North Korea fires defense minister and appoints new chief

The previous Defense Minister No was dismissed and also demoted in the hierarchy of the Workers' Party to "Deputy Director of the Defense Industry Department." The new defense minister will be the previous head of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, Kim Song Gi. KCNA reported further promotions as part of the restructuring of the military leadership.

North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program. In recent years, the communist-led country has expanded its ties with Russia and described U.S.-backed South Korea as its "most hostile" opponent. The two states on the Korean peninsula are officially still at war; the Korean War only ended with an armistice in 1953.

Trump criticizes the South – and wants to meet with Kim

US President Donald Trump recently expressed sharp criticism of the historic ally South Korea - particularly because of South Korea's refusal to take part in the US war against Iran. At the same time, he explained that he had a "very good relationship" with the North Korean ruler, with whom he wanted to meet later this year.

There is speculation about a possible meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen, China, in November. South Korean President Lee also spoke out in favor of direct talks with the North Korean head of state in mid-August.

In addition, the USA recently drastically shortened a military maneuver with its long-time US partner South Korea. He justified this explosive decision by saying that it sent a "completely inappropriate and hostile signal" to a country that - as long as he was president - had posed no threat and behaved respectfully.

It seems unclear whether North Korea, which is largely isolated internationally but is politically and economically supported by Russia and China, will respond to Trump's overtures.

The two met three times during Trump's first term in office. Back then, North Korea suffered from sanctions, but today the economy is growing and the dictator maintains good relations with China and Russia. Kim is more powerful than ever. More on the topic here.