Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Intensifies, Tehran Denies Enrichment Halt
Fredrik Dahl | Reuters
Iran and six big powers began expert-level talks on Wednesday, building on diplomatic momentum created by a pragmatic shift in Tehran towards negotiating a peaceful solution to the dispute over Iranian nuclear ambitions.
Russia Conducts Large-Scale Exercise of Its Strategic Forces
Russian Forces
On 30 October 2013 Russia conducted a large-scale exercise to check the readiness of its strategic forces. The exercise involved launches of ballistic missiles as well as missile defense and air defense interceptors. All launches were reported to be successful.
Major Construction Progresses at Sohae
Nick Hansen | 38 North
New commercial satellite imagery indicates that North Korea is moving ahead with major construction projects at its Sohae Satellite Launching Station (Tongchang-ri).
Abe Vows Atomic Safety as Turkey Buys Plant
Japan Times
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to boost Japan’s efforts to ensure the safety of nuclear power as one of its firms jointly won an order to build an atomic plant in Turkey, the first such order for a Japanese company since the Fukushima crisis started.
Japan OKs Fuel Removal From Pool at Nuclear Plant
Asahi Shimbun
Japanese regulators on Oct. 30 gave final approval for the removal of fuel rods from an uncontained cooling pool at a damaged reactor building considered the highest risk at a crippled nuclear plant.
Nuclear Subs Show Transparency
Wang Xiaoxuan | China Daily
Many misinterpreted the reports as China showing off its military muscles, as the reports came on the heels of the Chinese Defence Ministry warning Japan not to underestimate China's resolve to safeguard the integrity of its territory in the East China Sea.