Kim Jong Un: Relations with Russia a top priority for North Korea
Today's news: China releases (positive) economic data and reaches agreements with Pakistan to sell new, state-of-the-art jets. Vietnam has completed new construction on the disputed Spratly Islands. Two Singaporeans have been found after the eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia.
RUSSIA – NORTH KOREA
On Victory Day, when Russia commemorates the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un reiterated his regime’s support and commitment to the mutual defence treaty signed with Moscow in 2024, to which he intends to "give top priority." North Korea is estimated to have sent around 14,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. South Korean and Ukrainian officials believe more than 6,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the fighting.
CHINA
In April, Chinese exports increased by 14.1 per cent over last year, despite the war in the Middle East and US tariffs. Beijing announced the news today, releasing the data just days before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The figures exceed analysts' estimates and represent a significant improvement over the 2.5 per cent year-on-year growth recorded in March. Exports to the United States rose by 11.3 per cent compared 2025, up from a 26.5 per cent decline in March. Imports also increased by 25.3 per cent in April, a slower rise than the 27.8 per cent recorded in March, but still significant.
CHINA – PAKISTAN
On Thursday the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) unveiled plans to modernise its aircraft fleet through further acquisitions of Chengdu J-10C fighters and substantial upgrades to its JF-17 fighters, co-produced by the two allies. The net effect of this is to alter the balance of air power with India in its favour. The PAF also confirmed that it had signed an "initial collaborative agreement" for the acquisition of the Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter, without disclosing any details on the scope of the agreement.
VIETNAM
Vietnam has undertaken new construction on the Spratly Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. According to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Hanoi has added 216.1 hectares of land and also begun building specialised infrastructure over the past year.
INDONESIA
This morning, Indonesian authorities located two Singaporeans missing after the eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island in the Pacific Ocean, officials said, but it is unclear if they are still alive. So far, at least 100 military and police officers have been deployed to the rescue operation, as well as two thermal imaging drones, which can conduct searches around the crater, covering an area of approximately 700 metres.
KAZAKHSTAN
A new political party, Adilet (Justice in Kazakh), has been formed in Kazakhstan. Its chairman is former presidential cabinet chief Aibek Dadebay, who stated that the party was not created to obtain "position or prestige”, but to build a "just state and society" representing the majority of the country's citizens. A new constitution was adopted on 15 March, a step that opened “a new page in our history” in line with President Tokayev.
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