"We do not hide that the various satellites and long-range rockets we will continue to launch, as well as the high-level nuclear test we will proceed with, are aimed at our arch-enemy, the United States."
According to ABC News, the US has increased sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent rocket launch, but a future nuclear test would violate UN sanctions on Pyongyang and further isolate the North Korean capital. Interestingly, North Korea's only major ally, China, has also urged the nation to refrain from any action that would escalate hostilities in the area, urging "calm and restraint" (ABC News).
North Korea's response has been described as "needlessly provocative," but its intentions behind the bold statement are still considerably debatable. The New York Times explained that statements by North Korea tend to become increasingly heated when the United States appears to have its attention focused elsewhere, such as towards Iran's less-developed nuclear program. It also speculates that
the statement could have also been issued as a Kim Jong-un's resort to confrontation with the United States instead of aiding his country with difficult economic reform to maintain power.
It seems that North Korea, supported by China's economic aid, adamantly refuses to halt its nuclear testing program. Will tougher, UN-issued sanctions encourage North Korea to reduce its nuclear tests, or will another version of the arms-race ensue? Is this statement evidence of North Korea losing power over its citizens and turning to confrontation as its last resort?
1 comment:
Once again, North Korea is ridiculously trying to bully the US and disrupt world peace. I am not sure if their nuclear arsenal is significant threatening to the world, but I hope they are merely bluffing. I can imagine only few other nations I would rather not possess nuclear weapons for they threaten the stability of the world.
Kim Jong-un decision to provoke the US simply illustrates his ineffective leadership. He cares more about showcasing North Korea's strength rather than aiding his own people. It is clear that no major nation feels his decisions are wise. If China is not backing North Korea, I seriously doubt Kim Jong-un will accomplish anything with his reckless statements.
I doubt more sanctions from the UN are going to stop North Korea since they have not been perfectly effective so far. Unfortunately, UN Security Council member China is helping its fellow Communist nation. I doubt another arms-race is going to happen. I suspect the US or another nation will act if North Korea really has the resources to kick-start an arms race.
Due to the lack of information from North Korea (other than Kim's incredibly noisy statements), it is hard to tell if the country is losing power over its citizens. However, turning to confrontation against the US is simply another one of North Korea's many idiotic decisions (like the rocket launch), and thus this really should not be surprising.
I hope diplomats will be able to resolve the issue soon. Thankfully, our government believes there is no immediate threat. Though they feel caution is wise, so keep a heads up.
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