North Korea–China ties: Pyongyang issued commemorative stamps marking the 65th anniversary of the 1961 mutual defense treaty with China and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s June 8–9 visit, underscoring renewed “friendship and cooperation” and pledges to expand exchanges across sectors. Sanctions-busting logistics: A fresh sign of trade revival emerged as a North Korean trading-company bus was spotted crossing the New Yalu River Bridge toward Sinuiju in a likely trial run ahead of the long-delayed opening. China’s local push: Dalian’s municipal lawmakers reportedly formalized plans to expand economic cooperation with North Korea, including a two-way distribution network for raw materials and agricultural goods—an approach observers expect to collide with UN sanctions. Russia-linked labor pressure: A Moscow tax fraud case tied to North Korea exposed a labor procurement scheme that tried to disguise workers as students, showing how Pyongyang’s overseas labor model keeps adapting. Crypto and cyber risk: North Korea-linked activity remains a major driver of illicit finance—reports highlight DPRK involvement in crypto theft and malware campaigns, keeping pressure on compliance and security systems. Diplomatic coordination: South Korea, the US, and Japan plan trilateral foreign ministers’ talks in Ankara focused on Korean Peninsula issues, including concerns over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile advances and its military cooperation with Russia.