Seoul seeks Beijing's help to punish Pyongyang

(Baonghean.vn) - On January 13, South Korean President Park Geun Hye called on countries, especially China, to give clearer and more resolute responses to North Korea's fourth nuclear test.

President Park Geun Hye on television on January 13. Photo AFP

At a press conference, President Park Geun Hye stated that North Korea's January 6 nuclear test was an act against the international community's past measures against the country.

Earlier, right after North Korea announced its successful test of a thermonuclear bomb, US Secretary of State John Kerry also made a statement similar to Ms. Park's. Mr. John Kerry said that the sanctions mechanism against Pyongyang is not working and countries cannot apply conventional measures to this country.

Ms. Park once again denounced the "unacceptable challenge" to global security and peace and expressed her desire for the United Nations to discuss and propose new, stronger sanctions against the North Korean government.

President Park called on China to “play a vital role” in toughening sanctions as one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Beijing has opposed Pyongyang’s nuclear tests but fears its tough stance could undermine stability with its North Korean brother.

Not only calling on China, South Korea also called on the US and its allies to impose additional “sanctions” on North Korea. It is known that the US House of Representatives has passed the first document on tightening US sanctions against the Pyongyang government.

Meanwhile, before North Korea's announcement of a successful hydrogen bomb test, many scientists felt skeptical because the energy level measured after the fourth test was too low compared to the energy level emitted from a conventional hydrogen bomb explosion. Regardless of whether North Korea successfully tested a hydrogen bomb or not, Pyongyang's actions once again violated UN resolutions prohibiting the country from conducting any nuclear or ballistic missile programs.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)