Asia
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![Vladimir Putin, Feb. 29, 2024, Moscow, Russia](/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-03/GettyImages-2039545225.jpg?h=74d6a0e5&itok=8BhG5q7j)
Mutual defense pact signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un during Russian leader's trip to North Korea
This pledge promises mutual defense in case either country is invaded.
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![Kim Jong un, Vladimir Putin, Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2022-09/Kim%20Putin.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=pJP-VtBy)
Putin arrives in North Korea, the Kremlin says
Putin plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
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![China flag](/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2021-01/GettyImages-1277292999.jpg?h=199d8c1f&itok=BSA3EP1M)
China expanding its nuclear capabilities faster than other countries, new report warns
"For the first time China is believed to have some warheads on high operational alert," read a news release about the report.