North Korean Relations with US
US and North Korean relations remain tense, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continuing to defy the Trump administration’s demands for dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities. Though the US has offered North Korea economic and security incentives in exchange for disarmament, the offers have been flatly rejected by the regime.
The Trump administration’s current policy towards North Korea is an extension of its “maximum pressure” campaign, which seeks to achieve Pyongyang’s nuclear disarmament through sanctions, economic pressure, and diplomatic isolation. The campaign began with strong economic sanctions that have restricted the flow of goods and investment into the country.
However, in recent months the Trump administration has softened its stance towards North Korea, signaling its willingness to engage in dialogue. In July 2020, President Trump held a historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea, in a highly symbolic gesture of cooperation- the first meeting between a serving US president and a North Korean leader.
Yet, despite the offer of a potential easing of sanctions, Pyongyang has remained committed to maintaining its nuclear capabilities. Kim is known to have declared himself a “nuclear power” and, in November 2019, the North Korean leader announced that he would not abandon his nuclear program unless the US removed all sanctions on the country.
Since then, North Korea has conducted several missile tests and continues to challenge the US’s position. However, despite the lack of viable solutions and solutions of negotiation both US and North Korean leaders have vowed to continue dialogue.
Sanctions Imposed on North Korea
The US government has imposed a range of sanctions on North Korea, in order to limit the regime’s access to international financial and capital markets. Sanctions typically include trade embargoes, severing diplomatic ties, and limiting travel rights.
The United Nations Security Council has also imposed economic and financial sanctions on North Korea. These sanctions are aimed at limiting trade with the regime, in order to pressure the country to comply with international agreements concerning its nuclear program and human rights abuses.
The US government has also imposed restrictions on North Korean financial institutions and banks that are doing business with the regime. These include banning the import of North Korean products, and restricting North Korean citizens from traveling to the US.
The US and its allies have imposed additional sanctions on the country, most recently in response to a missile test conducted in August 2019. The sanctions are expected to stay in place until North Korea complies with international law.
North Korea’s missile tests
In defiance of US and international condemnation, North Korea has continued to test its weapons. In August 2019, the regime tested a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, which the North Korea’s state media at the time claimed was capable of carrying a “large-size heavy nuclear warhead.”
Since then, North Korea has continued to launch projectiles that could potentially be used as delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons. In 2019, the country tested a new submarine-launched ballistic missile and unveiled a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.
Despite the UN Security Council’s calls for denuclearization, North Korea has remained steadfast in its nuclear ambitions. In its 2020 New Year’s speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that any attempt to pressure the North Korean regime into giving up its nuclear weapons would be met with “the firmest countermeasures.”
Though the US has offered North Korea inducements in exchange for denuclearization, the two countries have not been able to reach a permanent agreement. Since the breakdown of talks between the US and North Korea in 2019, both countries have instead focused on building trust through small confidence-building measures, such as the informal meetings between US President Trump and Kim Jong Un.
North Korea’s Human Rights Abuses
In addition to its nuclear program, Pyongyang has also been accused of widespread human rights violations. In 2014, a report by the UN accused the North Korean government of running state-sponsored prison camps, where hundreds of thousands of prisoners are subjected to torture, rape, and sexual violence.
The US government has imposed sanctions on North Korea in response to its human rights abuses. In 2017, the Trump Administration imposed sanctions on North Korean officials for their involvement in the country’s human rights abuses. However, some experts have argued that these sanctions are insufficient to pressure the regime.
Critics of North Korea’s human rights record have also argued that the US should withhold aid and support for North Korean citizens until the country improves its human rights standards. In addition, the US should increase engagement with civil society and promote democracy in North Korea in order to encourage change.
The UN has also urged North Korea to open its borders to international observers and to comply with international human rights standards. In 2017, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning the country’s human rights record.
North Korea’s Cyberattacks
North Korea has been accused of being responsible for some of the most sophisticated cyberattacks in history. Much of this activity is believed to be state-sponsored, with the North Korean government using cyberattacks as a tool to advance its foreign policy goals.
In 2017, North Korea was accused of carrying out the “WannaCry” ransomware attack, which paralyzed digital systems of governments and companies worldwide. US intelligence officials have also attributed the attack to the Pyongyang regime, who were reportedly seeking to steal cryptocurrency from digital holders.
In recent years, North Korea has become increasingly active in cyber operations, leading some experts to believe that the regime is using cyber warfare to fund its nuclear and missile programs. The US has responded by imposing sanctions on North Korean companies, individuals, and banks that are believed to be involved in the country’s cyber operations.
In addition, the US has launched a public awareness campaign to educate businesses and individuals on the techniques and tools used by North Korea in its cyber operations. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness and enhance the security of online users against malicious actors.
China’s Role in Mediating with North Korea
With no viable solution in sight, the US has been relying on China to pressure North Korea into negotiating. China has traditionally been North Korea’s most important ally and continues to wield great influence over the country’s leadership.
In recent years, however, China has been increasingly supportive of US efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. In 2018, the US and China signed a joint statement committing both countries to achieving the denuclearization of North Korea “through peaceful and diplomatic means.”
China has also been active in mediating between the US and North Korea. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, in an attempt to revive stalling talks between the US and North Korea. China has also encouraged the US and North Korea to adopt a “step-by-step” approach to denuclearization.
Though China’s diplomatic push has yet to yield results, the country remains a key player in negotiations with North Korea. It is likely that China will continue its efforts to mediate between the US and Pyongyang, in an effort to promote lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.
