North
Korea Nuclear Timeline - Fast Facts
Tue
October 29, 2013 By CNN Library
(CNN) --
Here's a look at what you need to know about North
Korea's nuclear capabilities and history.
1985
North Korea joins the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
North Korea joins the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
1993
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) charges that North Korea is violating the NPT and demands that inspectors be given access to two nuclear waste storage sites.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) charges that North Korea is violating the NPT and demands that inspectors be given access to two nuclear waste storage sites.
North
Korea threatens to quit the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty amid suspicions that
it is developing nuclear weapons. It ultimately does not quit the program but
agrees to inspections in 1994.
1994
North Korea and U.S. sign an agreement. North Korea pledges to freeze and eventually dismantle its nuclear weapons program in exchange for international aid to build two power-producing nuclear reactors.
North Korea and U.S. sign an agreement. North Korea pledges to freeze and eventually dismantle its nuclear weapons program in exchange for international aid to build two power-producing nuclear reactors.
1998
August 31 - North Korea fires a multistage rocket that flies over Japan and lands in the Pacific Ocean, proving the North Koreans can strike any part of Japan's territory.
August 31 - North Korea fires a multistage rocket that flies over Japan and lands in the Pacific Ocean, proving the North Koreans can strike any part of Japan's territory.
November
17 - The
U.S. and North Korea hold the first round of high-level talks in Pyongyang over
North Korea's suspected construction of an underground nuclear facility. The
United States demands inspections.
1999
February 27-March 16 - During a fourth round of talks, North Korea allows U.S. access to the site in exchange for U.S. aid in increasing North Korean potato yields. U.S. inspectors find no evidence of any nuclear activity during a visit to site in May.
February 27-March 16 - During a fourth round of talks, North Korea allows U.S. access to the site in exchange for U.S. aid in increasing North Korean potato yields. U.S. inspectors find no evidence of any nuclear activity during a visit to site in May.
September
13 - North
Korea agrees to freeze testing of long-range missiles while negotiations with
the U.S. continue.
September
17 - President
Bill Clinton agrees to ease economic sanctions against North Korea.
December
- A
U.S.-led international consortium signs a $4.6 billion contract to build two
nuclear reactors in North Korea.
2000
July - North Korea threatens to restart its nuclear program if the U.S. does not compensate it for the loss of electricity caused by delays in building nuclear power plants.
July - North Korea threatens to restart its nuclear program if the U.S. does not compensate it for the loss of electricity caused by delays in building nuclear power plants.
2001
June - North Korea warns it will drop its moratorium against testing missiles if the U.S. does not pursue normalized relations with North Korea. It also says it will restart its nuclear program if there is not more progress on two U.S.-sponsored nuclear power plants being built in North Korea.
June - North Korea warns it will drop its moratorium against testing missiles if the U.S. does not pursue normalized relations with North Korea. It also says it will restart its nuclear program if there is not more progress on two U.S.-sponsored nuclear power plants being built in North Korea.
2002
January 29 - President George W. Bush labels North Korea, Iran and Iraq an "axis of evil" in his State of the Union address. "By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger," he says.
January 29 - President George W. Bush labels North Korea, Iran and Iraq an "axis of evil" in his State of the Union address. "By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger," he says.
October
4 - U.S.
officials, in closed talks, confront North Korea with evidence that they are
operating a nuclear weapons program in violation of the 1994 nuclear agreement.
Specifically, the U.S. has proof that they are operating a uranium enrichment
facility. North Korea admits that is has been operating the facility in violation
of the agreement. The information is NOT made public.
October
16 - The
Bush Administration first reveals that North Korea has admitted operating a
secret nuclear weapons program in violation of the 1994 agreement. They have
NOT, apparently, admitted having any nuclear weapons.
December
22 - North
Korea says it has begun removing IAEA monitoring equipment from nuclear
facilities.
December
31 - North
Korea expels IAEA inspectors.
2003
January 10 - North Korea withdraws from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
January 10 - North Korea withdraws from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
February
5 - North
Korea's official news agency says the nation has reactivated its nuclear power
facilities.
February
24 - North
Korea test fires a land-to-ship missile into the sea between the Korean
Peninsula and Japan.
February
26 - The
United States says North Korea has reactivated its five-megawatt nuclear
reactor at Yongbyon.
March
10 - North
Korea test fires another surface-to-vessel anti-ship missile into the Sea of
Japan.
April
23, 2003 - Declares
it has nuclear weapons.
August
27 - The
U.S., North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia take part in talks
about the crisis in North Korea.
2004
February 24-28 - The U.S., North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia meet in Beijing, China for more talks. The summit closes with no major progress but with an agreement for more talks.
February 24-28 - The U.S., North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia meet in Beijing, China for more talks. The summit closes with no major progress but with an agreement for more talks.
June
- The
six nations meet again in Beijing for more talks.
August
2004 - North
Korea offers to freeze its nuclear program in exchange for aid, easing of
sanctions and being removed from the US's list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The U.S. wants North Korea to disclose all nuclear activities and allow
inspections.
2005
February 10 - North Korea drops out of six-party nuclear talks and says it will bolster its nuclear weapons arsenal. North Korea insists on a bilateral non-aggression pact with the U.S. before it will consider dismantling its nuclear program. The U.S. insists Pyongyang must first agree to permanently and verifiably dismantle its nuclear weapons program before it will grant any incentives, including economic assistance and diplomatic recognition.
February 10 - North Korea drops out of six-party nuclear talks and says it will bolster its nuclear weapons arsenal. North Korea insists on a bilateral non-aggression pact with the U.S. before it will consider dismantling its nuclear program. The U.S. insists Pyongyang must first agree to permanently and verifiably dismantle its nuclear weapons program before it will grant any incentives, including economic assistance and diplomatic recognition.
August
7 - After
meeting for 13 straight days, diplomats from the United States, North Korea and
four other Asia-region powers decide to take a recess from talks aimed at
getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program.
September
13 - The
six-party talks resume in Beijing.
September
19 - North
Korea agrees to give up its entire nuclear program, including weapons, a joint
statement from six-party nuclear arms talks in Beijing said. "The
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) committed to abandoning all
nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and returning at an early date to
the treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) and to IAEA
(International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards," the statement said.
- In exchange, the U.S., China, Japan, Russian and South Korea have "stated their willingness" to provide energy assistance to North Korea, as well as promote economic cooperation.
- North Korean officials later state that their country would begin dismantling its nuclear program only if the U.S. provides a light-water reactor for civilian power -- a demand that could threaten a day-old agreement among North Korea, its neighbors and the United States.
- In exchange, the U.S., China, Japan, Russian and South Korea have "stated their willingness" to provide energy assistance to North Korea, as well as promote economic cooperation.
- North Korean officials later state that their country would begin dismantling its nuclear program only if the U.S. provides a light-water reactor for civilian power -- a demand that could threaten a day-old agreement among North Korea, its neighbors and the United States.
"Without
this physical guarantee of the (light-water reactor), our position is not to
even dream of us giving up our nuclear deterrence."
2006
July 4 - North Korea test-launches a Taepodong-2 missile along with two short-range rockets, but the long-range missile apparently fails.
July 4 - North Korea test-launches a Taepodong-2 missile along with two short-range rockets, but the long-range missile apparently fails.
July
15 - The
UN Security Council unanimously passes a resolution demanding that North Korea
suspend its missile program. The North Korean ambassador immediately rejects
the resolution.
October
9 - North
Korea claims to have successfully tested a nuclear weapon. The supposed test is
conducted at an underground facility in Hwaderi near Kilju city. Though the
nature of the blast as nuclear remains unconfirmed, South Korea's geology
research center detects an artificial earthquake in the region of the test, and
world leaders condemn North Korea's actions (test conducted at 10:36 am local
time or 9:36 pm Eastern time on 10/8/2006).
October
14 - The
UN Security Council approved a resolution imposing sanctions against North
Korea, restricting military and luxury good trade and requiring an end to
nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
October
16 - An
analysis of air samples collected on October 11, 2006 detects radioactive
debris, confirming North Korea's nuclear test.
2007
February 13 - North Korea agrees to close its main nuclear reactor in exchange for an aid package worth $400 million.
February 13 - North Korea agrees to close its main nuclear reactor in exchange for an aid package worth $400 million.
March
5-6 - U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill meets with his North Korean
counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, to discuss North Korea's
nuclear program.
March
- During
six-party talks, the U.S. agrees to release approximately $25 million of North
Korean funds frozen at a Macao bank, a sticking point in the negotiations. The
actual release of funds does not occur until June.
June
25 - After
spending two days in Pyongyang meeting with North Korea's nuclear negotiator,
the U.S. Envoy to North Korea, Chris Hill, says that North Korea has reaffirmed
its commitment to the nuclear disarmament agreement reached in February. He
also says North Korea has invited the IAEA to monitor the shutdown of the
Yongbyon nuclear facility, scheduled to occur within a few weeks.
September
2 - U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill announces that after talks in
Geneva between U.S. and North Korean officials, North Korea has agreed to fully
declare and disable its nuclear programs by the end of 2007.
September
30 - At
six-party talks in Beijing, North Korea signs an agreement stating it will
begin disabling its nuclear weapons facilities. North Korea also agrees to
include a U.S. team of technical experts in the disabling activities.
October
2, 2007 - South
Korean President Roh Moo-hyun becomes the first South Korean leader to walk
across the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea on his way to a
three day summit with North Korean leader Kim
Jong Il.
October
4, 2007 - North
Korean leader Kim Jong Il and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun sign an
eight-point agreement in Pyongyang; among other things, it calls for a smooth
implementation of the six-party agreements to shut down of North Korea's
nuclear facilities and the replacement of North and South Korea's current
armistice agreement with a permanent peace.
November
14-16, 2007 - North
Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong Il and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
meet in Seoul, South Korea. At the end of the summit, they announce a number of
economic projects including cross-border cargo train services, road repairs,
and construction of a new industrial complex near Haeju, North Korea.
December
31 - North
Korea misses a deadline to declare all its nuclear programs.
2008
January 4 - The North Korean Foreign Ministry states, via broadcast message, that North Korea had already provided enough explanation to meet the 12/31/2007 deadline, and that it had provided that information in a report presented to the U.S. in November. Members of the six party talks dispute this claim.
January 4 - The North Korean Foreign Ministry states, via broadcast message, that North Korea had already provided enough explanation to meet the 12/31/2007 deadline, and that it had provided that information in a report presented to the U.S. in November. Members of the six party talks dispute this claim.
February
21 - After
meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, South Korean envoy
Chun Yung Woo states that North Korea still plans to meet the obligations it
agreed to during six party talks in 2007.
May
8 - An
official with the U.S. State Department announces that North Korea has handed
over thousands of documents pertaining to its nuclear activities, especially
related to its production of plutonium, to visiting U.S. official Sohn Kim.
Another official puts the number of documents at 18,000 to 19,000.
June
27 - North
Korea destroys a water cooling tower at the Yongbyon facility, where officials
now acknowledge they extracted plutonium to build nuclear weapons. The massive
implosion is intended to be a powerful public symbol of a move to end nuclear
activities by the Communist nation.
September
24 - At
the request of North Korea, the IAEA removes surveillance equipment and seals
from the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
October
11 - U.S.
State Dept. spokesman Sear McCormack announces that North Korea has been
removed from the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism.
October
10-17 - In
response to the U.S. move, North Korea replaces the seals and surveillance equipment
at its Yongbyon nuclear facility.
December
8 -11 - Another
round of six-party talks is held in Beijing, China. The talks break down over
North Korea's refusal to allow international inspectors unfettered access to
suspected nuclear sites.
2009
January - U.S. scholar Selig Harrison meets with senior officials in North Korea. After the meeting he reports that the officials have claimed that North Korea has weaponized most of its plutonium stockpile. The amount of weaponized plutonium is allegedly enough for four to five nuclear bombs.
January - U.S. scholar Selig Harrison meets with senior officials in North Korea. After the meeting he reports that the officials have claimed that North Korea has weaponized most of its plutonium stockpile. The amount of weaponized plutonium is allegedly enough for four to five nuclear bombs.
April
25 - North
Korea announces it has begun reprocessing spent fuel rods.
May
25 - North
Korea announces it has conducted its second nuclear test shortly after the U.S.
Geological Survey reports a magnitude 4.7 seismic disturbance at the site of
North Korea's first nuclear test. The White House is reporting that North Korea
also test-fired a short range missile.
June
12 - The
UN Security Council approves Resolution 1874, condemning North Korea's May 25th
nuclear test. The UN also impose new sanctions, banning the sale of most arms
to or from North Korea.
November
3 - North
Korea's state run news agency reports that the reprocessing of 8,000 spent
nuclear fuel rods has been completed. The reprocessing garnered enough
weapons-grade plutonium for one to two nuclear bombs.
2010
November 20 - According to a report by Stanford University professor, Siegfried Hecker, North Korea has a new nuclear enrichment facility composed of 2,000 centrifuges. Hecker was given unprecedented access to North Korea's facility and documents.
November 20 - According to a report by Stanford University professor, Siegfried Hecker, North Korea has a new nuclear enrichment facility composed of 2,000 centrifuges. Hecker was given unprecedented access to North Korea's facility and documents.
2011
October 24 - 25 - U.S. officials, led by U.S. Ambassador Stephen Bosworth, meet with a North Korean delegation, led by First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan, in Geneva, Switzerland, in an effort to restart the six-party nuclear arms talks that broke down in 2008.
October 24 - 25 - U.S. officials, led by U.S. Ambassador Stephen Bosworth, meet with a North Korean delegation, led by First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan, in Geneva, Switzerland, in an effort to restart the six-party nuclear arms talks that broke down in 2008.
December
15 - U.S.
and North Korean officials meet in Beijing to discuss possible food assistance
to North Korea in exchange for the suspension of North Korea's uranium
enrichment program.
2012
January 11 - North Korea indicates that it is open to further discussions with the U.S. over suspending its uranium enrichment program in exchange for food aid, an agreement that seemed close to realization before Kim Jong Il's death on December 17, 2011.
January 11 - North Korea indicates that it is open to further discussions with the U.S. over suspending its uranium enrichment program in exchange for food aid, an agreement that seemed close to realization before Kim Jong Il's death on December 17, 2011.
February
29 - The
U.S. State Department announces that North Korea has agreed to a moratorium on
long-range missile launches and nuclear activity at Yongbyon, the nation's
major nuclear facility.
April
10 - Ryu
Kun Chol, the deputy director of the Space Development Department of the Korea
Space Technology Committee, outlines the country's plans to complete and launch
a rocket within the next seven days. Japan, South Korea and the U.S. believe
the launch to be a cover-up for testing a long-range ballistic missile.
April
13 - North
Korea's long-range rocket launch is a failure. Shortly after launch, it breaks
apart and falls into the sea.
May
24 - A
spokesperson for South Korea's Defense Ministry says that based on analysis of
commercial satellite images at North Korea's nuclear test site, North Korea
appears ready to carry out a nuclear test at anytime.
December
12, 2012 - North
Korea successfully launches an Unha-3 long-range rocket from the Sohae Space
Center in Cholsan County and puts a "working satellite" into orbit,
days after Pyongyang suggested the launch could be delayed.
2013
January 24, 2013 - North Korea's National Defense Commission says it will continue nuclear testing and long-range rocket launches, all of which are a part of an "upcoming all-out action" aimed at the United States, "the sworn enemy of the Korean people." Two days prior to this statement, the United Nations Security Council condemned a recent rocket launch by North Korea and expanded sanctions.
February 12, 2013 - Conducts its third underground nuclear test. This
is the first nuclear test carried out under leader, Kim
Jong Un.
January 24, 2013 - North Korea's National Defense Commission says it will continue nuclear testing and long-range rocket launches, all of which are a part of an "upcoming all-out action" aimed at the United States, "the sworn enemy of the Korean people." Two days prior to this statement, the United Nations Security Council condemned a recent rocket launch by North Korea and expanded sanctions.
