Exclusive: “North Korea must either open up transparently or collapse” (chosun.com)

Cuba has immense potential, boasting abundant natural resources and a well-developed tourism industry. Establishing diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba offers substantial political and economic benefits. However, I have come across articles suggesting that these relations signify ‘isolating North Korea’ or ‘winning a system competition against North Korea,’ which is a misinterpretation. The concept of ‘competition’ between South Korea and North Korea is not applicable.

This interview, with a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea from his post in Cuba, is insightful on both North Korea and Cuba. Countries seem to be lining up to establish or strengthen ties with Cuba, while our efforts to do so stalled years ago. I'm still hopeful that someday I'll be able to travel to Cuba.

'Winning the race': How China plans to meet its 2030 renewables target by the end of this month (abc.net.au)

China accounts for about a third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. A recent drop in emissions (the first since relaxing COVID-19 restrictions), combined with the decarbonisation of the power grid, may mean the country's emissions have peaked.

"With the power sector going green, emissions are set to plateau and then progressively fall towards 2030 and beyond," CEF China energy policy analyst Xuyang Dong said.

This is encouraging and motivational. China appears to be doing a great job here, which is good for all of us. And we need to do better.