Moon Jae-in Draws Red Line Against North Korean Nuclear Weapons Development
It seems President Moon has made himself a pretty specific red line with North Korea that in my opinion he has no intention of actually enforcing:
The President’s definition of a “red line” for North Korea has fueled controversy, with critics questioning its adequacy.
At a press conference to mark his 100th day in office Thursday, President Moon Jae-in said that he would consider North Korea had crossed a red line “if it completes development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and weaponizes it by fitting a nuclear warhead on it.”
He also said, “North Korea is nearing the threshold of the red line.”
Some people, including Moon’s aides, interpreted the rare remarks as a warning to the North on its rapid progress in developing nuclear weapons and missiles. But criticism of his “diplomatic immaturity” was prevalent.
Pundits expressed concerns that the statement narrowed the Moon administration’s policy options in dealing with North Korea.
“Moon must be the first leader in the world who went into details of what constitutes a red line,” said Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University’s department of unification and diplomacy. “Keeping ambiguity suits national interests. Moon may have said so to prevent a U.S. preemptive attack, but still, it exposed our intentions.” [Korea Times]
You can read more at the link.
Isn’t it too late for military action once Moon’s red line has been crossed? One has to wonder why Moon would only being to take red line action after North Korean becomes capable of nuking the US. At that point an attack on the DPRK would probably be off the table. At the very least, it would be better to attack before North Korea can nuke American cities. Clearly, Moon’s red line is at odds with American interests.
I think Moon will constantly try to deny the second part of his red line (that North Korea has placed its warheads on the ICBM’s) to further delay any meaningful action. I anticipate that Moon will try to deny the warhead placement even after North Korea announces to the world that it put the warheads on its ICBM’s.
I think Moon’s comments on “diplomatic maturity” are also telling. Moon was hoping to talk to the DPRK and to make concessions. However, the DPRK is unwilling to even talk to the ROK “American puupets.” Moon seems to think diplomatic engagement can eventually reunify the country. The results of Moon’s diplomatic outreach speak to the quality of Moon’s judgment.
Having served with the 2nd Inf. Div. on and in the DMZ of Korea in 1968 and 1969, I feel that the time for “talking” is long passed. The Kim regime, now in it’s third generation, is nothing more than a bully with a army of thugs to keep it in power. In 1938 no one wanted to stop what Hitler was doing in Europe. Now, no one wants to stop what “Baby Kim” is doing in North Korea. Be honest with yourself, he has killed more of his own people through starvation and deprivation than Adolph Hitler did thru the concentration camps. Kim’s gulag camps, the murdering of people he doesn’t like or trust (including his half-brother, his fiancée, and his Uncle), and his other actions to starve the common people of North Korea while keeping his military and himself well fed and clothed, shows that he is ONLY concerned for himself and his survival. While he used to just threaten his fellow countrymen and the nation of South Korea, now he has chosen to threaten the entire world! South Korea, Japan, and the United States are all in his sights, and now he has the capability of reaching out will nuclear missiles . How long will the world watch this maniac terrorize the planet? Do we really want to wait for the first missile to strike a foreign country before we decide to act? China is bluffing….it will NOT come to the aide of North Korea should another country strike it first. China has too much need of the world market to sent it goods to, to risk defending North Korea and becoming an enemy of the world. No, the world needs to form a coalition that will strike down the government and military of North Korea. It will take decades to help the people of North Korea to come into the 21st century, but those people deserve freedom and dignity, as well as protection from a bully government. So world, let’s all do the right thing. Support the forming of a world collation to take on North Korea, once and for all. If we all stand together against unjust governments, we will have a better world to live in. Remember, freedom isn’t free, but it sure beats the hell out of dictatorships! Sgt. Den