DPRK, stop playing a risky game

• Source: The Global Times
• [10:36 May 26 2009]
• Comments

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced yesterday that it had successfully conducted a second nuclear test, defying warnings from the global community and dealing a heavy blow to international confidence that the DPRK nuclear issue can be resolved through peaceful dialogue.

In recent years, the DPRK has continually changed its stance in the six party talks held with China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States, aimed at persuading the DPRK to give up its nuclear weapons program.

The DPRK has broken its promise to give up its nuclear program again and again. In order to gain a stronger bargaining position in future negotiations and heighten its international status, the DPRK chose the most convenient and also most dangerous way to showcase its military strength. However, this is playing with fire -- the DPRK is asking for trouble while putting others at risk.

No country wishes to play such a game of nuclear brinksmanship with the DPRK, as efforts to persuade the country to give up its nuclear program have fallen short.

While the test may temporarily give the DPRK a burst of pride, ultimately it cannot live in a world where it is regarded with suspicion and even hostility.

After the fourth round of six party talks in 2005, the DPRK agreed to give up its “existing nuclear weapons” and return to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Unexpectedly, in 2006 the country broke its promise and tested a long-range missile. In order to gain economic aid and diplomatic benefits, the DPRK then returned to the six party talks and successfully evaded international sanctions. Now it has defied international efforts and conducted a nuclear test again.

The DPRK has continually broken its promise to suspend its nuclear program, which undermines the trust of the global community. Yet, trust is critical to the development and stability of the country.

The DPRK’s provocative moves have worsened the international and regional environment for its development and the country will be doomed to be marginalized by a distrusting global community.

The DPRK’s radical move has put the nation in opposition of all the members of the six party talks. It has handicapped China’s efforts to prevent nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Nuclear weapons are destructive and dangerous. A security strategy solely based on possession of nuclear weapons is risky. Furthermore, nuclear weapons in the DPRK seriously jeopardize regional security.

Only by an honest and resolute return to the six party talks can the DPRK create a favorable international environment for itself. In order to enjoy development, the DPRK must keep its word and build mutual trust with other countries.

This game of playing with nuclear weapons is a dead end for the DPRK.