North Korea's ruling Workers' Party convened its central committee's plenary session Dec. 28 in meetings expected to continue Dec. 30, NK News reported Dec. 29. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said it was necessary "to take positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country as required by the present situation." Meanwhile, U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien said in an interview Dec. 30 that Washington is still watching for North Korea's "Christmas gift," speculating that U.S. President Donald Trump's personal approach to outreach may have deterred the North from launching a new missile; he also said that channels of communication are still open.