North Korea crisis: Kim Jong-un inspects scientific discoveries amid fears of nuclear test

The Pyongyang despot was all smiles as he inspected the nation’s scientific and technological achievements at a huge exhibition. 

Thousands of soldiers were seen attending the event in photos released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). 

Kim Jong-un was seen waving to members of the Korean People’s Army as he inspected the exhibition flanked by generals. 

Official state media said items on display alongside the science and technology exhibits included building materials, tools and utensils. 

Despite fears of war breaking out on the Korean peninsula, the dictator appears unconcerned by mounting tensions. 

When he is not inspecting exhibitions, Kim’s war games continue with North Korea sending coded messages across South Korea’s airwaves, with reports the broadcasts are directing their spies in the South. 

It comes after North Korea said it was its sovereign right to “ruthlessly punish” American citizens it has detained for crimes against its government system. 

In a strange display of diplomacy a senior North Korean diplomat who handles relations with the US today said that Pyongyang would have dialogue with the US administration if conditions were right, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.

Choe Son Hui, North Korea’s foreign ministry director general for US affairs, made the comment to reporters in Beijing as she was travelling home from Norway.

Experts have warned Pyongyang could carry out a sixth nuclear test this month and more ballistic missile launches in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

Donald Trump has warned a “major, major conflict” with the North is possible, but he would prefer a diplomatic outcome to the dispute over its nuclear and missile programmes.