Kim Jong Un, born in 1984, has been surrounded by myths and propaganda, from absurd claims to bloody family stories. Anna Fifield provides an exclusive and detailed account of his life and the dynastic mission of his family in North Korea. Despite initial doubts about his capability, Kim Jong Un has not only survived but thrived, partly due to the approval of Donald Trump. The book paints a captivating portrait of North Korea's secretive and internationally relevant regime, led by the self-proclaimed Beloved and Respected Leader.

Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, made an unannounced visit to Beijing, where he met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Wang Yi expressed a desire for U.S. policy towards China to reflect the diplomatic wisdom of Kissinger and the political courage of Nixon. The visit follows recent positive interactions between U.S. and Chinese officials, despite ongoing tensions and military near misses. Kissinger advocated for eliminating misunderstandings between the two nations, emphasizing the negative consequences of potential conflict. The State Department was aware of Kissinger's visit, which was mentioned during Secretary Blinken's recent trip to China.

Henry Kissinger, the former American secretary of state, made an unannounced visit to Beijing, meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The visit coincides with John F. Kerry's climate talks in Beijing and follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent trip. Wang Yi expressed nostalgia for Kissinger's diplomatic wisdom, while Li Shangfu emphasized the need for healthy US-China relations. Kissinger highlighted the importance of eliminating misunderstandings between the two nations. The State Department confirmed Kissinger's visit was as a private citizen.

Henry Kissinger made a surprise visit to China, meeting with top diplomat Wang Yi and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The visit follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent trip to Beijing. Wang Yi emphasized the importance of diplomatic wisdom and political courage in U.S.-China relations, while Li Shangfu expressed hope for healthy and stable development between the two countries. Kissinger highlighted the need to eliminate misunderstandings and avoid treating each other as opponents. The State Department was aware of Kissinger's visit, which he undertook as a private citizen.

Kim Jong-Un has managed to maintain his totalitarian rule over North Korea for a decade, defying expectations of collapse. Despite facing significant challenges, including international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim has used a combination of cruelty and strategic calculation to secure his control. The pandemic has exacerbated the already dire conditions in North Korea, with severe shortages in food and medical supplies. The regime's strict border controls have further isolated the country, cutting off economic lifelines and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The article questions whether this crisis could lead to significant change in North Korea, but remains cautious about predicting the regime's downfall.

Kim Jong-Un has defied expectations by maintaining his grip on North Korea for over a decade, despite numerous challenges including international sanctions and internal skepticism. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented existential threat to his regime, exacerbating the country's already dire healthcare and economic conditions. North Korea's strict border closures have further isolated the nation, cutting off essential trade and worsening food and medical shortages. The article underscores the severe hardships faced by the North Korean population and questions whether this crisis might finally lead to significant change.

Veteran journalists discussed the increasing restrictions on foreign journalists in China and the implications for truth-telling during a virtual talk at the Nieman Foundation. They compared the challenges of reporting in China to North Korea, highlighted the importance of coverage on Xinjiang's internment camps, and the role of Chinese journalists in covering stories within China. The discussion also touched on the impact of Chinese nationalism and propaganda on public opinion and the difficulties of reporting from Hong Kong. Despite the challenges, the journalists emphasized the importance of foreign media presence in China for a nuanced global understanding of the country.

China has constructed new high-security detention facilities in Xinjiang, capable of housing over 10,000 people, despite claims of winding down its 'reeducation' efforts against the Uighur minority. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has identified at least 60 such sites, indicating a shift to more permanent forms of detention. International condemnation, including from the United States, has labeled the treatment of Uighurs as human rights abuses, with some officials considering it a form of genocide. The Chinese government has denied these allegations, framing the camps as necessary for combating extremism. The situation in Xinjiang remains tense, with visible signs of repression and control over the Uighur population.

The article highlights a compilation of biased media coverage against Donald Trump and conservatives, focusing on the portrayal of Trump's actions regarding mail-in ballots and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It criticizes various news outlets and hosts for their negative depiction of Trump and his administration, including accusations of racism and incompetence. The piece also comments on the portrayal of protests and the Republican National Convention, suggesting a double standard in media reporting.

China imposed sanctions on several U.S. lawmakers and NGO leaders in retaliation for U.S. actions related to Hong Kong. The sanctions, largely symbolic, target Republican Senators and leaders of NGOs supportive of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the sanctions and criticized U.S. officials for inaccuracies. The move is part of China's tit-for-tat strategy against the Trump administration's measures, including sanctions on Chinese tech companies TikTok and WeChat.

China has sentenced two Canadians to death within two days, escalating tensions with Canada linked to the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Four Canadians are now on death row in China, with two others facing lengthy prison terms on espionage charges. Canadian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, have condemned the death penalty. Analysts suggest these actions are part of China's 'hostage diplomacy' to pressure Canada over Meng's extradition case. The Chinese government maintains that the cases are independent and unrelated to diplomatic tensions.

Beijing has largely returned to normalcy despite the oppressive summer heat, with residents adapting to new public health measures like health codes and temperature checks. The Chinese government's strict and immediate response to outbreaks, including mass testing and lockdowns, has been effective in controlling the virus. In contrast, the article criticizes the U.S. for its inadequate response and lack of mass testing, highlighting the differences in public health strategies between the two countries.

The United States has ordered the closure of China's consulate in Houston, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two largest global economies. Beijing vowed to retaliate, potentially targeting the U.S. Consulate in Wuhan. The closure is part of broader conflicts encompassing trade, technology, and espionage, with the U.S. accusing China of intellectual property theft and intimidating Chinese nationals in the U.S. The State Department cited the need to protect American intellectual property and private information. The Justice Department recently indicted two Chinese hackers for stealing from U.S. firms conducting coronavirus research. Analysts suggest bilateral relations are at their worst since 1979, and the situation could escalate into a new Cold War if tensions continue to rise.

Beijing is experiencing an unusually oppressive summer, with residents adapting to the heat in various ways, such as wearing 'Beijing bikinis' and drinking cold beer. Despite the discomfort, many prefer the heat over the threat of the coronavirus.

The United States has ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, escalating tensions between the two nations. Beijing vowed to retaliate, potentially closing the U.S. Consulate in Wuhan. The closure is part of a broader conflict involving trade, technology, and the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts suggest the move is part of President Trump's reelection strategy. The State Department cited protection of American intellectual property and private information as reasons for the closure. The situation has led to increased diplomatic hostilities, with both countries taking retaliatory actions.

The United States ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, citing espionage concerns, leading to a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations. China vowed to retaliate, potentially targeting the U.S. consulate in Wuhan. The closure follows accusations of Chinese espionage and influence operations, with U.S. officials alleging that the consulate was a hub for malign activities. The move is seen as part of President Trump's strategy to portray China as a significant threat amid his reelection campaign. The Chinese government condemned the action, warning of further retaliatory measures.

China announced it would impose sanctions on Lockheed Martin in response to the Trump administration's decision to supply arms to Taiwan. The specific measures were not detailed, and Lockheed Martin's exposure to China is minimal. This action follows sanctions against four American officials and escalates tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Kim Jong-un has maintained control over North Korea by fostering both loyalty and fear, allowing limited economic freedoms and creating a sense of improved living standards among the elite. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and sister, Kim Yo-jong, play significant roles in his regime, with Ri presenting a modern, approachable image and Kim Yo-jong managing propaganda. The elite in Pyongyang, or 'Pyonghattan', enjoy a lifestyle with access to global brands and modern amenities, reflecting Kim's strategy to keep the younger generation loyal. Despite these changes, the regime remains highly controlled and repressive.

North Korean defectors risk their lives to escape the oppressive regime of Kim Jong-un, undertaking perilous journeys through China, Vietnam, and Laos to reach safety in Thailand and eventually South Korea. The escapees face numerous dangers, including repatriation, harsh weather, and treacherous terrain. A network of brokers and activists, often defectors themselves, facilitate these escapes, with some financed by Christian organizations. The South Korean embassy in Bangkok plays a crucial role in processing and transferring defectors to Seoul. Despite the hardships, the defectors' determination to reach freedom underscores the severe conditions in North Korea.

During the coverage of North Korea's Workers' Party congress, reporters were only shown the exterior of the building and used the opportunity to ask Pyongyang residents about their views on American politics, specifically their opinions on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Anna Fifield from The Financial Times, Patti Solis Doyle, former 2008 Hillary Clinton Campaign Manager, and Rob Johnson, former campaign manager for Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich, discuss the ongoing debt talks on Capitol Hill.