North Korea’s Nuclear Program is an Issue for Obama as He Visits Asia

President Obama, who is continuing his Asian four-country tour that began with Japan, had an appropriate announcement at his final stop in South Korea. He said that Special Representative Bosworth, who handles North Korean policy issues, would go to Pyongyang on December 8. Can he persuade North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks and re-open negotiations on nuclear disarmament?

Of course, this tour by President Obama is a vehicle for his extensive Asian policy, the details of which were announced during his speech in Tokyo. On the White House’s homepage, this speech was translated and posted in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indonesian. It seems to show enthusiasm for the expanding clout of the Asia-Pacific region.

At his next stop in Singapore, he quickly put his words into action. In addition to the primary Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, the U.S. and the ten countries of ASEAN were able to have their first summit meeting. In this meeting, a shift in U.S. policy with regards to establishing direct dialogue with Myanmar’s military regime was well received.

President Obama has expressed an affinity for Indonesian President Yudhoyono. Upon hearing that Obama plans to bring his family along to visit the country where he spent his youth, Yudhoyono responded that Obama is Indonesia’s friend.

In contrast to his reception in Indonesia was his visit to China. At a meeting in Shanghai, where the participating students seemed to have been carefully selected, questions favorable to China’s government were conspicuous. Though President Obama criticized internet censorship during the meeting, it was only televised locally and not nation-wide.

Also, at a meeting in Beijing with President Hu Jintao, President Obama did not openly touch on the human rights issue; a move that is being criticized by U.S. conservatives as a weaker attitude compared to former presidents Clinton and Bush. One can see the changing power dynamic between the two nations.

President Obama stated in China that there are few global issues that can be solved without mutual agreement between the U.S. and China. This must have been the reason for his announcement during the Tokyo address that China cannot be entrapped. Certainly, with the economic crisis, global warming, natural resources and security guarantees, China is a major player. In the end, the core of the U.S.’s new Asian policy will be China.

Well then, what is being expected of China? China is expected to make a contribution to the solution of the North Korean nuclear issue. As the lead country for the Six-Party Talks and the supplier of food and energy to North Korea, China has great influence and responsibility. It should support Mr. Bosworth’s visit to North Korea, and urge the country to return to the Six-Party Talks.