China’s leader harbours no such hopes as he makes his second visit to North Korea, from June 8th to 9th. One of his main goals is to counterbalance Russian influence there, which has grown much stronger since Mr Kim sent troops to fight against Ukraine in 2024.

Arms sales to Russia and goods from China provide a boost, despite sanctions. “The regime is wealthier than ever.”

“Some officials in the United States have failed to wake from their escapist and anachronistic dream,” Kim Yo Jong said.

Should the world pay attention? North Korea remains one of the world's most isolated countries, with strict controls on speech, movement and political activity. Yet despite years of sanctions and international pressure,

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who visited South Korea for the first time in about seven months since late October of last year, had a pork belly dinner with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo,

Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday that North Korea had "more than doubled" its weapons-grade nuclear material in five years and vowed to build up his nuclear forces "at an exponential rate," state media reported.