Country |
Comment |
North Korea |
Statement- Foreign Ministry September 13, 20171 “The "resolution" was fabricated by the U.S. employing all sorts of despicable and vicious means and methods. The DPRK condemns in the strongest terms and categorically rejects the UNSC "resolution 2375" on sanctions as a product of heinous provocation aimed at depriving the DPRK of its legitimate right for self-defence and completely suffocating its state and people through full-scale economic blockade.” “Since the scheme of the U.S. to impede the DPRK's development, disarm it through the unprecedented sanctions and pressure, and conquer it with the help of nuclear weapons has become clearly evident, the DPRK will redouble the efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the country's sovereignty and right to existence and to preserve peace and security of the region by establishing the practical equilibrium with the U.S.” Han Tae-song - North Korean Ambassador to Geneva September 12, 20172 “My delegation condemns in the strongest terms and categorically rejects the latest illegal and unlawful U.N. Security Council resolution." "The Washington regime fired up for political, economic and military confrontation, obsessed with the wild game of reversing the DPRK's development of nuclear force which has already reached the completion phase." "The forthcoming measures by DPRK will make the U.S. suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history.” Kim Hak-Chol- North Korea’s ambassador to Peru September 12, 2017 The following statement is made by Kim Hak-Chol- North Korea’s ambassador to Peru on Lima’s decision to expel him. “The bilateral and diplomatic measure taken yesterday by the Peruvian government lacks judicial and moral reasoning and doesn’t further world peace and security at all.” “To the contrary, it throws gasoline on the fire for which we express protest and regret.” “That’s a problem between us and the United States.” “We’ll continue without wavering on the path of justice that we’ve chosen despite the slander and defamation from the United States because we’re certain our cause is just and will triumph.” KCNA September 11, 20173 “Since the U.S. is revealing its nature as a blood-thirsty beast obsessed with the wild dream of reversing the DPRK's development of the state nuclear force which has already reached the completion phase, there is no way that the DPRK is going to wait and let the U.S. feast on it.” Choe Hui-chol- Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs September 8, 20174 "We will not take even a step back from the road of our option but keep bolstering the nuclear deterrence for self-defense to defend our government and people from the U.S. nuclear war threat.” "The U.S. should never forget the position of the DPRK as a full-fledged nuclear power possessed of ICBM together with A-bomb and H-bomb, and the DPRK will keep watching every move of the U.S." |
USA |
Donald Trump- President September 12, 20175 “We had a vote yesterday on sanctions. We think it’s just another very small step -- not a big deal. Rex and I were just discussing -- not big. I don’t know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote. But those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen.” Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White HouseSeptember 12, 20176 Jim Mattis- Secretary, US Department of Defense September 12, 20177 “The United Nations Security Council spoke with one voice, again recognizing the global threat that DPRK, North Korea constitutes. And these are the most severe sanctions yet laid on North Korea. We'll see what choices the North Koreans make.” Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, US Department of State September 12, 20178 “I think the sanctions – and I’m not going to go against the President, but I think the sanctions are significant. I think the President is more looking at that there is more that can be done and recognizing that the world has a lot more work that can be done.” Steven Mnuchin- U.S. Treasury Secretary September 12, 20179 “If China doesn’t follow these sanctions, we will put additional sanctions on them and prevent them from accessing the U.S. and international dollar system, and that’s quite meaningful.” Nikki Haley - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations September 11, 201710 “These are by far the strongest measures ever imposed on North Korea. They give us a much better chance to halt the regime’s ability to fuel and finance its nuclear and missile programs”. “Today’s resolution would not have happened without the strong relationship that has developed between President Trump and Chinese President Xi.” “North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return.” “If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future. If it proves it can live in peace, the world will live in peace with it.” John McCain- US Senator September 10, 201711 In response to South Korean defense ministers call for redeployment of US tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea Senator MaCain said "it ought to be seriously considered." "I also think that we've got to tell the Chinese, it will hurt the United States if we lose some trade with you, but I'm telling you now, something is going to have to change”. Donald Trump- President September 7, 201712 “Military action would certainly be an option. Is it inevitable? Nothing is inevitable. It would be great if something else could be worked out.” “Hopefully we're not going to have to use it (military) on North Korea. If we do use it on North Korea, it will be a very sad day for North Korea.” “I would prefer not going the route of the military” “Unlike past administrations, I don't talk about them. But I can tell you that North Korea is behaving badly, and it’s got to stop.” |
South Korea |
Lee Nak-yon- Prime Minister September 12, 201313 Kim Young-woo – National Assembly Member, Bareun Party September 12, 201714 "When a country with nuclear weapons and the other with no nukes clash, there are only two scenarios for the non-nuclear country. Either collapsing after challenging the nuclear power or surrendering pathetically,"
Lee Ju-young- National Assembly Member, main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) September 12, 201715 "Only when we have superiority in power and a stern determination that we can even go to war, can we achieve peace.” "At this critical timing in security, what we need is only one thing ― becoming stronger with all possible state resources." Park Soo-hyun- Presidential spokesman September 12, 201716 "Today's resolution represents the international community's consensus and all-out support for sanctions stronger than the previous Resolution 2371 in response to North Korea's nuclear test." "North Korea should realize that its reckless challenge of international peace would only bring about even stronger sanctions," he said. "North Korea should no longer test the stern resolve of the international community. The only way for it to get out of diplomatic isolation and economic pressure is to come back to the dialogue table for complete, irreversible and verifiable nuclear dismantlement." Statement- Foreign Ministry September 12, 201717 ‘The government of the Republic of Korea welcomes and supports the UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of Resolution 2375 on September 12 (September 11, New York time) in response to North Korea’s sixth nuclear test.” “By adopting the resolution, the UN Security Council made it clear once again its strong determination that it will never tolerate North Korea’s reckless and irresponsible nuclear development, which poses a serious challenge to global peace and security.” Statement- President’s Office September 10, 201718 "There is no change in the government's policy principle of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and we have never reviewed a re-adoption of the tactical nukes”. Cho Myoung-gyon- Unification Minister September 8, 201719 "The government will explore every option for the policy goal of keeping North Korea from developing a nuclear-tipped ICBM," "The government thinks that now is the time to focus on sanctions and pressure, not on dialogue with the North though Seoul basically believes that the issue should be solved with diplomatic efforts." Spokesman- Office of the President September 7, 201720 “The two leaders (Moon and Abe) shared the same view that now is the time to further strengthen sanctions and pressure on North Korea to the maximum level.”
|
China |
Geng Shuang- Foreign Ministry Spokesperson September 12, 201721 “On September 11, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2375, which reflected the common position of its members to safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region, promote the denuclearization of the Peninsula and uphold the international non-proliferation regime. Meanwhile, the Resolution reaffirms the commitment to maintaining the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, calls for the peaceful settlement of the issue through diplomatic and political means, supports the resumption of the six-party talks and emphasizes that all relevant parties should take measures to reduce the tensions on the Peninsula. The Chinese side hopes that the contents of Resolution 2375 can be implemented in a comprehensive and complete manner.” “The US, the ROK and other parties should also avoid taking the actions that will further complicate the situation. The Korean Peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully. Military solution will lead us nowhere and China will by no means allow the Peninsula to descend into war and chaos.” Liu Jieyi – China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations September 11, 201722 "At present, the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and grave. All relevant parties must be cool-headed and avoid rhetoric or action that might aggravate tension." "The nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula must be resolved peacefully, integrated measures must be taken to balance the legitimate concerns of all parties.” Xi Jinping- President September 7, 201723 According Xinhua news, “during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi said facts have repeatedly proven that an ultimate settlement of the nuclear issue could only be found through peaceful means, including dialogue and consultation. Xi stressed that China remains persistent on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, adamant in preserving the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and resolute in safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia.” Geng Shuang - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson September 7, 201724 “Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that the Chinese side agrees with the UN Security Council on further reaction and necessary measure. As we stressed on multiple occasions, in response to the 6th nuclear test by the DPRK, how the UN Security Council will react and what measure it may take depend on the results of the discussion by its members. This cannot be decided by China or any particular member of the Security Council alone.”
|
Russia |
Statement- Foreign Ministry September 12, 201725 The following statement was issued by the foreign ministry on the meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun in Moscow. “The Russian position, as underscored during consultations, is that there is no alternative to exclusively political and diplomatic solutions to the problems on the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear problem. Russia’s willingness to work together to find comprehensive approaches to security in Northeast Asia, including within the framework of the Russian-Chinese roadmap for a Korean settlement, was noted.” Vasily Nebenzya - Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations September 11, 201726 "Russia does not accept North Korea’s claims of nuclear power status, it supported all the UN Security Council resolutions demanding that Pyongyang put an end to its nuclear and missile programs in order to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula." "Accordingly, we have been supporting sanctions imposed by these resolutions, aimed at making North Korea fulfill the Security Council’s demands." Vladimir Putin- President September 7, 201727 "There are only political and diplomatic means to resolve the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula." "We need to continue dialogue." |
Japan |
Shinzo Abe- Prime Minister September 12, 201728 “North Korea’s provocative actions, including its nuclear test and a series of ballistic missile launches, pose unprecedented, grave and imminent threat to the peace and security of the region including Japan, and greatly undermine the peace and security of the region as well as the international community. In this context, the Resolution 2375 clearly demonstrates the international community’s shared determination that the pressure against North Korea should be raised to an unprecedented, new level to urge North Korea to change its policy.” “The Resolution 2375 reiterates its deep concern for the grave hardship that the people in North Korea are subjected to in an operative clause. This demonstrates the consistent and strong concern of the international community, including the Security Council, over North Korea’s human rights and humanitarian issues including the abductions issue.” September 12, 201729 "We think, in the end, the North Korean problems should be solved through diplomatic dialogue.” "Implementing and demonstrating what the international community decided will push North Korea to change its policies." Japan will “work together with the international community to apply maximum pressure, so that North Korea commits to perfect, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization." For Japan to engage with the regime, "on the condition that North Korea commits to" this complete denuclearization.” "Now is the time for the international community to collaborate on pressure." September 12, 201730 “I highly appreciate the fact that this strong resolution, which applies markedly stringent sanctions measures, was unanimously and rapidly adopted,” Abe said in a statement released shortly after Monday’s vote. “This has made clear the will of the international community that we must strengthen pressure to a new level and make North Korea change its policies.” Taro Kono- Foreign Minister September 8, 201731 "In the Middle East, there are countries that have close relations with North Korea and have accepted workers from the North". “Japan will urge (those Middle Eastern nations) to deal with this situation". Shinzo Abe- Prime Minister September 7, 201732 “We (Japan and Russia) had deep exchanges over the imminent threat posed by North Korea. We agreed that the nuclear test is a threat to the Korean Peninsula and the region and is a challenge to a nonproliferation regime". "We will cooperate closely." September 7, 201733 “There is a need to take steps toward applying pressure of a different dimension. Security and defense cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea are important to enhance deterrence and response capabilities.” |
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* The Author. John, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are that of the Researcher and not of the Council.
EndNotes:
1 "DPRK FM Categorically Rejects Harshest-ever UNSC's "Resolution on Sanctions", KCNA, September 13, 2017, https://kcna.kp/, Alternative Source: https://kcnawatch.co/newstream/1505255514-942077029/dprk-fm-categorically-rejects-harshest-ever-unscs-resolution-on-sanctions/
2 "North Korea warns U.S. of 'greatest pain', rejects sanctions", Reuters, September 12, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-un/north-korea-warns-u-s-of-greatest-pain-rejects-sanctions-idUSKCN1BN10Q
4 “DPRK Foreign Ministry Gives Briefing on Situation”, KCNA, September 8, 2017, https://kcna.kp/
5 "Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia Before Bilateral Meeting", The White House, September 12, 2017, https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/09/12/remarks-president-trump-and-prime-minister-najib-abdul-razak-malaysia
6 "Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders", The White House, September 12, 2017, https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/09/12/press-briefing-press-secretary-sarah-sanders
7 "Remarks by Secretary Mattis at an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming Portugal Minister of National Defense Azeredo Lopes to the Pentagon", The US Department of Defense, September 12, 2017, https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1308049/remarks-by-secretary-mattis-at-an-enhanced-honor-cordon-welcoming-portugal-mini/
8 "Department Press Briefing", The US Department of States, September 12, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2017/09/274039.htm
9 "Treasury's Mnuchin: China may face new sanctions on North Korea", Reuters, September 12, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-sanctions-treasury/treasurys-mnuchin-china-may-face-new-sanctions-on-north-korea-idUSKCN1BN1P1
10 "Remarks Following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2375 on North Korea Sanctions", US Mission to the UN, September 11, 2017, https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7970
11 Eli Watkins, "John McCain: North Korea must know price for aggression is 'extinction'", CNN, September 10, 2017, http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/10/politics/john-mccain-north-korea-defense-cnn-tv/index.html
12 "Remarks by President Trump and Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah of Kuwait in Joint Press Conference", The White House, September 7, 2017, https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/09/07/remarks-president-trump-and-emir-sabah-al-ahmed-al-jaber-al-sabah-kuwait
13 "Opposition calls for 'nuclear tit-for-tat'", The Korea Times, September 12, 2017, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/09/356_236356.html#
14 "Opposition calls for 'nuclear tit-for-tat'", The Korea Times, September 12, 2017, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/09/356_236356.html#
15 "Opposition calls for 'nuclear tit-for-tat'", The Korea Times, September 12, 2017, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/09/356_236356.html#
16 "Seoul says UNSC resolution shows int'l resolve not to tolerate N.K. nukes", The Yonhap News, August 12, 2017, http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2017/09/12/64/0401000000AEN20170912002851315F.html
17 “Statement by ROK Government on Adoption of Security Council Resolution 2375”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROK, September 12, 2017, http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/press/pressreleases/index.jsp?menu=m_10_20&sp=/webmodule/htsboard/template/read/engreadboard.jsp%3FtypeID=12%26boardid=302%26seqno=319087%26tableName=TYPE_ENGLISH
18 "S. Korea not considering tactical nuclear armament: Cheong Wa Dae", The Yonhap News, September 2017, http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2017/09/10/0401000000AEN20170910002700315.html
19 "S. Korea to explore all steps to block N.K.'s nuke-tipped ICBM development", The Yonhap News, September 8, 2017, http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2017/09/08/0401000000AEN20170908006200315.html
20 "Abe, Moon agree to push for stronger pressure on North Korea through new sanctions", Japan Times, September 7, 2017, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/07/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-moon-agree-push-stronger-pressure-north-korea-new-sanctions/#.WbIrTcig-M9
21"Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Remarks on the United Nations Security Council's Adoption of Resolution 2375", Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC, September 12, 2017, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2535_665405/t1492131.shtml
22 "China calls for calm over Korean Peninsula crisis", Xinhua, September 11, 2017, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-09/12/c_136602921.htm
23 "Concerted effort by int'l community needed to solve Korean Peninsula nuclear issue -- Xi", Xinhua, September 7, 2017, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-09/07/c_136592440.htm
24 “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC, September 7, 2017, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1490884.shtml
25 "Press release on Russian-US consultations regarding the Korean Peninsula", Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation, September 12, 2017, http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/2860488
26 "Russia does not accept North Korea’s claims of nuclear power status - UN ambassador", TASS, September 12, 2017, http://tass.com/politics/965072
27 "Abe, Putin slam N. Korea nuke test, differ on denuclearization path", Kyodo News, September 7, 2017, https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/09/21d598ba6134-update3-abe-putin-to-discuss-n-korea-tensions-isles-row.html
28 "Comment by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on the Adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea’s nuclear test and other activities", Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 12, 2017, http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_001720.html
29 "No dialogue with North Korea without denuclearization, Abe says", Nikkei Asian Review, September 12, 2017, https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/No-dialogue-with-North-Korea-without-denuclearization-Abe-says
30 "U.N. Security Council approves watered-down additional sanctions against North Korea", The Japan Times, September 12, 2017, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/12/national/politics-diplomacy/u-n-security-council-votes-new-diluted-north-korea-sanctions-resolution-oil-export-cap/#.Wbei3cig-M-
31 "Foreign minister to visit Mideast to drum up pressure on N. Korea", Kyodo News, September 8, 2017, https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/09/430bdec4483d-foreign-minister-to-visit-mideast-to-drum-up-pressure-on-n-korea.html
32 "Abe, Putin slam N. Korea nuke test, differ on denuclearization path", Kyodo News, September 7, 2017, https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/09/21d598ba6134-update3-abe-putin-to-discuss-n-korea-tensions-isles-row.html
33 "Abe, Moon agree to push for stronger pressure on North Korea through new sanctions", Japan Times, September 7, 2017, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/07/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-moon-agree-push-stronger-pressure-north-korea-new-sanctions/#.WbIrTcig-M9