Heritage Foundation in the US: "North Korea's Economy Faces a 'Perfect Storm'... Humanitarian Aid Should Be Offered"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] There is a call for the United States to propose humanitarian aid to North Korea, which is facing a 'triple hardship' of international sanctions, COVID-19, and flood damage.

Bruce Klingner, a senior researcher at the conservative American think tank Heritage Foundation, stated this in a report titled "North Korea Facing a Perfect Storm of Economic Pressure," published on the foundation's website on the 26th (local time).

Researcher Klingner argued that despite North Korea's repeated refusals of diplomatic dialogue and humanitarian aid, "the Trump administration should continue to offer humanitarian assistance to North Korea, together with allied countries South Korea and Japan, to address health issues caused by COVID-19 and flood damage."

He explained, "North Korea is experiencing great difficulties due to simultaneous economic disasters such as sanctions against North Korea, border closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and severe flood damage," adding, "Chairman Kim Jong-un is refusing external aid citing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 despite severe economic and food shortages."

He continued, "Medical and humanitarian aid to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and respond to severe flood damage should be continuously proposed," suggesting support measures including unilateral U.S. aid and cooperation with the international community and NGOs.

In particular, he mentioned that food, medicine, and humanitarian aid are exempt from United Nations or U.S. sanctions against North Korea, urging the U.S. government to call on the UN Sanctions Committee to promptly approve exemptions for humanitarian aid to North Korean residents.

However, Researcher Klingner also argued that "recommendations to ease UN and U.S. sanctions to induce progress in denuclearization negotiations should be resisted," and that current levels of sanctions should be maintained until there is a change in North Korea's attitude. He added, "Washington should continuously advise South Korea not to provide North Korea with massive economic benefits in an effort to improve inter-Korean relations."

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