The international community has imposed various sanctions on North Korea over the years in an effort to pressure the nation to end its nuclear and missile program. Going back to 2006, there were two rounds of United Nations sanctions. The first was imposed after North Korea’s initial nuclear weapon test that year, and the second after the nation conducted its most recent nuclear weapon test in 2016.
Since then, the US, South Korea, and the European Union have imposed additional financial restrictions and other punitive measures in order to force the North Korean regime to cease its nuclear activities. For example, in 2017, the US placed a ban on all North Korean exports, including coal, iron, gold, and other minerals. In 2018, the US further imposed its ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, which includes a travel ban, economic sanctions, and asset freezes.
The UN Security Council has also imposed several rounds of sanctions in response to North Korea violating its international agreements. These UN sanctions include restrictions on weapons exports and imports, a ban on luxury goods, and a series of financial measures, such as a ban on doing business with North Korean individuals or entities, as well as freezing any funds owned by North Koreans.
In addition to UN and US sanctions, North Korea has been subject to a range of other unilateral sanctions imposed by several countries, including South Korea, the European Union, and Japan. These range from restrictions on trade and the movement of people, to bans on investments and economic activities.
Apart from the economic sanctions, North Korea has also been subjected to diplomatic sanctions, such as the withdrawal of ambassadors, or the expulsion of diplomats. In August 2017, for instance, the US expelled three North Korean diplomats from Washington DC in response to the nation’s Pyongyang’s missile tests. Similarly, in March 2018, the EU expelled 10 North Korean diplomats.
Furthermore, in 2016, the US Treasury Department imposed further financial sanctions on prominent North Korean officials and their companies, as well as foreign entities that do business with North Korea. This is an effort to put pressure not only on the North Korean economy, but also on entities and individuals connected to the regime.
Experts and academics note that while the sanctions have had an impact on North Korea’s economy, it is unclear what effect they have had on the regime’s military and nuclear program. Moreover, while it is difficult to ascertain the extent of the economic damage on North Korea, as data is scarce due to the secrecy of the regime, some experts have assessed that despite the sanctions, the country has not experienced any significant economic hardship. There is thus a difference between the much-hyped effect of sanctions and their actual effect.
Asia-Pacific Sanctions
In addition to the UN and US sanctions, several other countries in the Asia-Pacific region have placed sanctions on North Korea. Australia, for instance, has restricted the movements of North Korean nationals and has frozen the assets of companies associated with the North Korean government. Similarly, South Korea has prohibited its nationals from engaging in any activities that support the North Korean regime or its weapons of mass destruction program.
Japan has also imposed sanctions on North Korea, including the suspension of all imports from the country, and a ban on Japanese citizens from visiting North Korea. In addition, Japan has frozen the assets of North Korean individuals, as well as those of entities related to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
The Republic of China, which has historically had close relations with North Korea, has also imposed sanctions on the country, including restrictions on trade and travel to North Korea. It has also imposed limits on North Korean individuals’ access to financial services and investments.
China’s Support
While China initially supported the UN sanctions on North Korea, it has increasingly emphasised its own views on how the crisis should be resolved. For example, China has proposed a ‘freeze for freeze’ plan, under which North Korea would suspend its nuclear and missile tests in exchange for the suspension of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
China also claims that the US should unilaterally lift its sanctions if it wishes to resolve the crisis. Moreover, China has sought to intervene in US sanctions by creating loopholes and allowing North Korean entities to access foreign exchange and international banking systems, albeit on limited and highly restrictive terms.
At the same time, however, there are reports that China is becoming increasingly more restrictive in its dealings with North Korea. For example, in 2017, Beijing banned all exports of gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products to North Korea. This was later followed by restrictions on North Korean seafood imports and a ban on textile exports.
In addition, China has also increased border controls, making it more difficult for North Koreans to cross the border illegally. Finally, in 2018, China terminated its Air Koryo flights between Beijing and Pyongyang due to financial sanctions imposed on the airline by the US.
Sanctions vs Dialogue
The international community has struggled with finding the right balance between sanctions and diplomacy when dealing with North Korea. One of the main arguments has been that sanctions do not appear to be having an impact on the North Korean regime and may, in fact, be counterproductive. On the other hand, many observers believe that any effort to resolve the crisis diplomatically will require sanctions as leverage.
At the same time, it is clear that the diplomatic approach must remain a priority. In recent years, there have been several high-level talks between the US and North Korea, as well as between South Korea and North Korea. These talks have focused on de-escalating tensions, and on finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Despite these efforts, however, progress has been slow, and the international community has yet to see any tangible results. In the interim, it appears that the current approach of maintaining sanctions and pursuing diplomatic talks is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Effects on the North Korean People
Apart from trying to change North Korea’s behaviour, the international sanctions have also negatively impacted ordinary North Korean citizens. As a result of the UN sanctions imposed in 2017, the low-income North Korean citizens have been affected the most, due to higher prices for food, fuel, and other essential commodities.
The sanctions have also had a negative effect on North Korea’s economy, which has been in decline since the early 2000s. The economic decline has resulted in fewer economic opportunities for North Koreans, and impoverished conditions for many. It has also resulted in severe food shortages and an increased reliance on trade with China.
Moreover, the sanctions have hampered the flow of international aid to North Korea, which has been vital for addressing the nation’s humanitarian crisis. Finally, the sanctions have also meant that the country has been unable to take part in the global economy, limiting its access to foreign investment, technology, and economic opportunities.
International Response
In response to the humanitarian consequences of the sanctions, a number of countries, particularly South Korea and the European Union, have sought to address the North Korean crisis through humanitarian aid. In recent years, South Korea has provided assistance in the form of food and medical supplies, while the EU has provided funds for educational projects and other initiatives.
In addition, the UN, in collaboration with international NGOs, has sought to provide assistance to those affected by the sanctions. The international response has also included providing North Korea with assistance in developing its economy and reforming its government, in order to improve the lives of North Korean citizens.
Finally, the international response to the crisis has also included calls for accountable governance, respect for human rights, and greater economic and political reforms. These types of initiatives are seen as crucial for addressing the crisis in the long run and for creating a sustainable resolution.
The Way Forward
It appears that the current approach taken by the international community toward North Korea is unlikely to yield any long-term progress. The UN sanctions, while having some effect, have largely failed to change North Korea’s behaviour.
At the same time, imposing harsher sanctions is unlikely to be successful, considering North Korea’s current status as a nuclear power. This suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed, one which combines sanctions with diplomatic talks and meaningful incentives.
Thus, going forward, any resolution to the North Korean crisis will likely require a combination of punitive measures, dialogue, and humanitarian aid. Only then can the international community achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution to the North Korean crisis.
