United States tables new resolution in the UNSC to impose fresh sanctions against North Korea; China and Russia oppose

New York: – The United States has introduced a new resolution in the UN security council to impose new sanctions on North Korea due to a series of missile tests conducted and its preparation of a nuclear test that largely undermines the region’s stability and security. The United States has called for tougher sanctions against North Korea. However, China has rejected the proposal, reasoning those new sanctions are not necessary. Along with China, Russia also has opposed fresh sanctions on North Korea.

The United States, Japan and South Korea had called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss North Korea. During the meeting held on Wednesday, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, strongly criticized North Korean missile tests. Ambassador Linda lashed out ‘The missile tests that North Korea has been conducting in the last few months do not fall within the regulatory framework of the Security Council. These tests are threatening the neighbouring countries.’. The Biden administration is ready to hold talks with North Korea. But before that, North Korea should immediately suspend its actions and missile tests, the US ambassador said. Ambassador Linda also called on the Security Council to end its silence on North Korea’s provocative actions. The US ambassador hoped that North Korea would accept the offer for talks. Ambassador Linda took a dig at China by saying that those in contact with North Korean dictators should work to set up political negotiations.

China has strongly criticized the US proposal to impose new sanctions against North Korea. The Chinese Ambassador to the Security Council reminded that in 2018, North Korea had proposed to denuclearize by dismantling the Pyongyang-Ri nuclear program. But China blamed the United States for not responding to North Korea’s offer. China has criticized the United States for not being willing to trust North Korea. Russia also opposes sanctions imposed on North Korea so far.

The United States has accused China and Russia, which have rejected sanctions against North Korea, of encouraging the activities of the North Korean dictator. The United States holds the presidency of the Security Council until May, and the US has signalled to get the sanctions imposed before the end of its tenure.

In the last four months, North Korea has tested 17 missiles, including three intercontinental ballistic missiles, which include a missile capable of attacking cities in the far east of the United States. Last week, North Korea displayed these missiles during a military parade. Also, dictator Kim Jong-un had announced that a nuclear test would be conducted soon.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s new president, Yoon Suk-Yeol, has indicated that his country will decide on fresh deployment of US troops given the threat posed by North Korea. South Korea is also reportedly preparing to join the Quad, including India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. This has made China extremely uneasy, and hence there is a strong possibility that China may be orchestrating the North Korean aggression.