News Analysis |
North Korea and the US are edging towards a dangerous clash. A day after the UNSC slapped Pyongyang with sanctions, both countries engaged in another war of words as tensions continue to escalate in the Korean Peninsula.
By putting the US in a real catch 22 situations, Kim has also more or less decoupled the US and its allies, which is amply evident in Trump’s pledge to deny the ability to hit ‘CONUS’
After warning the US a day prior to the ratification of sanctions, North Korea said the US will be inflicted with the greatest pain for its lead role in the imposition of sanctions. “The forthcoming measures … will make the US suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history,” Han Tae Song, North Korea’s ambassador to the UN, said on Tuesday.
Earlier, KCNA, the state run media agency in North Korea had termed the sanctions as heinous. The statement read: “a heinous provocation aimed at depriving the DPRK of its legitimate right for self-defense and completely suffocating its state and people through a full-scale economic blockade.”
Read more: North Korea undeterred despite Tillerson’s optimism for talks
To that effect, the 6th nuclear test was a major landmark, for the H-bomb has the ability to be mounted on an ICBM
The envoy also asserted that the sanctions were illegal adding that the US was “fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation”. In-line with the spirit of his fiery leader, Kim Jong Un, Han categorically stated that North Korea is “ready to use a form of ultimate means.”
Though the sanctions are watered-down owing to pressure from Russia and China, they ban North Korea from importing all natural-gas liquids and condensates, as well as bans all textile exports and prohibits all countries from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers.
The past references and the current defiance of Kim point out towards the fact that sanctions will not compel or deter the regime from expanding its nuclear forces. Trump, however, dished out another threat in his cavalier manner. He said this was just a small step towards what would ultimately be done.
Read more: Trump’s sabre-rattling: Is a nuclear war between US and North Korea…
Trump, however, dished out another threat in his cavalier manner. He said this was just a small step towards what would ultimately be done
“We think it’s just another very small step, not a big deal,” Trump said at the start of a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. The 71-year old vowed that he would not allow DPRK to develop a capability to hit CONUS. He added: “I don’t know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote, but those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen.”
While Trump still doubts Kim’s ability to hit the US, Pyongyang has taken steps to complete its nuclear forces. To that effect, the 6th nuclear test was a major landmark, for the H-bomb has the ability to be mounted on an ICBM.
Read more: North Korea latest test, will Trump be irrational?
Though the sanctions are watered-down owing to pressure from Russia and China, they ban North Korea from importing all natural-gas liquids and condensates
Kim has umpteen times, through words and actions made his threats more credible. Effectively, he has thrown the burden of escalation onto the US. Pundits have also pointed out that the 32-year old has now converted the problem from one of proliferation into that of deterrence.
By putting the US in a real catch 22 situations, Kim has also more or less decoupled the US and its allies, which is amply evident in Trump’s pledge to deny the ability to hit ‘CONUS’. In an event of an impending crash, the US would not risk losing a US city by protecting Seoul.