Foreign Relations
Information related to the North Korea’s foreign relations
North Korea in December 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from December 1 to December 31, 2025
Kim Jong Un’s vague New Year’s speech bucks clarity to avoid costly commitments
Articulating detailed foreign policy would lock Pyongyang into a specific framing at a moment when conditions are fluid
Lee Jae Myung frames peace with North Korea as key to long-term economic growth
In New Year’s address, South Korean leader vows to support US-DPRK dialogue and work to ease inter-Korean tensions
Kim Jong Un ushers in new year with greetings to North Korean troops in Russia
Leader hails troops for deepening the ‘combat-forged friendship’ with Moscow on the battlefield
Kim Yo Jong receives a portrait of herself as a New Year’s gift from Russia
Russian spokesperson sends work by Kremlin-linked artist who previously painted portrait given to Donald Trump
1500 war dead, 25 delegations, no ICBMs: North Korea’s bloody 2025 in numbers
Data shows Russia ties once again led the way, even as the DPRK strengthened cooperation with other players
Chinese merchant boasts he provided carpets for new North Korean luxury hotels
Social media posts claim export of 18,000 square meters of carpet, showing designs that match those at Samjiyon hotel
Survey finds widespread global skepticism about likelihood of Korean unification
ROK-funded research suggests US, Japan, Europe back unification but doubt feasibility amid North Korean nuclear threats
US, ROK forces finish field training for summer drills, 4 months behind schedule
Allies postponed exercises on countering North Korea in August, possibly to support diplomacy with Pyongyang
China has warned ships against operating in North Korean waters, statements show
But illegal fishing continues despite Beijing’s official stance, raising questions about commitment to enforcement
