Surprising Quake in Peninsula

It was firstly reported as an earthquake. Later, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that it successfully exercised a test of hydrogen bomb for the first time. International society consequently accused that isolated country as violating the resolutions of United Nations Security Council not to have further nuclear test. While it is actually serious problem in terms of eliminating nuclear weapons, North Korea restarted its fretful behavior to attract attention of the world.

North Korea Central News Agency reported that DPRK “completely and perfectly” exercised first hydrogen bomb test on Wednesday. It explained that the test was a measure to secure independence from adversary powers like United States, insisting on holding nuclear option. It is supposed to be a business as usual to maintain despotic regime led by First Secretary, Kim Jong-un, which is planning national convention of North Korean Labor Party in May.

Major countries were surprised. United States opposed any violation of U.N. resolution, not naming a country. China firmly denounced the test. Russia expressed deep concern. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe released a statement that accused the challenge against international regime for disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. “The nuclear test this time cannot be tolerated as a significant threat for security of Japan and harming peace and safety in Northeast Asia and international society,” said Abe in the statement.

For Abe administration, the attempt of nuclear blackmailing was helpful for promoting its current political agenda. Abe has been eager to show leadership in diplomatic agenda in this election year. Expressing its willingness to stand by U.S., he can appeal legitimacy of the policies for enhancing security posture. Japanese government expects U.N. to have further measures against the North’s unilateral behavior. North Korea is always a card for Japan to maintain communication with such neighbor countries as China, South Korea or Russia.

On the other hand, the test disrupted an Abe’s traditional policy, abductees issue. Families of Japanese abductees were disappointed with deterioration of diplomatic situation around North Korea. Sufferers of atomic bomb in Hiroshima or Nagasaki were furious on the North’s behavior depending on that devilish weapon. Korean-Japanese were afraid of being targeted by hate speakers or anti-Korean activists. As long as the North’s regime ignores pressure from outer world, Japanese administration does not have many things to do in its diplomacy.