Will the new sanctions stop Kim Jong-un?
The new sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council early on September 12 against North Korea have been described as the "strongest" ever imposed on the isolated nation.
"It will cut very deeply," declared U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
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| Photo: Sky News |
According to Sky News, in August, sanctions were also imposed on North Korea for its missile tests. However, leader Kim Jong Un immediately ordered an unprecedentedly powerful nuclear test.
The previous sanctions resolution, in November 2016, was also hailed as "the toughest and most comprehensive ever issued by the Security Council." However, not long after, North Korea successfully conducted two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with a range capable of reaching the United States, as well as testing a series of other short- and medium-range weapons.
The adoption of a resolution in the UN Security Council allows the international community, particularly the five permanent members with veto power—China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States—to demonstrate solidarity in issuing a form of collective warning to North Korea. However, in reality, countries have yet to reach a consensus on the path forward.
There is a significant difference in how Russia and China view North Korea compared to the United States and its allies.
China is concerned about regional instability. However, the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons is a major headache. Russia – which also shares a border with North Korea – is also unhappy about the prospect of seeing American troops move closer to its eastern border.
Both Moscow and Beijing are pushing a dual proposal: the US and South Korea halt joint military exercises on the Korean Peninsula, while Pyongyang stops its nuclear program, which is causing tension.
According to Sky News, if the idea is to gradually increase pressure until Kim Jong-un is forced to unilaterally dismantle his weapons program and call for dialogue, then the wait will be very long. During that time, North Korean scientists will certainly be rushing to perfect their ICBMs.
In the 1990s, despite economic difficulties, Pyongyang continued to prioritize the military, pursuing the Songun policy (the number one military).
Putin himself mentioned this when he commented that North Koreans would rather "eat grass" than give up their nuclear program. Therefore, in the near future, the world is likely to witness North Korea continuing to test weapons regardless of how strict the sanctions become.
According to Vietnamnet.vn
