The US Turns to a Hardline Stance, Our Government's 'Low-Key' Response to North Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The United States has taken a tough stance in response to North Korea's recent two ballistic missile launches.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In diplomatic circles, there are concerns that if North Korea conducts additional missile launches, not only will sanctions against North Korea be strengthened, but the U.S. and the international community will also respond strongly.

According to diplomatic sources on the 13th, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, requested additional sanctions related to North Korea's recent missile launches at the Security Council.

In a post on her Twitter account that day, she said, "North Korea has launched six ballistic missiles since September 2021, each of which violated UN Security Council resolutions," adding, "This is in addition to the designation made today by the State Department and Treasury Department (targeting North Korea)."

According to multiple diplomatic sources, additional Security Council sanctions are likely to be pursued by adding individuals and entities designated by the U.S. for unilateral sanctions due to North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles to the Security Council sanctions list as well.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six North Korean nationals, one Russian individual, and one Russian entity involved in procuring missile materials for North Korea as unilateral sanctions targets that day, and some of these will also be subjected to Security Council sanctions.

In this regard, a letter was reportedly submitted to the chair of the Security Council's North Korea Sanctions Committee (known as the 1718 Committee).

However, for decisions by the North Korea Sanctions Committee, consensus among Security Council members, including China and Russia, is essential.

Since China and Russia, who have recently been at odds with the U.S. over various international issues, may not agree, there are views that it will not be easy for additional sanctions to be implemented.

Nevertheless, the South Korean government remains cautious. Rather than taking active measures, it is limited to urging dialogue with North Korea.

The government has not issued any special official message regarding sanctions against North Korea. However, through officials, it reaffirmed the existing position that "South Korea and the U.S. will continue efforts to resume dialogue for the fundamental resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue under close cooperation."

Some in diplomatic circles believe that North Korea will continue its hardline stance. The U.S. is also expected to increase the level of sanctions against North Korea while strengthening international sanctions. In such a case, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is expected to become even more tense.

A diplomatic source said, "There is a possibility that North Korea may play the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) card, which the U.S. considers a kind of red line," adding, "Since the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, which North Korea is sensitive about, are scheduled for March to April, there are concerns about additional provocations by North Korea."

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