North Korea may conduct nuclear test to mark key political anniversary
Rogue state to celebrate 72nd anniversary of founding of ruling Workers Party
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.North Korea could conduct a missile or nuclear weapons test within the next 10 days as it commemorates two significant political events, experts warn.
On Tuesday, North Korea celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers Party, while 18 October marks the beginning of China’s 19th Party Congress.
The 10 October anniversary is marked as Party Foundation Day in the rogue state with an annual holiday, including speeches, public performances and military parades.
Experts are warning that this year could also see North Korea round off the celebrations by conducting a ballistic missile test.
"The North Koreans love to fire off their missiles or have their nuclear tests coincide with a big anniversary. That's the way they operate....On the 10th, there might be some kind of missile fired," Evelyn Farkas, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told CNBC.
China’s 19th Party Congress beginning on 18 October is also an opportunity for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, to act out against sanctions by testing a weapon.
The Congress will determine China’s leadership for the next five years and is the biggest political event in the country.
China’s current President, Xi Jinping, has seen his relationship with Mr Kim sour as the world superpower announced it would restrict several aspects of trade with North Korea.
In an attempt to undermine China and dominate headlines across the globe, North Korea may opt for another missile test during the all-important Congress.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments