The KCNA (North Korean State Media) reported on Friday that the country would be severing diplomatic ties with Malaysia following the possible extradition of a North Korean citizen to the United States to be charged with money laundering. The citizen, Mun Chol Myong, is being charged by the U.S for money laundering and using front companies as means to import illicit shipments to North Korea. North Korea had used Malaysia as a hub for its arms export operation, and to set up business entities for funneling money to North Korea’s leadership, however the KCNA reported that if the country goes through with extraditing their citizen, all ties will be cut.
North Korea, like other countries, views the United States as an international bully. A tyrant that makes unfair moves in the political sphere. While this sentiment is not uncommon, it’s to the extreme in the case of North Korea. Relations between them and the United States have never been good, however it is said that President Biden is looking into the foreign policy this coming week, as the KCNA did make a vague threat towards the United States. From a perspective that is anti-North Korean, a perspective that is held by many Americans, it would be easy to say that the extradition would be beneficial, as it would cut the ties between Malaysia and North Korea. Therefore giving the country one less ally and one less place to import arms.
When viewing the United States’ grand strategy in the past with North Korea, it has been seen as a liberal hegemonic approach, with President Trump’s constant threats and negotiations with Kim Jong Un. However, the United States may be able to practice offshore balancing with the country, especially if it’s cutting ties with Malaysia, a country that is in its region of the world. With less countries affiliated with North Korea in their region, the United States would be able to make more connections and allies, therefore giving them an opportunity to demonstrate offshore balancing.