China, a long time supporter of President Kim, has declared a ban of chemical substances and various equipment to the North Korean government. China decided to make this move due to its fear that North Korea would use the items to speed development of an intercontinental ballistic missile with a nuclear bomb on top. Chinese officials have also been increasingly frustrated with Mr. Kim's unpredictable behavior and his aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite China's disapproval.
The list of banned items came as a surprise to anybody who understands the historical relationship between China and North Korea. In the last decade, China has been very reluctant in allowing the United States to obtain control over the Korean Peninsula. However this particular move by the Chinese government gives hope to possible international cooperation and compliance with the international law. Many international experts see this move as a significant international development and it is very important that Chinese companies are committed to the export control list. The United Nation has already imposed sanctions on North Korea and the export ban imposed by China gives the necessary boost to degrade and possibly stop North Korea's increasingly advanced nuclear program. With Chinese cooperation, sanctions against North Korea might finally provide some positive results.
At the same time that China decided to make a significant move on North Korea, Iran and the US have improved their diplomatic relations. The benefits of the US/Iran deal could possibly damage or limit the relationship between Iran and North Korea.
The list of banned items came as a surprise to anybody who understands the historical relationship between China and North Korea. In the last decade, China has been very reluctant in allowing the United States to obtain control over the Korean Peninsula. However this particular move by the Chinese government gives hope to possible international cooperation and compliance with the international law. Many international experts see this move as a significant international development and it is very important that Chinese companies are committed to the export control list. The United Nation has already imposed sanctions on North Korea and the export ban imposed by China gives the necessary boost to degrade and possibly stop North Korea's increasingly advanced nuclear program. With Chinese cooperation, sanctions against North Korea might finally provide some positive results.
At the same time that China decided to make a significant move on North Korea, Iran and the US have improved their diplomatic relations. The benefits of the US/Iran deal could possibly damage or limit the relationship between Iran and North Korea.
I wonder what items are now banned for export from China to North Korea. It could definitely have a huge impact on China/North Korea relations. It definitely is surprising that to me that China passed this, and a good sign of hope for better international relations. Iran has looked more optimistic lately. It's interesting that president Kim has been so aggressive with North Korea's nuclear program while Iran's new leader has been having talks with the president Obama (even though the talks don't seem to be going so well). Interesting post :)
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed reading this post. Although the ban that China has implemented on exporting chemicals to North Korea is optimistic for the United States and UN, what does this say about what Kim Jong-un will do in the future? It can be speculated that this is a possible threat to the potential end of North Korea's and China's alliance. And just because China has terminated the export of these chemicals does not mean that North Korea's nuclear program has stopped progressing. However, I do agree with Mr. Denu's comment about Korean/Iranian relations now that peaceful diplomatic talks have been initiated between the United States and Iran. Kim Jong-un may not have as much of a foot in the door with his nuclear program if Iran is still not on the same page.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that a ban placed on North Korea from China is all rainbows and butterflies. North Korea has acted harshly in the past to restrictions on imports into the country, and some scary threats ensued from the regime as a result. The UN sanctions earlier this year caused the North Korean government to use threats of force on South Korea. This increased global tension that the country could use newly developed nuclear weapons on its neighbors to the south. Another trade restriction with the country could also result in unstable activity from a fairly hostile government. The global community should proceed with caution when it comes to North Korea.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post! Very interesting! I agree that relations between China and North Korea in the past make this move by China very unexpected. I wonder how this will play out, long term and short term. I can see how this can put more pressure on the Iranian government because this international norm on nuclear weapons is held seriously by the major powers.
ReplyDeleteReading through the New York Times article, a really good point was brought up, "no matter how definitive the export controls, they would have little impact unless the Chinese authorities enforced them." That isn't something I had originally thought of. Mr. Hecker, who was the first American to be shown North Korea’s uranium enrichment plant. “Putting out the regulations itself is not going to slow down the North Koreans.” This is a really interesting move by China, and the fact that the list is 236 pages is pretty intense.
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