By Prarthana Mitra
Having built a formidable nuclear arsenal to consolidate his regime North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has asked for the suspension of further nuclear and ballistic missile tests, stating that its quest for such weapons is now “complete”.
Local North Korean KCNA news agency also reported that a test site, Punggye-ri will be shuttered, in a significant development that sets the stage for North Korea’s diplomatic engagements with its southern counterpart and the US.
At the ruling Worker’s Party meeting on Friday, Kim was reported as saying, Our decision to suspend nuclear tests is part of the worlds important steps for nuclear disarmament and our republic will join global efforts to completely suspend nuclear tests.
Here’s what happened
Kim’s concessions were announced by KCNA with a list of six comprehensive points on Saturday which states that, “[…]under the proven condition of complete nuclear weapons, we no longer need any nuclear tests, mid-range and intercontinental ballistic rocket tests, and that the nuclear test site in northern area has also completed its mission.”
Besides the upcoming talks with South Korean president Moon Jae next week on the issue of American demilitarisation, Kim is poised to meet US president Donald Trump in a historic peace summit late May or early June, to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The latest development was therefore met with a lot of praise from both corners, with Trump blowing the progress trumpet and Moon’s secretary hoping that it contributes to a positive environment for the talks.
Why you should care
Following a concessionary model to strengthen bilateral trade relations North Korea has opened a new chapter that divests of military concerns and prioritises economic growth and development instead.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed optimism regarding the development but is cautious about “whether or not it will lead to the completely verified and irreversible abolition of nuclear and missiles,” he told reporters.
Although Kim’s move may not seem very significant, the timing of the concession right before the formal beginning of talks might just prove to be the modest beginning this peace process needed. Perhaps, by the end, Kim and Trump will come around to a compromise about the longstanding debate: complete or partial surrender of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
In a speech following the announcement President Moon rightly said, Realistically speaking, were just entering the threshold for a dialogue. With Kim’s announcement, the entire world will watch eagerly as the stage sets for North and South Korea’s meet on April 27.