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Images reveal North Korea tightening its border with China

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1 year ago

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Recent satellite images obtained by Human Rights Watch depict a significant increase in security measures along the border between North Korea and China.

It highlights a tightening of control by North Korean authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The images, spanning from 2019 to 2023 and covering approximately a quarter of the northern border, reveal the construction of 482km of new fencing and the enhancement of another 260km of existing fencing.

This infrastructure development is coupled with the establishment of new guard posts and buffer zones, aimed at restricting cross-border movement and trade.

Source: Human Rights Watch

According to HRW, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified border security measures in recent years, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic.

Although the border was reopened briefly to facilitate trade with China, the report underscores a broader pattern of repressive policies by the North Korean regime.

The HRW report, titled “A Sense of Terror Stronger than a Bullet: The Closing of North Korea 2018-2023,” highlights the “overbroad, excessive, and unnecessary measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Guard posts

These measures include a notable increase in border security facilities, with the number of guard posts rising from 38 to over 6,500.

Lina Yoon, senior Korea researcher at HRW, emphasized the detrimental impact of these policies on the North Korean population, urging Kim Jong Un to reconsider the restrictive measures.

Yoon called for the reopening of borders for trade, relaxation of internal travel restrictions, and the provision of monitored international emergency assistance.

The intensified border controls have disrupted informal trade routes, hindering the flow of essential goods such as rice and wheat into North Korea.

This has exacerbated food shortages and increased the vulnerability of North Korean families, particularly those reliant on remittances from relatives abroad.

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Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

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U.S. strikes Houthis in Yemen for shipping attacks

U.S. military strikes in Yemen target Houthi rebels following threats to maritime security and attacks on shipping.

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1 day ago

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March 16, 2025

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U.S. military strikes in Yemen target Houthi rebels following threats to maritime security and attacks on shipping.

In Short

The U.S. has launched military strikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels following their attacks on commercial vessels, with President Trump stating the goal is to protect American shipping. The strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and are part of a broader campaign to deter aggression and ensure navigational freedom.

The U.S. has initiated military strikes in Yemen against the Houthi rebels, following their attacks on commercial vessels.

President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that these aerial attacks aim to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom. He stated that the Houthis will be held fully accountable for their actions.

Local sources report significant explosions in San’a, with civilian casualties reaching 31 dead and 101 injured. Yemen’s Houthi Health Ministry condemned the strikes, labelling them a war crime.

The U.S. strikes targeted Houthi leaders’ residences and their strongholds, alongside missile systems positioned along the coast. U.S. military officials have indicated that this is part of a larger campaign against the group.

The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group is involved in the operation, which seeks to deter aggression from Iran-backed Houthi forces and protect American interests.

Tensions escalated after the Houthis announced their intent to resume attacks on Israeli ships, claiming the lapse of ceasefire agreements.

In retaliation, Trump ordered these military actions, which aim to target Houthi leadership and missile launchers, while also signaling a warning to Iran.

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Norris wins Australian GP as Piastri’s hopes dashed

Lando Norris triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri faces heartbreak in his home race.

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1 day ago

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March 16, 2025

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Lando Norris triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri faces heartbreak in his home race.

In Short

Lando Norris won the 2025 Australian Grand Prix amid chaotic weather conditions, while Oscar Piastri struggled at his home race, finishing far behind expectations. Despite scoring some points, Piastri and his supporters were disappointed with his performance.

Lando Norris achieved victory at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, marking a strong start to his season. The race featured significant chaos, largely due to rain, affecting many drivers.

Oscar Piastri, competing in his home Grand Prix, faced disappointment as his race was derailed. Piastri’s team McLaren celebrated Norris’s success while he struggled on the track.

Aussie rookie Jack Doohan’s race ended prematurely after a crash in the early laps.

Piastri was positioned close to Norris when he lost control and spun onto the grass, dropping to the back of the pack.

Despite a determined effort to regain positions, Piastri’s race did not meet the expectations of him or his supporters.

In the final moments, he managed to score some points but it was not the outcome he desired.

Fans had hoped for a better performance from their local hero, but the race results proved challenging. The event highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, especially under adverse weather conditions.

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Trump’s tariffs threaten Australia’s pharmaceutical industry prices

Trump’s tariffs may jeopardise Australia’s $1.1 billion pharmaceutical exports, risking essential medicine prices and healthcare quality.

Published

2 days ago

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March 15, 2025

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Trump’s tariffs may jeopardise Australia’s $1.1 billion pharmaceutical exports, risking essential medicine prices and healthcare quality.

In Short

Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium raise fears they could increase medicine prices in Australia, threatening its $1.1 billion pharmaceutical export industry. Prime Minister Albanese criticises the tariffs as unjustified but has ruled out retaliation, while industry experts warn against using health policies as trading leverage.

Fears have emerged that President Trump’s tariffs could adversely affect Australia’s pharmaceutical export industry, potentially raising medicine prices.

The Trump administration recently announced 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, sparking concern that Australia’s pharmaceutical exports, valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2024, could face similar tariffs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the US tariff actions as unjustified and detrimental, indicating he would not retaliate with similar measures.

The pharmaceutical industry is a significant part of Australia’s economy and is critical to the $18 billion federal scheme that reduces essential medicine costs.

The US aims to protect its declining steel industry amidst increasing competition from Asia, particularly Canada, Brazil, and the EU.

US companies claim that Australia’s medicine pricing policies affect their earnings, raising concerns that they might push to reconsider the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The PBS was instrumental in lowering the costs of 930 medications last year.

The Trump administration previously blamed the high costs of US medicines partly on foreign nations benefitting from US investment without contributing fairly.

Calls have been made for the Australian government to maintain a strong stance against US influence over its domestic health policies.

Albanese has ruled out retaliatory tariffs, highlighting the negative impact of trade wars on consumers.

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