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Quotes of the Day:
"Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived. Follow the path that is no path, follow your bliss."
– Joseph Campbell
"The basic tool for manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control people who must use the words."
– Philip K. Dick
"Where is the book in which the teacher can read about what teaching is? The children themselves are the book. We should not learn to teach out of any book other than the one lying open before us and consisting of the children themselves."
– Rudolf Steiner
1. ＜Inside N. Korea＞Heavy Rain Causes Casualties in the Northeast; Officials Panic Fearing Kim Jong-un's Criticism: "The Blame Game Has Already Begun"
2. North, South Korean boxers become first to medal in their sport on same day
3. russia Used KN-23 Ballistic Missile from North Korea in Ukraine Strike, Missile Missed Target
4. Senior U.S., Swedish diplomats voice concerns over 'worrying' N.K. trends
5. Editorial: A South Korean military unit in turmoil with leaks and lawsuits
6. NK leader describes recovery work in flood-hit region as 'revolutionary construction'
7. S. Korea, U.S., Japan discuss launching mechanism to monitor UNSC sanctions against N. Korea within this year
8. PM requests Philippines' support in sending message against N.K. provocations
9. Navy set to receive MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in Dec.
10. Vice-presidential candidate Walz notes ties to Korea in campaign debut
11. Korea unveils monument honoring Korean war veterans
12. North Korea belatedly begins Olympic broadcasts after IOC agreement
13. Nationwide malaria alert issued in Korea after parasites discovered in mosquitoes
14. Kim Jong Un orders crafting of "realistic" diplomatic strategy toward US
15. North Korea seeks to mirror the South’s defense sector boom
1. ＜Inside N. Korea＞Heavy Rain Causes Casualties in the Northeast; Officials Panic Fearing Kim Jong-un's Criticism: "The Blame Game Has Already Begun"
They should be afraid. Very afraid. As we know Kim finds scapegoats to blame and never accepts responsibility for Korean failures and suffering. This is one important aspect of the nature of the Kim family regime.
＜Inside N. Korea＞Heavy Rain Causes Casualties in the Northeast; Officials Panic Fearing Kim Jong-un's Criticism: "The Blame Game Has Already Begun"
asiapress.org
North Koreans mobilized for repair work on a Yalu River levee. The work is done almost entirely by hand. Photographed from the Chinese side of the border in July 2021 in North Pyongan Province. (ASIAPRESS)
North Korean state media, including Rodong Sinmun, reported that many people were affected by heavy rains in late July in the northwestern regions of Sinuiju and Jagang Province. It has also been revealed that casualties and damage to farmland occurred in Ryanggang Province, upstream of the Yalu River, and North Hamgyong Province in the northeast. Officials, fearing Kim Jong-un's demand for accountability, have reportedly mobilized en masse for restoration work and support for the victims. (ISHIMARU Jiro / KANG Ji-won)
◆ Multiple Deaths from Floods and Levee Breaches
Regarding flood damage, state media such as Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim Jong-un visited the affected areas on July 29, ordering relief and restoration efforts. In Sinuiju and other areas, the military was mobilized and rescued about 5,000 people. While the actual extent of damage is unclear, it appears that there have been significant casualties and flooding of farmland in the affected areas.
However, the flood damage was not limited to the northwest. According to a reporting partner living in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, on July 31, flooding from the mountains hit a rural village near Hoeryong. "Besides damage to the fields, I received a call from a relative saying that two people were swept away and died in the flood, and one cow also died," the reporting partner reported.
Flood damage also occurred in Ryanggang Province, located upstream of the Yalu River. A reporting partner living in Hyesan reported the following on August 2:
"While there's no major damage in central Hyesan, I’ve heard that in Gasan Village, in Pochon County, a levee collapsed on July 26, washing away all the riverside corn fields, and one man and some livestock died. A forced evacuation order was issued, and many people left their homes."
The reporting partner also reported, "In Geomsan Village, on the outskirts of Hyesan, houses along the river collapsed due to landslides, and many people who didn't evacuate were injured."
The reporting partner added that there were also people who went missing after being swept away while trying to collect drifting wood in the flood.
The reporting partner also reported that some border guard posts along the Yalu River were destroyed, with injuries among the soldiers as well.
◆ Unable to Donate Relief Supplies Due to Difficult Living Conditions
The Hyesan reporting partner belongs to the Socialist Women's Union of Korea, which is mainly made up of housewives. The local women's union chapter appealed for donations of relief supplies such as clothing and blankets for flood victims, but "because everyone's life is difficult, all that was collected by the morning of August 1 were 3 sets of work clothes, 5 pairs of old shoes, and 1 used blanket," the partner reported.
At a meeting, the local women's union chapter’s chairwoman got angry, demanding "sincere participation in the support efforts" due to the poor results, but the aid efforts are reportedly lackluster because people who are struggling themselves can only give so much.
Meanwhile, only the families of officials are rushing to donate pots, clothes, rice, and cash, and the reason for this is due to fear, not caring for those in need.
◆ Officials Frightened by Kim Jong-un's Criticism
According to state media, Kim Jong-un inspected the disaster-stricken area of Sinuiju on July 29 and July 30, accompanied by top officials of the ruling Workers' Party. At a meeting, Kim reportedly criticized officials for dereliction of duty and inadequate initial response, saying "unacceptable loss of life occurred" and that they would be "severely punished." Several officials, including the Minister of Social Security (the head of the national police agency), were reportedly dismissed.
Upon hearing this news, officials in Ryanggang Province were reportedly thrown into turmoil. The Hyesan reporting partner explained:
"After learning that Kim Jong-un fired officials in Sinuiju, party officials in Ryanggang Province are mobilizing en masse. They're making a fuss about investigating the damage and mobilizing junior officials to sites where restoration efforts are ongoing. The families of officials are clamoring to donate rice and cash to support the workers mobilized for repair work."
◆ Blame Game for Flood Damage Already Underway
Flood damage from heavy rains is frequent in North Korea, so repair work on river levees and waterways is carried out almost every year in various locations. Workers from factories and businesses, as well as residents, are mobilized and assigned sections for the work. ASIAPRESS understands that a “blame game” over responsibility for construction work in areas affected by this heavy rain has already begun. The Hyesan reporting partner explained the situation as follows:
"It seems that the Hyesan Mine, which was in charge of repairing the levee in the Gasan Village area, will be held responsible. Seeing the central government handing out punishments indiscriminately, lower-level officials are also punishing innocent people recklessly. No matter how hard they work on repairs, there's no way piling up soil and stones alone can stop a flood..."
※ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea
Map of North Korea. Pochon County is located north of Hyesan.(ASIAPRESS)
asiapress.org
2. North, South Korean boxers become first to medal in their sport on same day
Good for RFA for explaining this point because it would be lost on most of us. Some who pose for photos with Korean friends are often encouraged to hold up their fists and shout "fighting." This is the reason why. And without this explanation we might get the wrong idea about the Korean boxer from the north, Pang Chul Mi, who was showing respect by saying "fighting" to the Korean boxer from the South, Im Ae-ji. I think it is important to note that the Pang has an understanding of Korean culture in the South.
Excerpts:
Technically, Pang is the first Korean woman to medal in boxing, because her semifinal was played earlier, but had both Pang and Im won, they would have faced each other in the finals.
That fact was not lost on the athletes ahead of the semifinal, Im told reporters from South Korea’s Yonhap News.
“I met Pang Chul Mi at the weight room in the athletes’ village and she said ‘fighting.’” said Im.
The English word “fighting,” is a slang word meaning “do your best” in the variety of the Korean language spoken in South Korea.
North, South Korean boxers become first to medal in their sport on same day
A Kim Jong Un impersonator who was in attendance tried to photobomb interviews.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/howard-x-im-ae-ji-pang-chol-mi-north-korea-olympics-south-womens-boxing-08062024181113.html
By Mok Yongjae, Park Jaewoo, and Kim Jinkuk for RFA Korean
2024.08.06
North Korea's Pang Chol Mi celebrates after winning in the women's 50-54kg final boxing match during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, Oct. 4, 2023.
Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP
It’s been a weird and wacky few days for North Korea at the Olympics as North and South Korean boxers both became the first Korean women to medal in their sport and a Kim Jong Un impersonator showed up to cheer the North Korean on.
Additionally, it was revealed that North Korea had to negotiate Paris 2024 broadcast rights directly with the International Olympic Committee, rather than getting the feed from South Korea as usual.
North Korean boxer Pang Chol Mi and her South Korean counterpart Im Ae-ji were both part of the Women’s 54-kilogram tournament, and they both won bronze by losing in their respective semifinals on Aug. 4.
Boxing, like other fighting sports, awards two bronzes at the Olympics, but unlike judo or taekwondo, the bronzes are not won with victories in a “second chance” repechage tournament, but with losses in the semifinals.
Technically, Pang is the first Korean woman to medal in boxing, because her semifinal was played earlier, but had both Pang and Im won, they would have faced each other in the finals.
That fact was not lost on the athletes ahead of the semifinal, Im told reporters from South Korea’s Yonhap News.
“I met Pang Chul Mi at the weight room in the athletes’ village and she said ‘fighting.’” said Im.
South Korea's Im Ae-ji celebrates after winning in the women's 54kg preliminary round of 16 boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte, July 30, 2024. (Mohd Rasfan/AFP)
The English word “fighting,” is a slang word meaning “do your best” in the variety of the Korean language spoken in South Korea.
RFA reported in December 2023 that North Korean authorities were cracking down on citizens who use the word in text messages.
“So, I told [Pang] to push hard together to meet each other in the finals, but we both lost,” said Im. Both boxers will recieve their bronze medals in a ceremony after the final on Aug. 8.
Prior to the Olympics, Pang and Im faced each other at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in 2022. Pang emerged victorious from their early torunament bout and went on to win gold.
Observers in South Korea told RFA they were worried upon hearing Im’s account of their encounter in Paris.
“If it is true that Pang said ‘fighting,’ she could be pointed out as someone who watched a lot of South Korean dramas,” a North Korean who escaped the country in the second half of 2023, identifying himself by the pseudonym Ri Jong Sik for safety reasons, told RFA Korean.
“I am concerned that she will be subject to punishment when she returns to North Korea,” said Ri.
Lee Kyu-Chang, the director of the Human Rights Research Division at the Seoul-based Korea Institute for National Unification, told RFA that it was important to first determine how Pang’s words of encouragement were nuanced.
“I’m not sure if there were any records, such as photos or videos taken,” said Lee. “But when considering only the word ‘fighting,’ I am concerned about the possibility of punishment after she returns.”
Lee predicted that if it is confirmed that Pang cheered for the South Korean athlete it would be difficult for the North Korean authorities to approve such an act, given leader Kim Jong Un’s recent stance of hostility toward the South.
Fake Kim photobombing
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present during the semifinals, or at least his lookalike was.
Howard X, a Hong Kong-born Australian who has gained notoriety online for impersonating Kim in public situations, was in the stands in costume when Pang lost to win bronze.
He told RFA that he did not have the opportunity to shake hands with Pang or any other North Korean athlete at the games, but he stood behind Pang and her opponent, China’s Chang Yuan, when they were interviewed following their semifinal.
Howard X, a Kim Jong Un impersonator at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (@KimJongUnDouble via X)
“They were giving interviews. I was trying to meet them and I was right behind them, you can see.” he said. “I was standing there waving to the camera the whole time.”
He wasn’t sure if the footage made it back to North Korea, but if it did, he imagined that the people there would be surprised.
“I’m hoping by being there, you know, North Korea’ll go ‘Hey, how come Kim Jong is in the Olympics? He's supposed to be looking after us with our floods,’” Howard X said, referring to the natural disaster that struck the country last week when heavy rains caused waters in the Yalu River to rise, damaging river towns and submerging inhabited islands.
A Kim Jong-un impersonator holds a Korean unification flag during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics at the Kwandong Hockey Centre, Gangneung, South Korea, Feb. 14, 2018. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)
Paris is not Howard X’s first Olympics. He was spotted at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics at a hockey match between Japan and a unified Korean team.
When he tried to interact with the North Korean cheering squad, South Korean security guards dragged him away.
Howard X’s brand of humor is not intended to make fun of North Koreans, he said.
“We don't have a problem with the people of North Korea. What we have a problem with is the government of North Korea,” he said, adding that he was there to remind people that North Korea is not a normal country, and that they use the games for propaganda.
Befuddling broadcast rights
North Korea this year acquired broadcast rights from the International Olympic Committee directly instead of negotiating broadcast rights with a South Korean outlet.
South Korea’s Seoul Broadcasting System had been awarded the rights for the whole peninsula for the 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 Games, in an agreement inked in 2011.
Normally, North Korea would simply use the South Korean feed, but an agreement was reached with the IOC this year to get the footage directly.
It was not immediately clear to RFA why North Korea negotiated its own rights for the games this year.
Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong.
3. russia Used KN-23 Ballistic Missile from North Korea in Ukraine Strike, Missile Missed Target
Please see the article below this one as well.
My good friend, Dr. Bruce Bechtol, flagged the article for me after he provided me with a very useful briefing on this topic 2 days ago. It is interesting that what goes around comes around: Russia develops the Iskander, north Korea develops multiple variants of the Iskander, then north Korea provides it back to Russia as well as proliferates it to other malign actors.
This is what Bruce told me that none of us are observing:
The "Hwasong-23" different versions are all based on the Iskander, which the North Koreans got from the Russians and built with Russian technical assistance. Of course, it's made in North Korea, so not as reliable. But truly, how much more reliable are the Russian missiles? No one is talking about that!
russia Used KN-23 Ballistic Missile from North Korea in Ukraine Strike, Missile Missed Target | Defense Express
en.defence-ua.com
According to information obtained by Defense Express from informed sources, russian occupiers used a North Korean-made ballistic missile during a massive strike on Ukraine on July 31. The launch was recorded from russian territory toward Bila Tserkva, but the missile fell in Kyiv Oblast, likely after an explosion in the air.
At the site where the missile fell, fragments with markings were found that match previously identified remains of KN-23 ballistic missiles. These missiles were used by russia for strikes on Ukraine at the beginning of 2024. Photos of these fragments, which Defense Express has obtained, will be provided below.
It should be noted that the last recorded instance of russia using North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles for strikes on Ukraine was observed on February 27, 2024.
Thus, it appears that the russian invaders resumed using long-range missile weaponry from North Korea after a five-month hiatus.
In May 2024, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported that specialists examined the debris of 21 out of 50 North Korean ballistic missiles that russia had launched at Ukraine by that time.
It was noted that more than half of the KN-23 missiles lost their programmed flight trajectory during flight and likely exploded in the air, as the launches of these missiles were recorded, but their debris was not found.
en.defence-ua.com
North Korea Has a Smaller Version of the KN-23 Missile Earlier Used to Attack Ukraine | Defense Express
en.defence-ua.com
Democratic People's Republic of Korea has at its disposal a short-range ballistic missile designated as Hwasong-11D. Similar to the Hwasong-11Ga ballistic missile (better known as KN-23) but smaller, Hwasong-11D has a firing range of 100 to 180 kilometers, and can ascend at an altitude of 50 kilometers during its flight along a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
The defining feature of the Hwasong-11D is its compact dimensions: one launcher can fit up to four missiles inside the launch canisters, Army Recognition notes as it analyzes the video released lately by KCNA, the official media agency of North Korea.
North Korean state news agency shows scale of production of Hwasong-11D launchers, May 2024
Particularly, the video portrays the Korean dictator Kim Jong Un inspecting one of the factories that specializes in the production of missile weapons. Although the Hwasong-11Ds themselves were not featured in these shots, instead something no less important was demonstrated: dozens of mobile launchers for these missiles.
Previously, Hwasong-11D has appeared a few times during military drills in DPRK. But now the Koreans claim they have scaled up the production of this type of missile and its launchers significantly. The news is a dangerous signal not only in the context of the geopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula, but also considering russia's war against Ukraine. For a reminder, the larger version of this weapon, the KN-23, has made headlines in January–February 2024 when russian forces used them for missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
The difference between the various variants of North Korean missiles of the Hwasong-11 family / Image credit: Open Nuclear Network
As the authors at Army Recognition emphasize, the Hwasong-11D is difficult to intercept due to its relatively low flight trajectory and has increased accuracy which "means fewer missiles may be needed to effectively neutralize a target."
On a note from Defense Express, considering that the accuracy was the pitfall encountered by russians when using KN-23s in Ukraine, they could opt to its smaller counterpart, especially if it can be mass-produced in sufficient quantities. Although hypothetical, the possibility of Hwasong-11D reaching the Ukrainian battlefield should not be ruled out.
An effective countermeasure would be for Kyiv and its partners to acquire more air defense systems with anti-missile capability, such as Patriot, THAAD, or SAMP/T. That is exactly what Ukraine's allies were trying to do recently, with Germany committing to search for potential donors of Patriots for the Ukrainian Air Force.
en.defence-ua.com
4. Senior U.S., Swedish diplomats voice concerns over 'worrying' N.K. trends
I hope they talked about the "worrying trends" that include the potential for internal instability and the "fallout" from potential regime collapse.
Senior U.S., Swedish diplomats voice concerns over 'worrying' N.K. trends | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · August 7, 2024
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- Senior U.S. and Swedish diplomats expressed concern over North Korea's "worrying trends," including its growing military cooperation with Russia and the human rights situation in the reclusive state during their talks in Washington this week, the State Department said Tuesday.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson led the two countries' bilateral talks on the Indo-Pacific in the U.S. capital on Monday.
"Deputy Secretary Campbell and State Secretary Knutsson noted with concern the PRC's continued support to the Russian defense industrial base, as well as worrying trends in the DPRK including growing military cooperation with Russia and the concerning human rights situation," the department said in a media note.
PRC and DPRK stand for the official names of China and North Korea, the People's Republic of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The two sides also discussed joint priorities to advance a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, including upholding international law, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, according to the department.
"They underscored the importance of further developing the critical ties between NATO allies and NATO's Indo-Pacific partners in addressing pressing security challenges," it said, referring to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
South Korea is part of NATO's four Indo-Pacific partners, which include Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Sweden has long played a role for security on the Korean Peninsula. It has a diplomatic mission in North Korea as well as a military presence in South Korea as part of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, an impartial observer of the implementation of the armistice agreement that halted the Korean War.
In March, Sweden officially joined NATO as its 32nd member, as Washington has been striving to strengthen cooperation with its allies and partners amid Russia's war in Ukraine, China's growing assertiveness and North Korea's continued saber-rattling
The State Department in Washington. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · August 7, 2024
5. Editorial: A South Korean military unit in turmoil with leaks and lawsuits
Editorial: A South Korean military unit in turmoil with leaks and lawsuits
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2024/08/07/5MYBOK5PS5EOVCDLG2JDSPM674/
By The Chosunilbo
Published 2024.08.07. 08:46
Amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean Defense Intelligence Command, crucial in gathering intelligence on North Korea, is now mired in a series of unprecedented internal scandals that threaten its operational integrity and credibility.
The South Korean Defense Intelligence Command, positioned at the forefront of gathering intelligence on North Korea, is currently embroiled in a series of shocking incidents.
A civilian employee within the command leaked the identities of covert overseas agents, a blunder that has likely left intelligence agencies worldwide shaking their heads in disbelief.
But that’s not where the issues end. The commanding officer of the Korea Defence Intelligence Command (KDIC) and the brigade commander in charge of the Human Intelligence (HUMINT) unit (a brigadier general) have reportedly clashed over separate matters and have gone as far as to file lawsuits against each other. Such an occurrence is unprecedented in the history of the South Korean military.
The conflict between the commanding officer and the brigade commander is said to revolve around a civilian organization of military veterans using an office outside the base free of charge.
The commanding officer claims insubordination, while the brigade commander alleges he was assaulted and that there was abuse of authority.
The root cause of their dispute seems to be that the commanding officer, a junior from the Korea Military Academy, was promoted ahead of the brigade commander, who is his senior. This kind of emotional conflict over seniority is neglecting their unit’s critical tasks.
Despite the KDIC’s essential role, it failed to detect that a civilian employee was leaking information that could jeopardize the lives of secret agents. It wasn’t until June, when a related intelligence agency notified them, that they hurriedly recalled the agents.
The timing of the exposure of this incident coincides with the clash between the commanding officer and the brigade commander, leading to speculation that someone intentionally leaked the information.
The importance of the KDIC is growing. With North Korea’s Kim Jong-un advancing his nuclear missile capabilities and solidifying his four-generation dynastic rule, the HUMINT capabilities of the command could play a critical role at decisive moments.
It was the KDIC that directly collected soil samples near the nuclear test site during North Korea’s first nuclear test in 2006. The command also gathers intelligence from military conflict zones, which is directly linked to South Korea’s national security, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the tensions in the Middle East, and the crisis in the Taiwan Strait. In terms of military intelligence on North Korea, the Defense Intelligence Command is more critical than even the National Intelligence Service.
Yet, the unit is facing a scandal with the leak of agent identities, and its top leaders are embroiled in a legal battle over personal conflicts. This can hardly be considered a functioning military unit anymore. It’s appalling that such absurd events are happening within this unit. One can only wonder if this is an isolated case.
6. NK leader describes recovery work in flood-hit region as 'revolutionary construction'
The key world in north Korea is revolution. We must understand the regime considers itself a revolutionary country that has to complete the revolution for the entire Korean peninsula (that includes ridding the peninsula of foreign influence).
(LEAD) NK leader describes recovery work in flood-hit region as 'revolutionary construction' | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · August 7, 2024
(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES with more info in last 2 paras)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has attended a ceremony to dispatch young workers to flood-affected areas on the northern border, describing the restoration efforts as a "gigantic revolutionary construction campaign," state media said Wednesday.
The border city of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Phyongan Province were recently struck by heavy rains. While North Korea has not released detailed information on the damage, South Korean media outlets have reported that the number of dead or missing could exceed 1,000.
A ceremony for a youth vanguard's departure takes place in Pyongyang on Aug. 6, 2024, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the podium, in this photo provided by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. Kim designated the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade to undertake rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the flood-hit city of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Pyongan Province. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The departure ceremony for the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade took place in Pyongyang on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
The North's leader said that such restoration work would give a complete facelift to the territory, expressing confidence that the youth members would be a vanguard unit for socialist construction.
He also mentioned that nearly 300,000 young people have volunteered for the recovery efforts in less than a week, emphasizing that such explosive volunteering enthusiasm is unparalleled in any other country.
Kim's attendance is seen as a tactic to prevent large-scale ideological defection during a national crisis and to demonstrate to the outside world the regime's ability to overcome disaster situations on its own.
Observers say Pyongyang is unlikely to accept Seoul's proposal for flood aid. Last Thursday, the South Korean government offered humanitarian aid to North Korea for the damage.
North Korea has not yet responded through the inter-Korean liaison communication channel.
North Korea has also declined Russia's offer of assistance with rain damage recovery, stating that it will seek Moscow's help when necessary.
The Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade is a youth organization frequently deployed for large-scale civil engineering and construction projects in North Korea. They were involved in the completion of a power plant in 2016 and the construction of urban districts in Pyongyang.
A ceremony for a youth vanguard's departure takes place in Pyongyang on Aug. 6, 2024, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, in this photo provided by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. Kim designated the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade to undertake rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the flood-hit city of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Pyongan Province. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · August 7, 2024
7. S. Korea, U.S., Japan discuss launching mechanism to monitor UNSC sanctions against N. Korea within this year
Excerpts:
The agreement, reached during phone talks between the nuclear envoys of the three countries, came as a U.N. expert panel monitoring the enforcement of anti-North Korea sanctions has been disbanded due to Russia's veto of a resolution on its mandate renewal earlier this year.
"The three countries have agreed to speed up discussions on establishing and launching an alternative mechanism within this year to thoroughly monitor and report on the implementation of UNSC sanctions against North Korea," the ministry said in a release.
S. Korea, U.S., Japan discuss launching mechanism to monitor UNSC sanctions against N. Korea within this year | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · August 7, 2024
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea, the United States and Japan agreed Wednesday to accelerate discussions on establishing an alternative mechanism to monitor the implementation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea within this year, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
The agreement, reached during phone talks between the nuclear envoys of the three countries, came as a U.N. expert panel monitoring the enforcement of anti-North Korea sanctions has been disbanded due to Russia's veto of a resolution on its mandate renewal earlier this year.
"The three countries have agreed to speed up discussions on establishing and launching an alternative mechanism within this year to thoroughly monitor and report on the implementation of UNSC sanctions against North Korea," the ministry said in a release.
The meeting was attended by Cho Koo-rae, South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence, Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Namazu Hiroyuki, Japan's assistant minister for Asian and Oceanian Affairs.
The three sides will continue to lead the thorough implementation of UNSC resolutions by the international community while strengthening cooperation among allied countries, according to the ministry.
The officials also shared their evaluations of recent developments in Pyongyang-Moscow relations and their illegal military cooperation, which seriously threatens international peace and stability beyond the Korean Peninsula.
The three representatives expressed grave concern over North Korea's continued provocations, including ballistic missile launches, and reaffirmed their strong commitment to achieving North Korea's denuclearization.
They further urged North Korea to immediately cease all provocations and destabilizing activities and return to dialogue for the peace, stability and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
This undated Yonhap file photo shows Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · August 7, 2024
8. PM requests Philippines' support in sending message against N.K. provocations
PM requests Philippines' support in sending message against N.K. provocations | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · August 7, 2024
SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met the Philippines' top diplomat Wednesday and asked for Manila's support in efforts to send a stern message against North Korea's provocations, his office said.
Han made the request during talks with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Seoul in the wake of North Korea's launches of thousands of trash-carrying balloons across the inter-Korean border since late May.
"In order to ensure that North Korea does not undertake daring provocations, it is important for the international community to send a stern and united message," he said.
In a related move, Han asked for Manila's role in such efforts at Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related summit meetings in October.
Han discussed areas of bilateral cooperation, such as 100 Philippine domestic helpers arriving in South Korea on Tuesday for a pilot project aimed at addressing workforce shortages.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in various areas, including supply chains and climate change, while sharing the view on the importance of maintaining peace, stability and maritime order in the South China Sea, according to Han's office.
Han also described bilateral ties as one forged in blood, noting the Philippines was the first country in Asia to send troops to support South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War. It sent 7,420 soldiers to Korea during the conflict.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (R) meets Enrique Manalo, the Philippines' secretary for foreign affairs, at the government complex in central Seoul on Aug. 7, 2024, in this photo provided by Han's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · August 7, 2024
9. Navy set to receive MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in Dec.
Navy set to receive MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in Dec. | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · August 7, 2024
SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- The Navy is set to receive its first batch of MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters in December, officials said Wednesday, a move that could boost its anti-submarine capabilities against North Korean threats.
In 2020, the state arms procurement agency approved a 960 billion-won (US$698 million) project to purchase 12 Seahawks from U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin Corp. in efforts to strengthen the Navy's detection and attack capabilities against enemy vessels and submarines.
The 19.7-meter-long and 5.1-meter-high chopper with a maximum cruising speed of 270 kilometers per hour can handle multiple missions, including operations of warfare, search, rescue, and medical evacuation.
The multi-mission helicopter is designed to fly farther and remain longer in the air compared with the Navy's Lynx and Wildcat choppers in operation, with a maximum flying range of 834 kilometers and can operate for around four hours with a single departure.
Once deployed, the Seahawks are set to operate alongside P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft the Navy received in July. Dubbed the "submarine killer," the P-8A is capable of conducting an array of missions, including anti-submarine, anti-surface, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
This July 15, 2022, file photo, provided by the Navy, shows an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · August 7, 2024
10. Vice-presidential candidate Walz notes ties to Korea in campaign debut
Excerpt:
"My dad served in the Army during the Korean War, and with his encouragement, at 17, I joined the Army National Guard," Walz said.
Wednesday
August 7, 2024
dictionary + A - A
Vice-presidential candidate Walz notes ties to Korea in campaign debut
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-07/national/politics/Vicepresidential-candidate-Walz-notes-ties-to-Korea-in-campaign-debut--/2107875
Published: 07 Aug. 2024, 17:41
Updated: 07 Aug. 2024, 17:50
- SEO JI-EUN
- seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr
U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, left, stands next to her newly chosen vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as he speaks during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. [REUTERS/YONHAP]
Minnesota governor Tim Walz, the running mate of presumptive U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, highlighted his personal and familial ties to Korea and his long military service.
During their first campaign appearance together in Philadelphia on Tuesday after Walz joined Harris in her campaign against former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party, Walz shared a story about his father, a 1950-53 Korean War veteran, and how his encouragement led Walz to enlist in the military.
"My dad served in the Army during the Korean War, and with his encouragement, at 17, I joined the Army National Guard," Walz said.
"For 24 years, I proudly wore the uniform of this nation. And just as it did for my dad and millions of others, the G.I. Bill gave me a shot at a college education," Walz added. The G.I. Bill refers to programs created to assist American military veterans.
In previous interviews, Walz has frequently discussed his father's influence, explaining that he enlisted to make his father proud.
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In an interview with American radio station MPR, Walz recounted how his father took him the day after his 17th birthday to Springview, Nebraska, where they found a lieutenant to swear him into the Nebraska National Guard.
Walz noted that his father, who served during the Korean War, knew he was ill and that the G.I. Bill would fund Walz’s education.
His father died of lung cancer a year after Walz's graduation, leaving the family in a "pretty precarious" situation.
Following his father's guidance, Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, primarily focusing on disaster response rather than combat. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, he was deployed to Europe for six months to support the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Walz's political career began in 2006 when he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, winning six consecutive terms. In Congress, he opposed free trade deals with Peru, Panama and Colombia. However, Walz reversed that trend by supporting a deal with South Korea in 2011. The bilateral FTA was first signed in 2007, ratified twice in 2011 by both nations and entered into effect in 2012.
Walz was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
As governor of Minnesota, he traveled to South Korea in 2019, along with Japan, to "highlight Minnesota's long history of engagement with South Korea and future opportunities for economic partnership," including increasing exports of Minnesota-produced agricultural products, medical devices and clean energy products.
Walz is seen as the most left-leaning candidate among the three running-mate finalists — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly — who participated in in-depth interviews with Harris on Sunday.
During his tenure, Walz has championed several progressive policies, including universal free school meals, protection of women's reproductive rights and abortion, strengthening voting rights, tax cuts for the middle class, expanding paid leave and legalizing recreational marijuana. His governance motto has been to make Minnesota "the best state in the country for kids to grow up."
BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]
11. Korea unveils monument honoring Korean war veterans
As I have written many times, Korea is unique in how much it emphasizes respecting and honoring veterans from other countries who came to Korea to defend Korean freedom.
This monument in Ethiopia is an example of the Korean commitment to all veterans of the Korean War.
Korea unveils monument honoring Korean war veterans
A monument honoring 2,482 Ethiopian veterans officially confirmed to have participated in the Korean War has been erected. So far, 3,518 Ethiopians have been known to have participated in the war.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on Tuesday that the monument's unveiling ceremony was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the previous day. The monument, which has the names of 2,482 Ethiopians whose participation in the Korean War was confirmed through official documents or bereaved family testimonies, was completed with budget support (approximately 90 million won) from the Korean government.
The monument was made of marble and placed at the bottom of the Korean War Participation Memorial in Addis Ababa. In reply to a question asking the reason for the delay of the monument, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs explained that it had been difficult to confirm the precise number of people who participated in the war due to lost records of war veterans during the communist regime in Ethiopia. “The monument was created after the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense and Foreign Affairs and the Korean Ministry of Defense and other related organizations conducted an investigation and confirmed the names of 2,482 veterans since July last year,” the ministry said.
It has been known that around 3,518 Ethiopian troops participated in the Korean War. At that time, 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, sent combat troops to Korea during the war, with Ethiopia sending the largest number of troops among African countries.
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs made sure there was excess space in the monument to accommodate the names of Ethiopian veterans to be identified through investigation.
“The government and people of the Republic of Korea will forever remember the sacrifice of the Ethiopian veterans who helped the Republic of Korea in crisis with compassion,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Kang Jeong-ae, who attended the monument unveiling ceremony.
Hyo-Ju Son hjson@donga.com
12. North Korea belatedly begins Olympic broadcasts after IOC agreement
Surely there will be the precise use of camera angles and expert editing to prevent the Korean people in the north from seeing too much capitalist anti-revolutionary influence.
Wednesday
August 7, 2024
dictionary + A - A
North Korea belatedly begins Olympic broadcasts after IOC agreement
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-07/national/northKorea/North-Korea-belatedly-begins-Olympic-broadcasts-after-IOC-agreement/2107777
Published: 07 Aug. 2024, 14:55
Updated: 07 Aug. 2024, 16:52
- SEO JI-EUN
- seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr
Kim Mi-rae of North Korea, right, holds up the North Korean flag after winning the bronze medal in the women's 10-meter platform diving event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday. [YONHAP]
North Korea began broadcasting the Paris 2024 Olympics ten days after the opening ceremony, having secured broadcast rights from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following the cessation of support from South Korean broadcasters.
"The IOC has agreed to provide coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 to the Radio and Television Broadcasting Committee in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea," an IOC official told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday, referring to North Korea by the acronym of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Olympic Broadcasting Services [the subordinate body of the IOC] provides feed to media rights-holding broadcasters around the world."
North Korea aired about seven minutes of news on the Paris Olympics — which began on July 26 — on Aug. 4, according to the broadcast schedule of North Korean Central TV published on South Korea's Unification Ministry online portal. This was followed by a roughly 50-minute delayed broadcast of the mixed doubles table tennis round of 16 against Japan.
In the past, South Korean broadcasters have supported North Korea with Olympic broadcast rights on humanitarian grounds. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, South Korean broadcaster SBS held the exclusive broadcast rights, and in principle, North Korea cannot broadcast the Olympics without requesting or negotiating with SBS. However, the IOC's agreement to provide Olympic footage directly to North Korea allowed it to bypass South Korean broadcasters.
Regarding the delay in broadcasting Olympic events, the IOC official said it is "not aware of any technical problems with the delivery of the coverage," suggesting the decision not to broadcast early events was made internally within North Korea.
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Meanwhile, North Korea reportedly mosaicked only the United States flag during its delayed broadcast of the women's 200-meter butterfly final on Aug. 4. The edited footage showed Summer McIntosh from Canada, Regan Smith from the U.S. and Zhang Yufei from China crossing the finish line, but the broadcast only displayed the flags of Canada and China and obscured the U.S. flag, according to Yonhap News Agency.
During the Qatar 2022 World Cup, North Korea altered the South Korean flag in the stands to gray and blurred advertisements for American and South Korean companies. In the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, North Korea reported on its victory over "puppet South Korea" while obscuring the South Korean flag on the players' uniforms. These actions likely reflect concerns that broadcasting South Korean and U.S. imagery could undermine regime cohesion.
As of Wednesday, North Korea has won five medals, including two silver and three bronze, ranking 50th overall in this year's competition.
BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]
13. Nationwide malaria alert issued in Korea after parasites discovered in mosquitoes
Oh no. Will we have to start taking Mefloquine now?
If you want to know the effects of this malaria drug listen to this song "Mefloquine Dreams" by my Special Forces brothers in the band Bones Fork at this link:
https://soundcloud.com/bones-fork
https://soundcloud.com/bones-fork/mefloquine-dreams
Nationwide malaria alert issued in Korea after parasites discovered in mosquitoes
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-07/national/socialAffairs/Nationwide-malaria-alert-issued-in-Korea-after-parasites-discovered-in-mosquitoes/2107884
Published: 07 Aug. 2024, 15:20
Updated: 07 Aug. 2024, 16:02
Health officials spray insecticide to kill mosquitoes capable of carrying malaria and Japanese encephalitis near Suwon Stream in Suwon, Gyeonggi, on July 31. [YONHAP]
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued a nationwide malaria alert on Wednesday following the discovery of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This is the first nationwide malaria warning since the advisory issued on June 18.
During a routine survey in areas with a high risk of malaria, the KDCA found four marsh mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium vivax among the 102 mosquitoes collected in Paju, Gyeonggi, from July 30 to 31.
The presence of the malaria parasite in these mosquitoes indicates an increased risk of malaria transmission through bites, prompting the KDCA to issue the alert.
A malaria alert is issued when malaria-carrying mosquito clusters are observed after a nationwide malaria advisory, or when the average number of disease-carrying mosquitoes per day exceeds five for two consecutive weeks in specific areas.
This discovery of the malaria parasite in mosquitoes comes about a month later than last year's initial detection, which occurred on July 9.
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Malaria is typically spread through marsh mosquitoes infected with the disease, and symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, chills and flu-like symptoms.
As of July 27, there have been 347 domestic malaria cases, a 16.9 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. However, the average number of mosquitoes capable of carrying malaria discovered daily this year is 6.5, up from last year's average of 4.4.
Additionally, this year saw 24 instances where more than two malaria cases occurred within one kilometer of each other in high-risk areas.
Earlier this summer, malaria warnings were issued for nine cities and districts, including Seoul's Yangcheon and Gangseo districts.
Malaria is most commonly contracted from mosquito bites after sweating from outdoor activities at night when mosquitoes are most active. It can also be acquired while walking near lake parks and puddles where mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs.
"Residents in malaria-prone areas should avoid outdoor activities, wear long sleeves, and use mosquito repellents and nets," the head of the KDCA said.
If symptoms of malaria appear, especially after visiting high-risk areas, immediate medical attention is necessary, as untreated cases can lead to a relapse.
BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]
14. Kim Jong Un orders crafting of "realistic" diplomatic strategy toward US
The subheading alone explains the political warfare and blackmail diplomacy strategies that the regime has always depended on.
Kim Jong Un orders crafting of "realistic" diplomatic strategy toward US - Daily NK English
North Korea's primary strategy is to elevate military tensions to pressure the U.S. and secure economic aid from traditionally friendly countries, a source told Daily NK
By Jeong Tae Joo - August 7, 2024
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · August 7, 2024
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reads a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump. (Rodong Sinmun)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently ordered his foreign ministry team to develop a realistic diplomatic strategy for U.S. negotiations, indicating he “did not expect a rapid recovery of relations with Washington,” Daily NK has learned.
A high-ranking Daily NK source in North Korea, speaking anonymously, said Monday that Kim instructed the foreign ministry on July 25 to “craft a realistic diplomatic strategy toward the U.S. from various angles, since I [Kim] do not expect a rapid recovery or improvement in U.S.-DPRK relations.”
This order followed a mid-July directive from the ruling party’s politburo, tasking the foreign ministry with strengthening its U.S. diplomatic strategy for the latter half of the year. Kim’s latest order appears to demand long-term goals and more realistic diplomatic approaches regarding the U.S.
Kim’s directive reflects a need for caution in Pyongyang’s approach to Washington, given stalled nuclear negotiations and plummeting bilateral trust due to U.S.-led sanctions.
With the U.S. presidential election set for November, North Korea must accurately predict the future political situation and adjust its diplomatic strategies accordingly.
“The foreign ministry is urging the U.S. negotiation team to select more concrete, achievable goals following Kim’s order,” the source said. “They believe they must carefully analyze the changing political situation, U.S. election trends, and candidates’ North Korea policies to gain substantive benefits in future negotiations.”
The foreign ministry’s strategic shift
The ministry wants the negotiation team to scrutinize the U.S. election and political landscape, focusing on establishing a realistic strategy that could bring favorable conditions if talks resume.
“The negotiation team sees the politburo’s order and Kim’s latest directive as reflecting the central government’s determination to establish U.S. ties in line with international changes and lead diplomatic policy,” the source added.
According to the source, the foreign ministry’s primary strategy is to elevate military tensions to pressure the U.S. while securing economic aid from traditionally friendly countries.
The ministry aims to showcase North Korea’s military might through exercises and weapons tests while strengthening economic cooperation with China and Russia and promoting its independent economy through active trade.
“The number of No. 1 orders regarding the U.S. has increased recently, and with more expected as the U.S. election approaches, foreign ministry officials are extremely busy,” the source said, referring to directives signed by Kim Jong Un.
Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.
Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · August 7, 2024
15. North Korea seeks to mirror the South’s defense sector boom
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Last month Patrick Cronin a t Hudson hosted a seminar on the comparison of the Arsenal of Democracy versus the Arsenal of Authoritarians. (E.g, South versus north Korea). Hopefully the video will soon be posted.
North Korea seeks to mirror the South’s defense sector boom
Defense News · by Youngjun Kim · August 6, 2024
South Korea’s arms producers, recently dubbed members of the K-defense industry, are rising stars on the international stage, much like K-pop and K-drama. Because of the Russia-Ukraine war, many European countries have increased their defense budgets and become major customers of the K-defense industry.
On the other side of the coin — or the border — North Korea’s defense industry also has a new major customer: Russia.
A recent visit to Pyongyang by Russian leader Vladimir Putin attracted the world’s attention. Russia needs North Korean ammunition, while North Korea needs to send its labor force to Russia to gather information about defense technologies like intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and satellites.
In North Korea, about 500,000 workers and 300 defense industry factories exist in the Second Economy Commission, which oversees nearly all aspects of materiel production and sales. Most factories are located in the North and South Pyongan provinces, the North and South Hamgyong provinces, the Chagang province and the Kangwon province.
The defense sector makes up about 30% to 60% of North Korea’s total economy, or approximately $10 billion. About $700 million goes to nuclear development, and about $600 million goes to missile development.
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Recently, North Korean media openly showed Kim Jong Un’s visit to defense industry factories.
Usually, the nation’s media does not report on defense industry facilities as such, describing them as ordinary factories. But the transparency this time represents how important Kim considers the sector.
Since 2022, Rodong Sinmun has run at least eight articles discussing 18 visits to defense industry factories. The openness and timing is significant, given Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine that year.
During this period, Kim has emphasized a desire to prepare for war and modernize the domestic industry’s weapons production processes.
This year, North Korea began reorganizing entities under the Second Economic Commission in order to achieve Kim’s directives. He appointed a new chairman of the Second Economic Commission, and has dropped mentions of tests for the country’s 240mm multiple rocket launcher as well as construction efforts to support the weapon’s production.
Kim’s recent interactions with Putin and his emphasis on North Korea’s defense industry amid the war has a clear strategic purpose.
For one, these moves are meant to serve as a response to security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Secondly, North Korea has benefited from providing arms to Russia during the war. Decades ago, during the Korean War, the Soviet Union supported the creation of the Korean People’s Army, and the Soviet Army was a role model for the North.
Now, North Korea is able to support Russia by sending ammunition and other conventional weapons. The partnership provides opportunities for North Korea’s labor force to travel to Russia to learn about advanced defense technologies.
North Korea considers its version of the K-defense industry to be an engine for economic development. From the North’s point of view, Russia is just the beginning, as other potential customers could follow suit.
Indeed, if North Korea accepts an invitation from Russia to join a Russia-China combined military exercise, this would be a great turning point for the government and a game changer to Northeast Asia’s security architecture.
The worst-case scenario would be the North’s export of weapons of mass destruction, including, but not limited to, nuclear war heads.
Kim’s ambition has grown beyond selling access to the Wonsan spa resort. Now, North Korea is seeking its own version of the K-defense industry.
Youngjun Kim is a professor at the Korea National Defense University and a nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research think tank.
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
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