US: "North Korea Continues Nuclear Development Moves... No Sanctions Relief Before Denuclearization"

US State Department Arms Control Report
Diplomatic Negotiation Efforts Expressed for FFVD
Both Investment and Sanctions Open Depending on Denuclearization

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The United States has pressured North Korea, stating that if North Korea moves toward denuclearization, investments will increase and food conditions will improve, leading to better economic circumstances; however, if not, there will be no easing of sanctions. The U.S. State Department raised concerns that North Korea continues its nuclear activities and may have other unknown nuclear-related facilities. While last year's report included phrases such as "positive signs" regarding the dismantling of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, such expressions were absent in this year's report.

On the 23rd (local time), the U.S. State Department submitted the "2020 Report on Compliance and Implementation of Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments" to Congress, evaluating North Korea's nuclear and biological weapons situation accordingly. Through this report, the U.S. reviewed the progress of North Korea's nuclear activities and reaffirmed its commitment to continue diplomatic negotiations for a final, fully verified denuclearization (FFVD). The report also covered arms control progress related to nuclear and biological weapons in countries including the U.S., Russia, China, and Iran, in addition to North Korea.

The State Department introduced progress from the three North Korea-U.S. summits and, based on last year's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, detailed North Korea's nuclear activities. Signs of centrifuge uranium enrichment were observed at the Yongbyon nuclear fuel rod manufacturing plant, along with indications of chemical processing in the same building. Additionally, mining activities were detected in areas declared as the Pyongsan uranium mine and uranium plant. The report also noted circumstances suggesting tests related to the cooling system of the 5-megawatt (MW) plutonium reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear research center and activities around the Kuryong River area.

The State Department also pointed out the possibility of reuse of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, which North Korea claims to have completely destroyed, or the construction of a separate nuclear test site. This was also mentioned in the August 2019 report.

Instead, the U.S. claimed that it is considering measures that could improve investment, social overhead capital, and food conditions, assuming North Korea moves toward denuclearization. However, it emphasized that sanctions relief can only occur after North Korea's complete denuclearization. The report stated, "Until FFVD is achieved, the international community will remain united," and added, "UN and U.S. sanctions will remain in place and be fully enforced."

Unlike last year, there was no mention of North Korea's ballistic missile development. Last year, the State Department specifically referred to North Korea's ballistic missile program in relation to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and emphasized cooperation with MTCR partner countries to prevent missile proliferation from North Korea. However, this year, the paragraph specifying North Korean ballistic missiles was omitted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.