North Korea is being roundly condemned for exploding what it claimed was its first successful nuclear test in defiance of international opinion and a warning from the U.N. Security Council two days earlier. Now it’s time for North Korea’s neighbors, Russia and China in particular, to pressure the rogue nation back to the negotiating table by cutting off trade and oil supplies.
Other sanctions have failed up to now. Without tougher sanctions, North Korea will only continue to goad the United States and the global community. North Korea is one of the most isolated and most sanctioned countries in the world. The bulk of its population lives in poverty, and we hope there is a way to avoid hurting citizens while bringing the government into line.
Still, North Korea’s conduct deserves a tough response. The Associated Press reported that the United States wants the U.N. to impose stringent sanctions, including a trade ban on military and luxury items and the right to inspect cargo going to and from North Korea, as well as freezing assets linked to the weapons program. That is sure to get North Korea’s attention. Additional financial sanctions also might have an impact. North Korea was concerned about financial sanctions levied against it last year. Washington has encouraged banks around the world to cut off business dealings.
China is North Korea’s main ally, delivering the bulk of its energy, and should take a tough stand. China has rejected tougher sanctions in the past, but it denounced North Korea’s test in strong terms, calling the test “flagrant and brazen” and said it “firmly opposes” such conduct. China had begun extensive diplomatic efforts to negotiate a solution to the nuclear crisis, and the test was an obvious affront.
One of the United States’ biggest fears is that North Korea could export its nuclear know-how to a terrorist group like al-Qaeda. President Bush Monday issued a sharp warning that a transfer of weapons or materials “would be considered a grave threat to the United States.”
Many scientists were unsure whether North Korea actually tested a nuclear weapon. Russia confirmed it, but the French Atomic Energy Commission said the blast seemed weak for a nuclear explosion or might have been a “failure.” It could be days before scientists know for sure.
Still, North Korea is continuing down a dangerous road. Now is the time for the U.N. Security Council – which includes the United States, China and Russia – to turn it around.
