The evidence is clear – mass killing is underway in North Korea, argues Robert Park. The international community can no longer stand idly by.
Kim Jong-nam’s vocal criticism of his brother’s ascension to power in North Korea poses an early challenge to the new leader – and puts China in a tricky position.
The Chinese Communist Party’s placement of regime security over national security interests is typical of autocracies. It’s also very dangerous.
Pretending nothing is wrong in North Korea is a mistake. But if great power conflict is to be avoided, there are a few things that the U.S., China and South Korea must not do.
Kim Jong-un is too weak to expect a shift in North Korean policy. The only question is whether 2012 will be a year of provocations.
The sudden death of Kim Jong-il came as quite a shock. Will Kim-Jong-un garner the same power his father did? Future events may provide clues to the coming North Korean succession.
The passing of Kim Jong-il could give the U.S. the excuse it needs to bolster its Pacific presence – without China objecting.