The United States sounded a global call to action on the North Korean nuclear threat Friday, exhorting Beijing to use its “unique” leverage to rein in Pyongyang and avert “catastrophic consequences.”
Addressing the UN Security Council after Donald Trump warned of the risk of a “major conflict” involving the reclusive regime, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for an unprecedented campaign of pressure to force the North to change course and put a halt to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
“Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences,” Tillerson told the Council. “Business as usual is not an option.”
“The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland,” he said.
Tillerson told the Council there was “no reason” to think North Korea would change course under the current multilateral sanctions regime, warning: “The time has come for all of us to put new pressure on North Korea to abandon its dangerous path.”
“I urge this council to act before North Korea does,” he said.
Washington has repeatedly called for tougher UN sanctions, but wants China to take the diplomatic lead by using its leverage over Pyongyang — which Beijing has been reluctant to do for fear of destabilizing North Korea.
In announcing the new campaign, the US top diplomat once more placed the onus squarely on China — which accounts for 90 percent of North Korea’s trade — saying it “alone has economic leverage over Pyongyang that is unique” and suggesting sanctions from Beijing would have a strong impact.
Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear program.
Source: AFP
