| #197 |  | 1183 |  |
June 01, 2009 |  | By Rajesh Kapoor | ||
|
Escalating tension in East Asia, North Korea has once again claimed to have successfully conducted a nuclear test on 25 May 2009. Keeping up with its brinkmanship policy, which also serves its interests, North Korea has gone a step further this time to annoy the international community including its neighbours and the US. Sensors in South Korea have detected a tremor measuring 4.5 on richter scale coinciding with the timings disclosed to the media by the North Korean official news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The same is confirmed by the US Geological Survey, Japanese as well as South Korean seismological experts.
Nothing was disclosed about the details of the test or the site where it was conducted. However, South Korean and Russian experts have located the site which is near the DPRK’s northeastern town of Kilju, about 10 km from the site where it conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006.
The test was immediately followed by three short-range missiles launches from a base on the east coast of the country. It should not be forgotten that North Korea had also conducted a long-range missile less than two months back under the disguise of satellite launch. North Korean claims are yet to be proved but few Russian defence experts have analysed that the intensity of the present test was ten times more than one conducted in 2006. The test is also seen as the biggest provocation so far to undermine the international community and six-party talks.
While North has claimed that the test was undertaken to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. The US, South Korea and Japan have however, criticised the tests and expressed their concern. Barack Obama said that an apparent nuclear test by North Korea is a “great concern to all nations” and a clear violation of international law. He also mentioned that it is in contradiction with North Korea’s “own prior commitments”. The fresh nuclear test may force Obama to reverse some of the decisions of the previous governments by re-including North Korea in the ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ list. Obama still seems to have faith in the United Nations Security Council and six-party talks, though several US strategists want him to take tough measures against North Korea. Former US ambassador to the UN, John Bolton even said that since North Korea and Iran share nuclear data, “This is a threat not just in north-east Asia, but potentially in the Middle East as well.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also expressed his concerns. He said, “This act will negatively affect regional peace and stability as well as the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.” In an emergency session of the UNSC, all the members voiced their strong opposition to and condemned the nuclear test. The Council members also decided to pass a resolution on this matter in accordance with the body’s responsibilities under the UN Charter. After the October 2006 nuclear test by North Korea, the Council had passed a resolution 1718 and imposed sanctions to prevent the North from conducting more nuclear tests or launch of ballistic missiles. But North Korea has not shown any respect for the sanctions and therefore, this time the Security Council reaction is expected to be more stringent. Everyone, including the Secretary General is of the opinion that North Korea should comply with its international obligations and restart dialogue under the framework of six-party talks. However, the fact remains that international community has little influence over North Korea and further sanctions may not affect the reclusive nation much.
South Korea and Japan both called emergency meetings to discuss the situation. According to the latest reports from South Korea, North Korea launched tests on 26 May 2009 of two or more short-range missiles, a day after conducting a nuclear test, pushing the regime's confrontation with world powers further despite the threat of UN Security Council action. China, a key player in six-party talks and North Korea’s trusted ally, has also condemned the nuclear test and expressed concerns over the long term implications of these tests which may become detrimental to the peace and security of the region. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs official statement says, “The DPRK ignored the opposition of the international community and once again conducted a nuclear test. The Chinese government is resolutely opposed to it.” At the same time, China has asked the international community to have a peaceful solution, which means no severe steps can be taken against North Korea. Similar concerns have been expressed by the Russian Federation. Indian Defence Minister AK Antony and Foreign Minister SM Krishna expressed their concerns over the issue and reassured India’s commitment against nuclear proliferation.
Overall situation is grim. Experts believe that the test is a part of Kim Jong-Il’s long term strategy to uphold his reign. It seems that his deteriorating health, question of succession, and dissenting voices in the military as well as his party might have led him to take such a step. The nuclear test and missile launch can easily divert the attention of entire nation and reinforce his dominant position by creating a false sense of pride among his people. Besides, nuclear North Korea will have more leverage while negotiating with international players.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views either of the Editorial Committee or the Centre for Land Warfare Studies).
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
