Bolton: "Even if North Korea tests nuclear weapons and ICBMs, China and Russia will provide a shield"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor under the Donald Trump administration, stated that even if North Korea conducts nuclear tests or test-fires intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), China and Russia will provide a "shield."

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA) published on the 19th, Bolton was asked, "If North Korea proceeds with nuclear or ICBM tests, do you think China and Russia will support a strong United Nations (UN) resolution?" He replied, "They will not." He added, "They will provide a shield for North Korea," explaining, "This was the case with Iran, and just as Russia provides a shield when threatening Ukraine or China does when threatening Taiwan or South Korea, they protect each other."

Bolton criticized, saying, "In the U.S. policy recalibration toward China and North Korea, China's responsibility for North Korea must be central," and "China is allowing the North Korean regime to do what it must to survive." He further stated, "I do not want to see American cities held hostage by the world's only communist hereditary regime," emphasizing that "the possibility of regime change or the use of force against North Korea's nuclear program, if necessary, should not be ruled out."

Regarding the North Korea-U.S. summits during the Trump administration, Bolton called them "a waste of time," noting that North Korea appeared to be making efforts toward agreements on the surface but was merely engaging in "deception" to advance its nuclear and missile programs. He added, "There is no evidence that North Korea wants to give up its nuclear weapons," and predicted, "They will promise a lot to ease sanctions but will not keep any denuclearization commitments."

Bolton also said, "There have been past Sunshine Policies and amicable talks, but North Korea's major threat to South Korea remains," urging, "When South Koreans vote, they should acknowledge these threats and consider the best ways to address them."

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