But diplomats say China, the North’s key protector in the council, is reluctant to impose economic measures that could cause North Korea’s economy to collapse.
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At the United Nations, the USA, backed by its allies, Japan and South Korea, wants tough sanctions reflecting Kim’s defiance of the Security Council.
The two allies once again threatened to deploy Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, which is created to intercept ballistic missiles in midair, on Sunday, hours after the DPRK launched an Earth-observation satellite allegedly to test ballistic missile technology.
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea and the two forces have very close military ties.
While Pentagon made it clear that it is discussing the issue with South Korea, U.S. President Barack Obama said THAAD is to protect the U.S. population from North Korean missiles. He said consultations would begin within days.
The deployment of THAAD is not the solution to the predicament on the Korean Peninsula, but honest talks and well-intended negotiations are a step in the right direction.
“The bilateral discussions that will occur underscore the ironclad commitment of the United States to defend the Republic of Korea”, Cook said.
S Korea Navy fires warning shots at North vessel: THE South Korean Navy fired warning shots at a North Korean patrol boat that intruded over their disputed maritime border on Monday, a day after the North’s launch of a long-range rocket raised tensions.
In January, North Korea claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb.
China has criticized the plans to implement THAAD, and it summoned the South Korean ambassador following Seoul’s announcement on the system.
The House last month passed a version of the bill amid frustration that USA policy has failed to stop Pyongyang’s progress toward having a nuclear-tipped missile that could hit America.
The legislation requires an investigation and then imposition of sanctions on any person that “knowingly” engages in prohibited activities, ranging from importing weapons technology to “cyber terrorism”. Mostly because China does not want to further isolate North Korea, which is already facing huge isolation in the worldwide community.
“This country continues to pose a threat”.
China is the only ally and major trading partner of North Korea in the world.
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While North Korea is actively pressing on with its banned programs and flouting sanctions, United Nations member states are showing little interest in enforcing the measures.
