China And Russia Oppose West’s Call For Robust Response

In this photo released by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center front, poses with scientists and technicians who are involved in a rocket launch at the General Satellite Control and Command Center in North Korea Sunday, April 5, 2009. North Korea launched a rocket Sunday that few over Japan. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service)

From Times Online:

Japan and its Western allies faced resistance from China and Russia last night in seeking a tough response to the North Korean rocket launch.

The rocket passed over Japan, which called an emergency meeting of the 15-nation UN Security Council.

Western diplomats say that the launch violated UN sanctions on North Korea’s missile programme, and were pushing for a “robust response” by the council that could include new measures.

Security Council Resolution 1718, passed in 2006, demands that North Korea suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme.

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My Comment: The question that has to be asked is why .... why is Russia and China adopting this stance in regards to North Korea. When that answer is found, how to handle North Korea will follow.