Limitation of Sanction

They did what they had said to do. We did, too. That’s it.

The North Korean government announced on Tuesday that they successfully did their third underground nuclear test, and the atomic bomb they used was smaller and lighter than ever. Mixed with improvement of missile technology, the compact atomic bomb means that they are reaching the ability to make a direct nuclear attack on US continental soil. It is reasonable for the government of Japan to recognize the test as more serious threat, for Japan is geographically closer to the dictatorial country than US.

What Japan can do is limited. The Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, released a statement on the test. It accused and North Korea saying that the test, with technology of missile, was serious threat to our safety and significant challenge to international system of disarmament and non-proliferation. It also requested immediate meeting of the UN Security Council on the matter. Then, PM explained the response of the government, which was to do its best to collect information and to release appropriate information to the nation, to monitor radioactive materials in the cities in Japan, and to enhance its counter measures toward North Korea including reentry ban for the persons from the country, who are in charge of supporting North Korean officials in Japan.

Nikkei reported the details of the sanction. The persons to be denied to reentry are five vice-chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. They are just five people, adding to the four already banned. The government also considers tightening regulation of sending money toward North Korea. It is necessary for a person to report to the Ministry of Finance when he/she wires ¥3 million or more, or brings ¥100 thousand or more out of Japan. The limitation of the money amount could be lowered. Embargo already set would be continued after the expiration in April. Those measures actually make any big difference.

Acknowledging the limitation of the unilateral sanction, the Abe administration expects concerted response of international community. But it is unlikely for China to agree with a resolution of UN Security Council with the possibility of using force according to UN Charter Chapter Seven. So, the expectation is cast on US. The general secretary of LDP, Shigeru Ishiba, on Tuesday expected more aggressive response, stating “If North Korea obtained an ability to reach nuclear missile to US homeland, US action will be stepped up.” It was not clear whether he indicated a surgical attack on NK’s nuclear site by US force. But, it is US actually to decide, not Japan.