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North Korea's Move Tests International Will on Nuclear Issues

North Korea's recent nuclear test seems to erase any progress in six years of multilateral negotiations. The United States can still pressure North Korea, but it will need China's cooperation.

by Douglas H. Paal

published by

Newshour with Jim Lehrer

on May 25, 2009

Source: Newshour with Jim Lehrer

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) tested its second underground nuclear device Monday. To discuss the North Korean nuclear developments and potential steps that the United States and other nations could take, Douglas Paal joined Joel Wit, a career State Department official and visiting fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, on the Newshour with Jim Lehrer.

Paal pointed out that there are still sanctions that the United States can pursue, like North Korea's ability to sell arms internationally or their access to financial services. Any further sanctions, however, will require the consent and assistance of China. Up to now, Beijing has been noncommittal on its desired outcome for North Korea, but Paal explained that the DPRK’s nuclear test may convince China to put more pressure on Pyongyang.

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