Kim (N. Korea)

North Korea announced tests of four upgraded weapons on June 25, the 76th anniversary of the 1950 war's outbreak: a 90km-range multiple rocket launcher with autonomous guidance, special warheads to destroy South Korean power grids and airports, extended-range howitzer shells, and tactical cruise missiles

The 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon, named for a revolutionary commander, carries anti-ship, anti-aircraft, and nuclear-tipped ballistic and cruise missiles; Kim says 10,000-tonne cruisers follow

A 5,000-tonne destroyer for nuclear-capable missiles, built, Seoul says, with Russian help, as Kim pivots from missiles to ships and submarines

Lee Jae-myung's June peace gestures meet a Pyongyang that is fencing within 80m of the line and rebuffing the South's overtures

Beijing pulls Kim back into orbit after Russia's courtship, 'good neighbour, good friend, good comrade', and silence on the bomb

North Korea reveals a fresh uranium-enrichment hall, likely a third site, as Kim says weapons-grade output has more than doubled in five years

April–May test launches and a fresh ICBM engine advance Pyongyang's modernisation as Washington's focus stays elsewhere