In a rare move, North Korea has disclosed details about a secretive facility used to produce weapons-grade uranium. The revelation comes as state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un visited the site and called for a significant increase in the country’s nuclear weapons.

While it is uncertain whether the facility is part of North Korea’s main Yongbyon nuclear complex, this is the first time the country has revealed such a site since allowing American scholars to view one at Yongbyon in 2010. The disclosure appears to be a strategic effort to pressure the United States and its allies, with the newly released images providing valuable insight into North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un expressed “great satisfaction” with the technical advancements in North Korea’s nuclear program during his visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the uranium enrichment facility. KCNA reported that Kim toured the control room and a construction site intended to expand the facility’s capacity.

Photos released by North Korean state media show Kim observing rows of centrifuges and being briefed by scientists. While the KCNA did not specify the timing or location of Kim’s visit, the leader emphasized the need to increase the number of centrifuges to “exponentially” boost the nation’s nuclear arsenal for self-defense. Kim also called for the introduction of a new type of centrifuge.

Kim’s comments reflect a heightened focus on enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities in response to what he described as increasing threats from the United States and its allies. The KCNA quoted Kim as saying that North Korea’s defense needs have grown due to what he termed as “undisguised” anti-North Korea nuclear threats from “US imperialist-led vassal forces.”

South Korea’s Unification Ministry condemned North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, labeling them as “illegal” and a severe threat to international peace. The ministry stated that North Korea’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite UN prohibitions, undermines global security.

North Korea first showcased its uranium enrichment site at Yongbyon to external observers in 2010, when a delegation led by nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker was permitted to tour the facility. At that time, North Korean officials revealed the presence of 2,000 operational centrifuges.

Satellite imagery since then has suggested increased enrichment activity at Yongbyon, raising suspicions of additional secret enrichment sites. Estimates in 2018 suggested that North Korea held between 250 and 500 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, enough for 25 to 30 nuclear devices.

North Korea has significantly accelerated its weapons testing since 2022, aiming to expand and modernize its nuclear arsenal. This push for nuclear expansion comes amid growing military cooperation with Russia, with accusations that North Korea is supplying arms to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine in exchange for military and economic aid.

China’s imposition of export restrictions on crucial semiconductor metals has created significant disruptions in global supply chains, raising concerns about potential chip shortages for Western manufacturers and consumers.

The metals in question, gallium and germanium, are essential components in semiconductor chips, communications infrastructure, and military equipment. In 2022, China was the leading global producer of gallium, accounting for over 98% of total production, according to Statista. For germanium, China produced approximately 60% of the world’s supply, as reported by the Critical Raw Materials Alliance.

The Chinese government announced these export restrictions in July 2023, with the measures coming into effect in August. The restrictions have led to sharp price increases for both gallium and germanium, particularly affecting Europe. Data from the Financial Times indicates that Chinese exports of germanium fell from 13,514 kg in the latter half of 2022 to 12,410 kg in the first half of 2024. Similarly, gallium exports dropped from 28,000 kg in the first half of 2023 to 16,000 kg in the second half of the same year.

China has justified these export restrictions as necessary to protect its national interests and security. However, many speculate that the move is a retaliatory measure against U.S. export controls imposed on advanced semiconductor chips and production equipment, affecting Chinese companies such as Huawei. The U.S. has implemented these controls to limit China’s access to high-tech components used in military applications and artificial intelligence.

In response, China has also restricted exports of graphite and antimony, the latter being used in armor-piercing ammunition. Gallium and germanium are critical for a range of applications including bulbs, transistors, medical devices, thermometers, infrared optical instruments, and fiber-optic cables. The restrictions are expected to lead to shortages and price hikes in these sectors.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has warned that the global supply chain for these metals will face significant adjustments due to China’s new export controls, which took effect on August 1, 2023. The U.S. remains heavily reliant on imports of these minerals, particularly from China, given its dominant position as a major supplier.

European companies currently have some stockpiles of gallium to manage short-term needs, but the long-term outlook remains uncertain. SEMI Europe, a microelectronics industry association, highlighted that scaling up domestic production in Europe would require substantial time and investment. The establishment of a robust production infrastructure for these metals in Europe could take several years, leaving the region vulnerable to ongoing supply chain disruptions.

As the 2024 election approaches in just three months, thousands of supporters have flocked to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, which kicked off with significant events and high-profile speakers. This week, the convention is being held at the United Center Arena, where Vice President Kamala Harris is the focal point of the party’s gathering.

The convention began on Monday with a powerful prime-time address from President Joe Biden. His speech, marked by emotional moments and enthusiastic applause, set the tone for the week. On Tuesday, the event featured the ceremonial roll call vote, in which state delegations officially endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket. The evening concluded with stirring speeches from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, celebrating the party’s vision and leadership.

With President Biden having withdrawn from the race, Vice President Harris has been confirmed as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The roll call vote on Tuesday was largely symbolic, highlighted by performances from celebrities like rapper Lil Jon.

Wednesday’s program includes a notable lineup of Democratic leaders. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the party’s nominee for vice president, is set to deliver a key speech. The evening will also feature addresses from rising stars in the party, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Additionally, former President Bill Clinton, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are scheduled to speak.

Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will also take the stage. Two Democratic governors, Shapiro and Moore, representing the new generation of party leadership, are expected to play prominent roles. The night will also include remarks from Olivia Troye, a former Trump administration official, and Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia.

The convention’s final and most anticipated event will occur on Thursday, when Vice President Harris will formally accept the presidential nomination. Her speech, themed “For the Future,” is expected to be a highlight of the convention.

Despite some delays on Monday, DNC organizers have adjusted the schedule to ensure a smooth flow of events. The convention is a crucial moment for the Democratic Party as it gears up for the upcoming election, showcasing its leadership and setting the stage for the campaign ahead.