A New Strategy Is Needed To Influence China On North Korea

© REUTERS/ KCNA

Captain Steve F. Kime, US Naval Institute: Reduce U.S. Ground Forces in Korea?

China’s role in deterring Kim Jong-un from developing a long-range nuclear delivery capability is very important. But it is how the United States responds to the North’s threat to destroy South Korea that is critical. The Chinese are watching.

China has interests in the consternation that North Korea causes the United States and its allies. The Chinese have managed this situation masterfully for a long time, and so far, nothing has caused them to change their approach. U.S. attempts to persuade Beijing that it is in China’s interest to clamp down on North Korea only will be effective if the Chinese perceive U.S. and allied activity clearly makes the situation unacceptable, even more dangerous, for China.

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WNU Editor: The comments on this article at the US Naval Institute are also worth a read.

Growing Sentiment In A South Korea To Develop Their Own Nuclear Arsenal

A view of the KORI nuclear power plant in Busan (Courtesy Reuters)

Gordon G. Chang, Daily Beast: As South Koreans Lose Faith in Uncle Sam They Want Nukes of Their Own

Frustrated and frightened by North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, Seoul wants more protection. Trump says they should build their own nukes. Does that make sense?

Here’s an unsettling thought. “If North Korea conducts a fifth nuclear test, South Korea should immediately move to arm itself with nuclear capabilities,” Won Yoo-chul of the ruling Saenuri Party told Seoul’s semi-official Yonhap News Agency last week. “The existing policies are insufficient to stop the North’s technology development.”

Such sentiments are becoming commonplace. “Suppose you have a dangerous neighbor with a gun,” said Chung Mong-joon, when he was a ruling party lawmaker in 2013. “You have to take measures to protect yourself. And being a gun control advocate isn’t going to help you.”

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WNU Editor: South Korea .... like Japan ... has the expertise and materials to develop nuclear weapons. But to do so would entail sanctions, international isolation, and blow-back from other countries in Asia. Fortunately .... the only scenario that would permit such a development will be a U.S. withdrawal from the region .... which is not going to happen for the foreseeable future.