Just Talking about 6th Nuclear Test

Government-owned Korean Central News Agency on Sunday released “an important news,” in which they argued that North Korea successfully conducted hydrogen bomb test. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea argued that the bomb was for loading on intercontinental ballistic missile that it had been developing. It was the sixth test of nuclear bomb, following the first hydrogen bomb test last September.

According to Japan Meteorological Agency, detected artificial earthquake around Punggye-ri, located on northeast of North Korea, was with depth of 0 meter and 6.1 of Magnitude. The explosion had the greater scale than in any previous nuclear test and ten times greater than last one. Minister of Defense, Itsunori Onodera, explained that assumed output of the test was 70 kilotons, about five times greater than the atomic bombing on Hiroshima in 1945.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that he could not accept the nuclear test and would make firm efforts cooperating with international society. “It is more significant and urgent threat on a new level,” told Abe in a statement, “and they repeatedly violated the resolutions of United Nations Security Council, significantly challenging international regime for disarmament and non-proliferation.”

In the telephone conference with United States President Donald Trump, Abe urged Trump to put higher pressure on North Korea. With Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abe shared a recognition that reckless behavior of North Korea was serious threat and requested cooperation in UNSC. Japan is going to request UNSC further economic sanction including oil embargo.

However, there is no viable measure for Japan to pressure North Korea. Government of Japan convened two meetings of National Security Conference. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Taro Kono, had a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Japan, William Hagerty. Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Katsutoshi Kawano, had a telephone conversation with Commander of U.S. Forces in Japan, Jerry Martinez. All they can do is not striking nuclear test site in North Korea, but talking.

International effort to deter North Korea looks like in a stalemate. Oil embargo is unlikely, facing consistent reluctance of Russia and China. Even how North Korea demands direct talk with U.S., Trump administration does not show any attitude of guaranteeing on DPRK regime. Military option is too dangerous with possible retaliation to take. This option can be opposed by its allies including Japan or South Korea.