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Tuesday, September 29, 2026

North Korea Builds New Bridges On Stronger China, Russia Ties

Edited by: Wesley Rahn A long-delayed bridge linking North Korea and China could finally open in early October, more than a decade after its completion, as Pyongyang simultaneously expands transport links with Russia. South Korean news outlets have reported that the New Yalu River Bridge, connecting China's northeastern city of Dandong with the trade hub of Sinuiju in northwestern North Korea, could formally open by October 6, which marks the 77th anniversary of North Korea-China diplomatic relations. Analysis published by the 38 North think tank showed significant progress on customs, immigration and warehouse facilities on the North Korean side, where construction had remained largely unfinished for years. The cable-stayed New Yalu River Bridge is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) downstream toward the Yellow Sea from the older crossings connecting central Dandong and Sinuiju. The four-lane road bridge stretches over 3,000 meters across the river, with a network of approach roads connecting it to the surrounding areas. It was intended to ease pressure on the aging Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, which carries both road and rail traffic and remains one of the most important routes between North Korea and China, Pyongyang's top trading partner. <h2>Improving links to both Russia and China</h2> The expected opening of the improved link with China comes after a road bridge crossing the Tumen River located across the peninsula was opened on September 7 connecting North Korea's Rason region with Khasan in Russia's Primorsky region. Until then, the two countries' narrow land border had been connected by rail but not by road. "North Korea allowed the Chinese bridge to sit unused for more than a decade, but North Korea hurried more than Russia did," Han Ki-bum, a former deputy director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, told DW. That difference, he argues, provides clues to Pyongyang's strategy, which appears to be deliberately managing the pace of its improving relations with Russia and China to avoid returning to excessive dependence on Beijing. "If it depends too much on China as it did in the past, North Korea's autonomy could be undermined," Han said, adding that Pyongyang is seeking to take advantage of good ties with both China and Russia while preserving its independence. The former Unification Ministry official added that Russia has an interest in expanding transport routes through North Korea toward the Pacific, including through the port of Rajin, while Pyongyang could benefit from increased trade, tourism and opportunities to send workers to Russia. He added that Russia needs North Korean labor, arguing that North Korean workers are more diligent than their Russian counterparts. China, meanwhile, has its own reasons to ensure that North Korea does not become excessively reliant on Russia, the former official said. "From China's perspective, it needs to keep North Korea from leaning too far toward Russia," Han said. Ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown since 2023, when North Korea began providing weapons and troops for the Ukraine war. As the Russia-North Korea strategic relationship has deepened, China has been taking steps to reassert itself as the North's primary partner. Ahn Chan-il, a former North Korean soldier who now heads the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, said the bridges have added geopolitical implications. "Pyongyang could now use its deepening ties with China and Russia, along with Trump's interest in engaging Kim, to strengthen its diplomatic leverage and take a more assertive approach toward South Korea," Ahn told DW. <h2>North Korea slowly reopens</h2> Pyongyang virtually sealed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharply reducing trade and restricting even the entry of foreign diplomats. Cross-border freight trains between Dandong and Sinuiju resumed in 2022. Passenger trains followed on March 12 this year, restoring rail travel between North Korea and China for the first time in six years. Ahn described the prospective bridge opening as historically significant. "The New Yalu River Bridge is effectively the first modern bridge between North Korea and China," Ahn said. Plans for a new bridge date to 2009, when then-Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and North Korean officialsagreed on the project to relieve the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, built in 1943. Construction on the new bridge began in 2011, largely financed by Beijing, and the bridge itself was essentially completed in 2014. The opening was complicated by delays on building a customs center on the North Korean side. Ahn added the opening could be interpreted as a signal that Pyongyang intends to move toward greater economic openness, even if that process proceeds slowly. <h2>Yalu River Bridge to bolster China trade</h2> A former senior South Korean Unification Ministry official, who requested anonymity, told DW that renewed trade could also benefit China's northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. Before sanctions and the pandemic disrupted commerce, businesses in the region imported North Korean goods, including seafood, while Chinese products flowed in the opposite direction. "Both sides need this," the former official said. North Korea needs Chinese goods and opportunities to earn foreign currency, while parts of northeastern China can benefit from renewed cross-border commerce, he added. The official said the long delay also reflected Pyongyang's previous reluctance to build customs, logistics and other infrastructure required on its side. "The fact that it is opening now means North Korea has built customs, clearance facilities and logistics warehouses," he said. "From that perspective, North Korea needs it more. It now needs goods coming in from China." Former South Korean intelligence official Han expects the new crossing to accelerate trade recovery toward pre-pandemic trade levels. "The opening of the Yalu River bridge will further stimulate trade between North Korea and China," Han told DW. North Korea particularly needs imports for construction and industrial production, including factory components, he said. But Han cautioned against expecting an uncontrolled trade boom. He pointed to Pyongyang's increasingly centralized trade system, under which the state has tightened control over imports instead of allowing individual factories and enterprises to conduct commerce more independently. A shortage of foreign currency could provide another constraint, Han said, pointing to the sharp rise in the unofficial exchange rate for the US dollar inside North Korea. <div id="article-hstick-inner" class="abp-story-detail "> (Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.) </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/north-korea-builds-new-bridges-on-stronger-china-russia-ties-1868957

Monday, September 28, 2026

Big News: Goldy Brar Named in America’s Top 10 Most Wanted List

Gangster Goldy Brar has been placed on the Top 10 Most Wanted list in the United States, according to the report. A reward of $10 million, approximately ₹9 crore, has been announced for information that could assist authorities in his arrest. Brar is facing multiple cases in the US and has been accused of involvement in organized criminal activities. His inclusion on the Most Wanted list marks a significant development in the ongoing cases against him. US authorities are reportedly intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the gangster, while the reward announcement is aimed at encouraging information that could help law enforcement. The development has brought renewed attention to Goldy Brar and the criminal cases linked to him in America. Authorities continue to pursue the matter as efforts to track him down remain underway. The announcement has also generated significant attention because of the substantial reward offered for information leading to his arrest.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-big-news-goldy-brar-named-in-america-s-top-10-most-wanted-list-1868817

Mojtaba Khamenei Warns 'Enemy Forces' Will Soon Be Driven Out Of Arabian Sea; US Replies 'Iran Has No Navy'

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on Monday warned that “enemy forces” would soon be driven out of the Arabian Sea, saying adversaries had suffered “painful blows” from Iranian fighters and guardians of the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks drew a sharp response from the United States, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejecting Iran's claims of maritime control and declaring, “Iran has no navy.” Khamenei made the remarks in a message issued during Iran's “Sacred Defense Week” and on the anniversary of the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah. He said Iran's armed forces and different sections of society remained prepared to confront the country's adversaries. “The two southern seas of Iran were the roaming grounds of enemy forces. Today, however, due to the painful blows they have received from the brave warriors and guardians of the Strait of Hormuz, they do not advance past the Arabian Sea,” Khamenei said. He added that whenever foreign forces had attempted to move further, they had brought harm upon themselves, warning that “soon, the Arabian Sea too will be cleared of them”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today, because of the painful blows they [the enemies] have suffered at the hands of the valiant [Iranian] fighters & the guardians of the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Strait_of_Hormuz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Strait_of_Hormuz</a>, they dare not advance beyond the Arabian Sea. It won’t be long before the Arabian Sea rids itself of their presence too. — Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) <a href="https://ift.tt/Qy8mU7f 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/ZnmoC8L" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-china-trade-agree-to-cut-tariffs-on-60-billion-of-goods-after-donald-trump-xi-jinping-meeting-1868793">US, China Agree To Cut Tariffs On $60 Billion Of Goods After Trump-Xi Summit</a> <h3>US Says Iran Does Not Control Strait Of Hormuz</h3> The remarks came as tensions remained high between Tehran and Washington over the Strait of Hormuz, with an Iranian commander claiming that Iran exercises full control over maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. CENTCOM rejected the assertion in a post on X, calling it false. “CLAIM: A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said today that Iran has full control over the Strait of Hormuz through Iran's 'navy.' This is FALSE,” CENTCOM said. The US military then said Iranian naval capabilities had been neutralised by American forces. “FACT: Iran has no navy because American forces sank it,” CENTCOM said, adding that Iran did not control the Strait of Hormuz. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🚫 CLAIM: A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said today that Iran has full control over the Strait of Hormuz through Iran’s “navy.” This is FALSE. ✅ FACT: Iran has no navy because American forces sank it. And Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz as… <a href="https://t.co/n1sE4goDY1">pic.twitter.com/n1sE4goDY1</a> — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://ift.tt/E1idUAq 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/ZnmoC8L" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> CENTCOM pointed to what it said were thousands of ships that had passed through the waterway freely, along with more than 1 billion barrels of oil transported through it in recent months. <h3>Iranian Commander Claims Control Over Hormuz</h3> The US response followed remarks by Iranian Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Coordinator Habibollah Sayyari, who said naval forces operating under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps maintained total control over the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Sayyari said Iran's naval forces oversee the eastern entrance of the strategic waterway towards the Indian Ocean and warned that maritime traffic could be prevented from passing through areas under Iranian control, according to Iranian state media cited by Anadolu Agency. His remarks formed the basis of the CENTCOM statement rejecting Tehran's assertion of control over the waterway.  ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-asked-xi-if-china-wanted-to-buy-us-weapons-amid-taiwan-arms-sale-row-envoy-1868775">Trump’s Unusual Offer To Xi Amid Taiwan Arms Row: ‘Would You Like To Buy Some?’</a> <h3>Khamenei Says Iran Ready For Confrontation</h3> In his message, Khamenei also stressed what he described as widespread “armed readiness” across Iran. “Presently, throughout Islamic Iran—adorned by the presence of diverse ethnicities—various declarations of readiness, particularly armed readiness, exist to construct an arena that will bring renown to them and disgrace to their enemy,” he said. Khamenei further said different sections of Iranian society, despite their apparent differences, were standing together to preserve what he called their “rightful positions”, including the Strait of Hormuz. “There were days when the enemy constantly tried to weaken the social backbone of the system, but nowadays, various strata of society, despite their apparent differences, stand firm on maintaining their rightful positions, including the preservation of the blessed Strait of Hormuz,” he said. <h3>Hormuz At Centre Of US-Iran Tensions</h3> The latest exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over the strategic waterway and Iran's nuclear programme. The developments follow US President Donald Trump's rejection of an Iranian proposal linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world's key maritime chokepoints and serves as a major route for global petroleum shipments.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/mojtaba-khamenei-warns-enemy-forces-will-be-soon-driven-out-of-arabian-sea-us-replies-iran-has-no-navy-1868795

US, China Agree To Cut Tariffs On $60 Billion Of Goods After Trump-Xi Summit

The United States and China have agreed to pursue tariff cuts covering $60 billion worth of goods traded between the two countries, ranging from US agricultural products to Chinese toys, cosmetics and household appliances. The agreement follows a high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington last week. However, the two sides have yet to specify how much tariffs will be reduced or when the changes will take effect. Under the US-China Board of Trade, each country has proposed $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods for more favourable tariff treatment, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement on Sunday night. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-asked-xi-if-china-wanted-to-buy-us-weapons-amid-taiwan-arms-sale-row-envoy-1868775">Trump Asked Xi If China Wanted To Buy US Weapons Amid Taiwan Arms Sale Row: Envoy</a> <h2>US Seeks Better Access To Chinese Market</h2> Greer said the US proposal would amount to “unlocking improved market access” for roughly 30% of US exports to China. However, statements issued by Washington and Beijing did not provide details on the extent of the proposed tariff reductions or a timeline for implementation. The Office of the US Trade Representative said the $30 billion valuation of the product lists proposed by each country was based on 2024 import data. China's proposed list includes lower duties on several US agricultural products, including corn, wheat, sorghum, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and meals. However, it excludes non-seed soybeans, the largest US agricultural export to China, which was worth $16.2 billion in 2025. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7-xxWT8R3Ss?si=sOul1CItlZCdIrCJ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>China Targets US Fish, Cosmetics And Medical Devices</h2> Under its proposed list, Beijing also plans to reduce levies on US fish and seafood, logs and wood products, cosmetics and medical devices. Washington, meanwhile, has proposed reciprocal tariff reductions covering a range of Chinese consumer goods. The list includes small household appliances such as coffee makers and toasters, as well as tableware, blankets and bed linen. The proposed US list also covers toys, a broad category that includes children's bicycles. Those goods were worth $14.4 billion in US imports from China in 2024, although the value fell to $9.8 billion in 2025 amid higher tariffs imposed under Trump's trade policies. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/south-korea-demands-apology-from-ukraine-over-north-korean-pow-transfer-disclosure-1868741">South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine Over North Korean POW Transfer Disclosure</a> <h2>US List Includes Fireworks, Decorations And Car Seats</h2> Other Chinese goods included in the US proposal are fireworks, artificial flowers, holiday decorations and children's car seats. While the two countries have identified goods for potentially more favourable tariff treatment, neither side has announced the actual tariff reductions or when they would come into force. The agreement therefore sets out the products under consideration without yet establishing the final terms or implementation schedule.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-china-trade-agree-to-cut-tariffs-on-60-billion-of-goods-after-donald-trump-xi-jinping-meeting-1868793

FBI puts gangster Goldy Brar on 10 most wanted list with USD one million reward

Washington, Sep 29 (PTI): FBI on Monday added gangster Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar to its list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and announced a reward of USD one million for information leading to his arrest. "Satinderjeet Singh is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group which is allegedly engaged in a variety of violent acts in Southern California, and across the United States and Canada," the FBI said. The probe agency warned that Singh should be considered armed, dangerous and an escape risk. The FBI said Singh is allegedly involved in assassinations of political and religious figures, shootings, murders, kidnappings, extortions, assaults, and the trafficking of narcotics and weapons. Singh is based in the United States and is the alleged leader of the Group in North America. On July 1, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Singh in the United States District Court, Central District of California, after he was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere and attempted interference with commerce by extortion; and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Singh was among the fugitives identified following Operation Hardball, a years-long federal investigation into India-based transnational organised crime groups. In July, US authorities announced charges against 37 defendants linked to three such groups. According to the FBI, one of the indictments focused on the Bishnoi enterprise, with Singh allegedly serving as one of its leaders. Investigators allege that Singh helped direct members and associates of the enterprise worldwide. PTI SKU AMJAMJAMJ(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/fbi-puts-gangster-goldy-brar-on-10-most-wanted-list-with-usd-one-million-reward-1868791

Sunday, September 27, 2026

US-IRAN TENSION: Trump Rejects Iran’s 7-Day Plan, Hormuz Dispute Deepens

A fresh roadblock has emerged in the US-Iran conflict after President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s seven-day proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations. Iran had conveyed the plan to the United States through Qatari mediators. Under the proposal, Washington would ease its military pressure and lift the naval blockade, while Iran would reopen the strategic waterway within seven days and resume talks, including discussions on its nuclear programme. Trump confirmed that he had rejected the proposal, arguing that Iran wanted the Strait reopened immediately. At the same time, he said he remained open to a deal. The rejection has highlighted the central disagreement between the two sides: Iran is linking the reopening of Hormuz to specific US concessions, while Washington wants the waterway reopened without accepting those conditions. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have said they are awaiting a formal US response through mediators. The latest developments suggest that diplomatic channels remain open, even as the dispute over Hormuz continues to complicate efforts to end the conflict.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-us-iran-tension-trump-rejects-iran-s-7-day-plan-hormuz-dispute-deepens-1868659

At Least 4 Palestinians Killed, 12 Injured In Israeli Strikes Across Gaza

Gaza Strip, September 28 (ANI): At least four Palestinians were killed and 12 others injured in a series of Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, citing local medical sources.    Confirming the latest killing, an ambulance and emergency services official said that at least one Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Tawam area, situated north of Gaza City.    In southern Gaza, Nasser Hospital confirmed that another Palestinian succumbed to bullet injuries sustained earlier in the day from Israeli gunfire in the centre of Khan Younis, as reported by Al Jazeera.    Earlier, in a separate incident, a drone strike targeted a vehicle in the western part of Gaza City, leaving at least one person dead and another killed after a drone attacked a makeshift tent in southern Gaza’s al-Mawasi area, Al Jazeera reported.    On September 23, Israeli forces killed Muhammad Abu Alwan, head of Hamas' finance department, during a targeted operation in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.    In a joint statement released by the PMO, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the targeted strike was executed as a joint effort by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency.    "A short while ago in Khan Younis, the IDF eliminated Hamas terrorist organisation finance department head Muhammad Abu Alwan," the statement read.    "The Prime Minister and Defence Minister commend the IDF and the ISA for this precise operation and for their aggressive action to thwart our enemies," it added.    Israeli leadership emphasised that operations against the group's leadership and financial networks would continue uninterrupted until Hamas "no longer exists in Gaza."    "We will continue to hunt down Hamas commanders and operatives, target its sources of funding, and destroy its terrorist infrastructure," Netanyahu and Katz warned.    "We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength, nor will we stop until Hamas no longer exists in Gaza."    The elimination of Abu Alwan marks the latest high-profile strike against Hamas's financial infrastructure in the enclave.  (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/at-least-4-palestinians-killed-12-injured-in-israeli-strikes-across-gaza-1868649