North Korea is a significant nuclear power.[1] The country’s autocratic structure and its increasing Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and nuclear tests[2] are aimed at challenging the rules-based international order based on the United States (US) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework of “liberal democracy.”
As part of its Juche policy, North Korea is intensifying its nuclear power and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, with the objective of achieving economic, political, and military self-reliance. Pyongyang seeks to avoid any form of foreign assistance or dependence on others.
As expected, a crucial aspect of this policy and objectives is its nuclear power. Therefore, the Pyongyang government is making significant advancements in its nuclear capabilities. Nuclear power represents a critical stage of military independence.
Consequently, these developments have led to efforts within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impose sanctions on North Korea. However, these sanction measures face vetoes from China and Russia.[3]
In this context, it can be argued that the competition and tension between the US, NATO, and North Korea are escalating day by day. According to the North Korean state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, warned the US not to make a “foolish move” that would risk its security on July 17, 2023. Kim made this statement in response to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressing concerns about Pyongyang conducting a new ICBM test. She criticized the visit of US nuclear-armed ballistic missiles to South Korea and stated that efforts to increase “extended deterrence” would only push Pyongyang further away from the negotiation table.[4]
The noteworthy aspect of this statement is that even measures like stopping military exercises or regional disarmament, as mentioned by Washington, would not deter North Korea. Therefore, despite Western efforts, there seems to be no sign of calming tensions or reducing hostilities through Pyongyang in the region. Given this situation, it can be suggested that North Korea is unlikely to abandon its current policies. The recent developments also seem to support this reading, indicating that Pyongyang will continue to increase both its nuclear capabilities and missile tests.
Furthermore, on July 20, 2023, according to KCNA, North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam stated that the deployment of US aircraft carriers, bombers, or missile submarines in South Korea could meet Pyongyang’s criteria for using nuclear weapons and could potentially lead to the use of such weapons.[5] Kang mentioned in his statement:[6]
“The deployment of nuclear submarines and other strategic weapons may fall under the conditions for using nuclear weapons according to the North Korean Constitution.”
As a result, it could be argued that South Korea, which is among the states closely feeling the nuclear threat from both the US and North Korea, may be creating a provocative effect on Pyongyang rather than acting as a deterrent with its actions. However, it is evident that escalating nuclear tensions in the region would not be in the interest of these states. Consequently, it can be predicted that relations between the West and North Korea will continue to be tense, and a short-term resolution at both regional and global levels is unlikely to be reached.
[1] “Is It Time to Accept North Korea is A Nuclear Power?, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/28/asia/north-korea-nuclear-threat-solution-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html, (Date of Accession: 21.07.2023).
[2] “North Korea Resumes Launching Missile Tests. How Worried Should We Be?, Time, https://time.com/6266737/north-korea-ballistic-missile-tests-2023/, (Date of Accession: 21.07.2023).
[3] “China and Russia Veto New UN Sanctions on North Korea for First Time Since 2006”, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/26/asia/us-north-korea-united-nations-intl-hnk/index.html#:~:text=Russia%20and%20China%20on%20Thursday,develop%20nuclear%2Dcapable%20missile%20systems., (Date of Accession: 21.07.2023).
[4] “North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong Warns US Against ‘Foolish Act’ That Risks Security”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-says-us-should-stop-foolish-act-that-risks-security-2023-07-17/, (Date of Accession: 21.07.2023).
[5] “North Korea Threatens Nuclear Retaliation over US Displays of Military Force”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-says-deployment-us-strategic-assets-meets-condition-its-nuclear-2023-07-20/, (Date of Accession: 21.07.2023).
[6] Ibid.
