



North Korea conducts large-scale artillery exercises to celebrate military anniversary



By Park Si-soo



With North Korea believed to be ready to conduct a nuclear or missile test at any time, a Chinese newspaper warned the isolated country not to "pass the point of no return."

In an editorial Tuesday, the Global Times, a newspaper published by China's ruling Communist Party, said the previous day's phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping showed the two countries were in close communication over the tensions.

The paper said China hopes for a peaceful outcome, but that Beijing has "very limited influence on the entire situation." It added: "The game of chicken between Washington and Pyongyang has come to a breaking point."

The newspaper said if North Korea carries out a sixth nuclear test as expected, "it is more likely than ever that the situation will cross the point of no return. All stakeholders will bear the consequences, with Pyongyang sure to suffer the greatest losses."

Meanwhile, North Korea conducted large-scale artillery exercises on Tuesday on the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its army, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. The live-fire drills were reportedly carried out in areas around the city of Wonsan on its east coast. South Korea's defense ministry could not immediately confirm the report.