Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-calls-out-russia-china-opposition-un-action-nkorea-2022-05-11/
Currently, the North Korean government is preparing for its seventh nuclear test facing backlash from several countries including several members of the United Nations Security Council. For example, currently, the United States is trying to pass additional sanctions on North Korea to strengthen the recent 2017 sanctions. Currently, the United States is arguing that the current restraint by the Security Council to limit further sanctions has allowed North Korea to further develop its weapons program.
However, not all Permanent 5 members of the Security Council agree with the United States’ agenda. Currently, Russia and China are imploring members of the Security Council to continue their policy of restraint. Recently, the Chinese ambassador, Zhang Jun, referred to the United States’ agenda as, “not an appropriate way to address the current situation.” Also, the Russian ambassador continued to emphasize the possibility of easing sanctions on North Korea.
Assessing the current geopolitical and international relations setting, it is nearly impossible for the Permanent 5 members to reach a consensus over sanctioning North Korea. Currently, the Western powers: France, the United Kingdom, and the United States are sanctioning Russia and supporting Ukraine directly and indirectly which degrades their already very soured relations with Russia.
Simultaneously China’s rivalry with the United States and the Western world is intensifying with China increasing its military presence in the South Pacific with their new deal with the Solomon Islands,putting Chinese military very close to Australia, a Western ally.
Therefore with increased tension between countries, every issue becomes a decisive competition for hegemony, especially dealing with a nuclear power. The North Korean government uses its nuclear weapons program not only to strengthen its national security and international importance but also as a source of legitimacy for the Kim dynasty. Prior to the Kim dynasty, Japan controlled Korea where horrific abuses were committed. Therefore, this historic background shaped the political culture of Korea into fervent nationalism, militarism, and distrust of the outside world. This is exemplified in North Korea’s current government with grandiose military parades, propaganda demonizing foreign powers, and the glorification of the Kim family. Therefore, North Korea’s current government and the regime are a reaction to its history.