a rare attack from the countrys northeastern neighbor that comes after days of escalating violence on multiple fronts.

though some of them were sent back to the office days later.The two Koreas launched the liaison office in September and agreed to hold a meeting of its co-heads every week to discuss cross-border issues.

Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul.has not been held for 10 consecutive weeks.Major cross-border projects have been put on hold for months.

President Donald Trump in February ended without an agreement due to differences over Pyongyangs denuclearization steps and Washingtons sanctions relief.YonhapUnification Minister Kim Yeon-chul crossed the inter-Korean border Wednesday to visit a joint liaison office in North Koreas border town of Gaesong in his first trip to the communist state since taking office last month.

Experts said the withdrawal might be aimed at pressuring South Korea to do more to persuade the United States to lower its demands in the stalled denuclearization negotiations.

The official added that Kim does not have plans to have consultations with North Koreans during his visitChinas Foreign Ministry warned the country would take resolute and forceful measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Taiwans defense ministry said three Chinese warships were detected Thursday in the Taiwan Strait.China had repeatedly warned the U.

drawing a protest from Taipei.While the immediate reaction from Beijing appeared muted.