US Congress Endorses Economic Sanctions Against North Korea Amid Nuclear Inspections Row

Strategic Insights -

Leading members of the US Congress yesterday endorsed the possible use of economic sanctions against North Korea, amid alarm over the secretive communist regime's latest effort to thwart international inspection of nuclear plants. The US is considering urging China and Japan to cut their economic ties with North Korea, which relies heavily on imports from China, particularly oil, and on remittances from North Korean workers in Japan. The move comes as international inspections of North Korea's nuclear plant were denied access, with atomic energy agency inspectors leaving Pyongyang on Saturday.

Key Takeaways:

  • US Congress members, including Republican Mr Newt Gingrich and Democrat Senator Bill Bradley, have endorsed the possible use of economic sanctions against North Korea.
  • The US is considering urging Japan and China to cut their economic ties with North Korea, including oil imports and remittances from North Korean workers.
  • China has been North Korea's closest ally in recent years, but the relationship is fraying as China trades more with the rest of the world.
  • Japan's Prime Minister, Mr Tsutomu Hata, has called for economic assistance to North Korea to stabilize the country and help defuse tension over the nuclear program.
  • Senator Sam Nunn has stated that the United States will be ready to defend South Korea if sanctions on North Korea prompt an attack.
  • The South Korean President, Mr Kim Young-sam, has ordered his cabinet to draw up contingency plans to deal with a defiant North Korea.

Statistics:

  • 80% of North Korea's imports come from China (New York Times).
  • North Korea relies heavily on remittances from workers in Japan, which are critical to the country's economy.
  • The United States has urged China and Japan to cut their economic ties with North Korea in response to the country's actions.

Sources:

  • New York Times
  • Mr Newt Gingrich
  • Dan Rather's "Face the Nation"
  • South Korean President Mr Kim Young-sam
  • Japanese Prime Minister Mr Tsutomu Hata