complacent on such reports. Yen is not moving much on this report.

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