Sanctions Against North Korea: A Delicate Balancing Act

Strategic Insights -

The United States Administration is still struggling to complete a plan for economic sanctions against North Korea, a week after announcing its intention to push for such measures. Washington hopes to agree on a position within the next several days, but difficulties in securing support from other Security Council members, particularly China and Japan, are complicating the process. The Administration wants to punish North Korea for defying the International Atomic Energy Agency while also dissuading the North from using nuclear technology to make bombs. However, the exact sanctions to be imposed, and under what conditions, remain uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Administration is having difficulty agreeing on a sanctions plan that would punish North Korea for blocking inspections of its nuclear sites while keeping some threats in reserve.
  • China has expressed concerns about possible instability on the Korean peninsula, while Japan prefers a gradual approach to imposing sanctions.
  • The Administration's plan would specify initial sanctions to be imposed by the Security Council if North Korea continues to defy the atomic energy agency, with tougher sanctions to be imposed if the North presses ahead on the nuclear front.
  • Robert L. Gallucci, the Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs, has recommended cutting off funds sent by Koreans living in Japan and enforcing a voluntary embargo on arms purchases and deliveries.
  • The Pentagon has been concerned with limiting the growth of the North Korean nuclear program, rather than focusing on whether the North diverted a bomb's worth of plutonium in 1989.
  • China may wield its Security Council veto to block sanctions, and North Korea may be getting comfort from this possibility.
  • Former President Carter plans to visit North and South Korea next week as a private citizen, hoping to discuss "important issues of the day with leaders."

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of millions of dollars in private funds flow to North Korea from Japan.
  • The Administration's sanctions plan aims to cut off funds sent by Koreans living in Japan, and impose a voluntary embargo on arms purchases and deliveries.
  • The Pentagon has been concerned with limiting the growth of the North Korean nuclear program for over 30 years.
  • North Korea withdrew spent fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor in May, defying the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Sources:

  • "Administration Struggling to Complete Plan for Sanctions Against North Korea"
  • "Gallucci Points to Delays in Getting Allied Support for Sanctions"
  • "Pentagon Officials Cautious About Sanctions: 'Go Low and Slow'"
  • Statement by Robert L. Gallucci, Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs
  • Statement by Japanese Government, approved by Prime Minister Yoshi Suke
  • Press release by the White House, regarding the trip of Former President Carter to North and South Korea.