U.S. Weighs Intercepting North Korean Shipments

Posted by Justin Bresolin

In an effort to halt North Korea's nuclear efforts, the United States is, possibly with China's assistance, seeking for ways in which to intercept North Korean Air/Sea shipments suspected of transporting nuclear technology or weapons. Evidently in response to North Korea's recent nuclear test, the US administration is not only seeking to have North Korea returned to the list of terrorist-sponsoring states, but to potentially ally with nations such as China to allow them to interdict shipments travelling to/from ports and airports in these countries. Such an action would require China to undertake such actions themselves under domestic law, something that US administrative officials have been pressing for the country to do.This new approach is indicative of a far more aggressive approach to the North Korea problem than the previous two US presidents have undertaken, and this is made more significant by President Obama's decision to no longer provide incentives toward NK's deproliferation, now convinced that the country's goal is to be recognized as a nuclear state, and that no amount of dealings will change that. Regardless, Obama is still willing to pursue six-party talk measures.
This development raises some interesting issues regarding North Korea's future. Presuming that the interdiction efforts go through, the risk of direct confrontation between the two countries rises. It also raises the issue of what direction US diplomatic action will take with East Asian nations, China in particular, and how the US will establish itself in their eyes.