5. KOREAN PENINSULA SITUATION TIGHTENED FOR
Defying international opposition, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sept. 3 conducted its sixth nuclear test. The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2375 on Sept. 11 to impose new sanctions on DPRK, calling for a peaceful settlement of the issue diplomatically and politically.
This year, the DPRK has repeatedly violated UN Security Council resolutions with launch activities using ballistic missile technology. South Korea and the United States have conducted a series of joint military exercises on the pretext of "coping with North Korea threats."
The United States has also re-listed the DPRK as a "state sponsor of terrorism" and imposed unilateral sanctions on the country. The strong positions and actions of both sides have increased tension on the peninsula, causing concern among regional countries and the international community.