Time to rein in rogue state

At a general meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, the party’s first secretary, Kim Jong-un, unveiled a new strategic policy aimed at boosting its nuclear capability both in quality and quantity, along with economic reconstruction. He also indicated Pyongyang would continue test-firing de facto long-range ballistic missiles.

The decision to strengthen both its economy and its nuclear arsenal was approved by the Supreme People’s Assembly last Monday.

Kim’s decision made China lose face. China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, supported the UN resolution imposing sanctions on Pyongyang. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and aid donor. It also is a major supplier of energy.

The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping is duty-bound to implement the sanctions resolution and apply pressure on North Korea by all available means. This would mean strengthening restrictions and monitoring the flow of money, goods and people, as well as halting the supply of crude oil and other steps.

There also is concern that North Korea’s rhetoric and actions aimed at intimidating the international community have become excessive, going far beyond conventional norms.

North Korea has torn up the armistice that halted the Korean War, and the country’s supreme military command has said it will put its armed forces on the highest level of alert to ensure they are combat ready. The nation therefore has placed itself on a war footing, with Kim himself touring the front lines.

Boasting of its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang even mentioned making preemptive nuclear strikes not only on South Korea but also on the US mainland and Japan. By playing around with its nuclear arsenal, Pyongyang is acting extremely dangerously.

The United States’ unusual announcement on the participation of B-52 strategic bombers and its most advanced B-2 stealth bombers in joint military exercises with South Korea was meant to rein in North Korea.

Japan and other nations concerned must keep a close eye on North Korea’s behaviour and make preparations to deal with any contingency.

Behind North Korea’s moves is Kim’s apparent desire to solidify his power base, as it has been a year since he was formally named successor to his late father, Kim Jong-il. Only 30 years old, the inexperienced North Korean leader has trumpeted the nation’s most recent nuclear test and missile launch as proud achievements. Little progress has been seen in reconstructing the country’s failed economy. He probably has no choice but to strengthen his influence and authority as the top leader by pursuing a military-first policy through such means as further nuclear armament.

As a result, sanctions against North Korea have been strengthened, further isolating the country in the international community. Its efforts to diversify trade and invite investment are hardly likely to meet with success.

Kim should be keenly aware that the pursuits of nuclear armament and economic reconstruction are incompatible.