North Korea said today it would not dismantle its nuclear weapons programme until the US first gives it a nuclear reactor for generating power, casting doubt on its commitment to a breakthrough agreement reached at international arms talks.

Ordinary Chinese have expressed dismay at George Bush's possible re-election, echoing official criticism over his handling of Iraq, while analysts foresaw no major change in relations despite continued friction over Taiwan.

The US is considering whether to send fighter jet escorts with reconnaissance planes near North Korea after jets from the country intercepted a surveillance flight and shadowed it for 20 minutes, Pentagon officials said.

Snowstorms rippling across north east Asia have killed at least 32 people and over a million farm animals as rescuers struggle to cut through snowbound roads.