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| Korea |
| Document discloses NORK anxiety about China-U.S. cooperation |
| 2003-11-26 |
| From Geostrategy-Direct An internal Japanese government document has revealed that North Korea is upset with China over its position in the six-party nuclear talks. Pyongyang has continued the talks out of concern that it could lose access to military procurement centers in Hong Kong and Macao. According to the government report obtained by the Sankei Shimbun newspaper, North Korea is participating in the nuclear talks because of pressure from China and to prevent the issue from being taken up by the United Nations, which could impose sanctions. "North Korea has strong misgivings against China for advocating a ’nuclear free East Asia’ and for being too much in agreement with the United States," the report stated. "However, since it has no choice but to rely on China economically and diplomatically, it is making efforts to maintain relations with China." So it all comes back to the ChiComs. How they deal with Kimmie and Co will determine the fate of North Korea. The Chicoms have the handle on the Big Valve Wheel™. China could increase pressure on North Korea by banning the procurement and shipment of goods in Hong Kong and Macao. North Korea opened a consulate in Hong Kong in 2000 and the port has become a major trading point for missiles being delivered to the Middle East. North Korea also used Hong Kong for financing its exports. And with Tokyo increasing its pressure on North Korea by blocking the use of Japan for business, Hong Kong and Macao are now becoming more important ports for the North Koreans. For instance, a North Korean trading company run by a North Korean resident in Japan has been caught attempting to illegally export electronic equipment to North Korea through Hong Kong. "Since the closure of the Hong Kong-Macao route is a matter of life and death for North Korea, it is willing to make whatever compromise it takes in its effort to maintain relations with China," the report stated. One government official told the newspaper that, "The United States thinks that China could really exercise stronger influence on North Korea. It seems to be uncomfortable with China acting as the intermediary between the United States and North Korea." Understatement of the week. |
| Posted by:Alaska Paul |