North Korea’s claim that its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch was a success could lead Washington to heap more pressure on Beijing, Chinese analysts said..
North Korea’s claim that its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch was a success could lead Washington to heap more pressure on Beijing, Chinese analysts said.
It also accelerates the need for Tokyo to adopt more advanced defence equipment to deal with the ballistic missile threat, Japanese experts said, noting that Japan’s systems are woefully inadequate.
For China, the United States would likely step up political and diplomatic pressure, including imposing more economic sanctions on companies and tourist agencies that have dealings with the reclusive state, said North Korean expert Cai Jian of Fudan University.
“But China will… not give in to pressures from the US that easily, ” Professor Cai told The Straits Times, noting the measured response from the Foreign Ministry.
Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said yesterday that United Nations Security Council resolutions had clear rules on North Korean missile launches, and Beijing is opposed to Pyongyang violating those rules.
“While Pyongyang may have indeed gained some progress in its missile programmes, it is unlikely to have achieved the capabilities that it has claimed, ” said Prof Cai. “The situation is not that dire and we have not come to that stage yet. So, the official response is still to reiterate the usual point of calling for calm and restraint from all parties.”
This, too, is the cautious sentiment in Japan, where government officials have not acknowledged Pyongyang’s claims.
