A Japanese Defense Ministry think tank report says the stronger military cooperation between China and Russia and the closer ties between Russia and North Korea are "heightening uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific security environment.

North Korea has recalled trade representatives from China and replaced some with new officials in an apparent bid to boost foreign currency earnings.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that U.S. forces in South Korea could be deployed for regional contingencies.

China has warned that its perception of the US-South Korea alliance could shift if their new nuclear submarine deal focuses on countering Beijing. This follows a US naval official's comments about using submarines to counter China.

The US has approved the "attack submarines" and agreed to cooperate in sourcing fuel, according to a fact sheet released by the White House on Thursday detailing discussions of summit talks between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and US President Donald Trump on October 29,

South Korea's government has announced that it has finalised an agreement to build nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the United States. The US has approved the "attack submarines" and agreed to cooperate in sourcing fuel, according to a fact sheet released by the White House on Thursday.

Just one decade ago, it was common for observers of international politics to describe China as a lonely rising power.

North Korea on Tuesday said South Korea's plan to build nuclear-powered submarines with U.S. approval would trigger a "nuclear domino" effect.

North Korea denounced the trade and security agreements between South Korea and the United States as solidifying the two countries' "confrontational" stance against Pyongyang.