N.Korea 'Testing New Nuclear Reactor'

North Korea is suspected of having begun preliminary testing in February of a new reactor at its nuclear complex in Yongbyon.

The New York Times on Tuesday said the new reactor "could be a central issue in the [U.S.-North Korea] talks," citing Jane's Intelligence Review.

Satellite images suggest that activities around the light-water reactor in Yongbyon noticeably increased last month. According to the Institute for Science and International Security, the reactor can produce about 20 kg of plutonium for nuclear weapons a year.

The NYT speculated it "could also be part of the justification for military action" by U.S. President Donald Trump if the U.S.-North Korea talks on denuclearization fail.