The United States Relies onDiplomacy to Restrain North Korea

As North Korea planned to launch a rocket, South Korean media reported that Pyongyang seemed to be preparing its third nuclear test. It looks like the situation in 2009, when North Korea processed a replica of its nuclear test right after its missile tests. How is the Obama administration going to respond? What does the United States expect from China?

Just before the scheduled rocket launch, beyond the White House life remained tranquil, as usual. However, according to those familiar with the situation, the National Security Council held meetings focusing on the North Korean rocket launch. In fact, a former White House official said that the national Security Council has mainly discussed North Korea among Asian affairs since Obama took office. This time was no exception.

It is said that North Korea prepared to process a third nuclear test after launching the rocket. The White House set the tone on Apr. 9, stating that any relevant move would be seen as provocation. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, “We view the potential rocket launch as a very provocative act that would be, if it were conducted, done in direct violation of North Korea’s international obligations. Any further testing, underground testing, would be a provocative action.”

However, although this set the tone, the U.S. government still refused to say what the consequences would be, other than cutting food aid, if North Korea launched the rocket as planned. Before the rocket launch, the U.S. government continued to urge North Korea not to do it. U.S. Department of State spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that “our position remains: Don’t do it. North Korea’s launch of a missile would be highly provocative ….”

Actually, after taking office, Obama promised that changes would be made to alter the treatment of North Korea as an Axis of Evil, which was established during Bush’s time. Contacts with the North Korea would be strengthened. Obama still emphasized that the U.S. was not hostile to North Korea when he stepped on the 38th Parallel and learned that North Korea would launch rockets. In March, Obama traveled to Seoul and tried to reassure North Koreans of the U.S.’s intentions, saying, “Here in Korea, I want to speak directly to the leaders in Pyongyang. The United States has no hostile intent toward your country. We are committed to peace.”

With the time for North Korea’s scheduled rocket launch approaching, the Obama administration announced that diplomatic channels are still the first choice and that China is still the country the U.S. depends on most to solve this issue. In April, Carney stated that “we continue to work with our international partners on this issue broadly, as well as specific partners, like the Chinese.” President Obama and President Hu Jintao had discussed North Korea and China’s influence on that country during their meeting in Seoul.

Former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth admits that even if North Korea launched a satellite, Obama does not have a better way to stop it other than communication. The only way to keep North Korea in control is to keep it within the framework of the international community.