The relationship between the United States and North Korea has been tense for decades. Most recently, tensions between the two countries were further complicated by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, which openly defied international sanctions. This has prompted a question: what does the US want from North Korea?
The US has a long list of demands when it comes to North Korea. Firstly, it is calling for an end to North Korea’s nuclear program. After North Korea tested its first nuclear bomb in 2006, the US has consistently demanded that the country immediately cease all nuclear testing and dismantling of existing nuclear weapons.
In addition to this, the US wants North Korea to open up to the outside world and allow basic human rights to be granted to its citizens, such as freedom of movement, expression and association. This means that North Korea should eliminate its state security apparatus and begin allowing citizens to express themselves and practice their religion freely, without fear of retribution for their beliefs.
The US also wants North Korea to abide by international laws, such as the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CW), and to give up its weapons of mass destruction. Lastly, the US is calling on North Korea to participate in more international dialogue, like the Six-Party Talks, which the US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and North Korea have all participated in.
Experts agree that the US has every right to put forth these demands. Dr. John Delury, Associate Professor of East Asian Studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, believes that “the US has a right to expect North Korean compliance with international law and its obligations as a member of the United Nations.”
However, some critics argue that these demands may be too unrealistic. North Korea has remained largely closed off from the rest of the world for decades, and the US wants North Korea to make massive changes overnight. The US must balance its desire for North Korea to comply with its wishes with the need to leave room for North Korea to gradually change. Otherwise, North Korea may never make any real progress.
The US must also consider the fact that North Korea may never bow to the US’s demands, at least not in the near future. As former US Department of Defense official Joshua Pollack explains, “The US needs to realize that it cannot dictate events inside North Korea. We can shape the environment around it, but we cannot fundamentally change the system without invitation.”
Relationship with China
The last five years have seen a marked shift in the relationship between the US and China on the topic of North Korea. Historically, these countries have disagreed on how to address North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. However, since the US’s 2017 National Security Strategy declared China a strategic rival, US-China relations have become strained. This has led to the US leaning more heavily on China to pressure North Korea.
Fortunately, the 2018 Singapore Summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the subsequent US-North Korea negotiations have opened the door for US-China cooperation and dialogue on North Korea. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi both attended the subsequent third US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue in Washington in December 2018, signaling that the US and China may be coming closer together on this issue.
The Singapore Summit also clarified the US’s current position on North Korea. Before the summit, President Trump had consistently called for a complete denuclearization of North Korea. However, the Singapore Summit showed that the US is willing to be more open to a gradual approach. President Trump also surprised many by extending an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to meet one-on-one in the US, signaling a possible thaw in US-North Korea relations.
US officials also emphasized the importance of continuing to maintain pressure on North Korea through maximum economic sanctions. This is an important sign that the US is taking a more measured and realistic approach to North Korea.
Role of South Korea
It is also important to remember that, for decades, North and South Korea have been divided along the 38th parallel. This has created a unique dynamic, as anything that happens in North Korea can have a direct and immediate impact on South Korea.
This means that the US must take strategic considerations into account when it makes moves regarding North Korea. Washington must consider Seoul’s input and discern its views on any proposed strategy. The US and South Korea have an extensive security alliance, and South Korea’s opinion is highly valued in any discussion of North Korea, both on the nuclear issue and beyond.
The US must also tread carefully when it comes to the relationship between North and South Korea, as the US’s relationship with North Korea is often seen as a direct reflection of its relationship with South Korea. If the US puts too much pressure on North Korea, it could disrupt the fragile peace between the two countries.
The US should also take steps to ensure that its actions toward North Korea do not threaten South Korea’s security. This means that any sanctions imposed on North Korea must be carefully crafted to prevent North Korea from using them to threaten or intimidate South Korea.
Future of US-North Korea Relations
The future of the US-North Korea relationship is uncertain, but there are indications that it may be on a positive trajectory. After decades of tension, North Korea and the US may now be on the verge of overcoming their differences. This could result in a major breakthrough on the nuclear issue, as well as in the realms of human rights and international law.
In order for progress to be made, however, the US must continue to push for change, while also recognizing North Korea’s limitations and allowing it to take small steps forward. The US must also make it clear that it will not tolerate North Korea’s aggression, while also offering a path to peace that is beneficial for both countries.
Impact on the Region
Any progress in US-North Korea relations will also impact the region. If the US and North Korea can reach an agreement, it could have a positive effect on East Asia as a whole. This could open the door to more collaboration and cooperation between all the countries in the region.
It could also lead to improved economic conditions for North Korea, as US sanctions are lifted and the North Korean government is able to attract new foreign investments. This could also have a positive impact on South Korea, as an improved economy in North Korea could improve diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Ultimately, any progress in US-North Korea relations will be beneficial not only for the countries involved, but for the entire region. As such, the US should take a measured and coordinated approach to progressing the relationship and continue to work with the other countries in the region to ensure that any progress is beneficial for all.
International Involvement
Ultimately, the US cannot resolve the North Korea issue alone. It is essential that the US work with other countries to ensure that any progress is beneficial not only for the US, but also for other countries in the region. This means that the US must seek to include other countries in the negotiations and discussions regarding North Korea.
The US must also strive to build a consensus among the different countries. This is the only way to ensure that any progress is beneficial for the entire region and does not hurt the interests of any one country.
Of course, this is easier said than done, as the regional countries have different opinions and interests when it comes to North Korea. Nevertheless, the US should strive to work with the other countries to ensure that any progress is beneficial for all.
Conclusion
So, what does the US want from North Korea? It wants an end the country’s nuclear program and an opening up to the outside world, as well as an end to human rights abuses and adherence to international laws. The US is also looking for more involvement from China and South Korea, and it is also looking to build a consensus among the different countries. As the US continues to push for change in North Korea, it is imperative that all the countries involved work together to ensure that any progress is beneficial for all.
