North Korea goes even more nuclear
Podcast: The Global StoryPublished On: Mon Jun 08 2026
Description: North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to expand the country's nuclear arsenal at ‘an exponential rate’, according to state media reports. His announcement comes as China’s president, Xi Jinping, is making his first visit to Pyongyang this week since 2019 – the same year Donald Trump met Kim Jong Un several times for failed talks on denuclearisation. We speak to the BBC’s Celia Hatton about why China might now be trying to keep North Korea in check. Producers: Xandra Ellin, Sam Chantarasak and Aron KellerExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsStudio manager: Mike RegaardDigital producer: Tom BagePhoto: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the fifth session of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 23, 2026. Credit: KCNA/ReutersClip: Team America: World Police/Trey Parker/Scott Rudkin/Trey Parker/Matt Stone
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