North Korea, Sanctions, and Kim Jong-un

[TheCracker]

If NK launches a nuclear missile at Guam, China will be neutral.

Nuclear or ballistic missile?

 

[Blitz24]

Nuclear or ballistic missile?

Didn't specify but either one wouldn't directly affect China so my guess is that it's irrelevant.

 

[Rage Racer]

Nuclear or ballistic missile?

One doesn't rule out another, does it?

 

[Corsa]

It's all ridiculous.

The problem is China doesn't want US to change the political environment on the Korean peninsula.

It's all going to come to a head one day whether it's tomorrow or 10 years from now.

 

[Rallywagon]

I find it unlikely it will take 10 years. I'd be surprised if it took more than 3. If the DPRK launches a strike, much less one that actually hits it's target, I wonder if Trump will give two 🤬 what China thinks or says. Especially given his rhetoric already. and since the DPRK don't seem to be under China's thumb anymore, and given their actions even when they were, I doubt diplomacy is going to work at this point either.

 

[Rich S]

https://m.liveleak.com/view?i=

If you read about the history between USA and NK it's actually humorous. The Koreans are smart, and sharp. Reading their statements to media makes them sound like the guy from that movie with the Afghan deal, the arms traders. They are anti USA involvement, and their tongues are sharp the Koreans both north and south.

 

[Rallywagon]

Looks like you forgot some important parts of that link @Rich S

 

[JKgo]

Erm, they all go to Macau. It's pretty much Las Vegas and that's where all the crazy rich mainlanders go.

...Yeah, that too. Plenty of casinos around the SEA region, there. One goes up in a hypothetical cloud, then others should benefit from the increased traffic.

That was a joke, btw.

 

[McLaren]

From the wording I heard this morning on CBS, I believe that it would not be okay. It almost sounds like China will stand for NK regardless of conflict and wants this to be de-escalated diplomatically. This might also be due to the fact that North Korea is deliberately saying they will target Guam (but I saw nothing on them vowing to hit Guam). Rather, drop the missiles just off of Guam. If they miss and hit Guam, I cannot imagine they would change their stance though. They are clear in not wanting a US presence in their area and they don't want a unified Korea to be led by the South.

Would it be wrong to assume China is on the stance of, "Hey NK, let's not piss off the US or it'll end badly for you. But also, we won't be mad if you do. "

 

[Blitz24]

Would it be wrong to assume China is on the stance of, "Hey NK, let's not piss off the US or it'll end badly for you. But also, we won't be mad if you do. "

Pretty much. That's why I figure that diplomacy has to be the option because the only two entities that can probably put fear in North Korea are China and Russia. Neither one really cares if they fire a nuke in this situation. Well, China might care but the statement given shows otherwise.

 

[Corsa]

https://m.liveleak.com/view?i=

If you read about the history between USA and NK it's actually humorous. The Koreans are smart, and sharp. Reading their statements to media makes them sound like the guy from that movie with the Afghan deal, the arms traders. They are anti USA involvement, and their tongues are sharp the Koreans both north and south.

Your linky no worky.

 

[McLaren]

Pretty much. That's why I figure that diplomacy has to be the option because the only two entities that can probably put fear in North Korea are China and Russia. Neither one really cares if they fire a nuke in this situation. Well, China might care but the statement given shows otherwise.

So it boils down to how much China values its trade with the West then. But letting NK attack us first and then staying neutral surely sends a poor message to the rest of the world as well.

For some reason though, I think if Russia gets involved before we do, it's not going to be as lenient as China has been. Putin comes across as someone who would make the same threat as Trump towards NK if he feels Un's actions are going to jeopardize Russia in anyway regardless of the US.

 

[Rich S]

Your linky no worky.

Ya here it is, the axe murders. Viewer discretion advised.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe_murder_incident


I get the feeling Russia doesn't care at all. The north Koreans and USA have been at it for the last 65 years, Sweden is our representative, as the USA has a personal issue with DPKR.

Anyways, Putin wouldn't waste effort, waste calories worrying about silly Kim just like he doesn't worry about Caitlyn Jenner or Justin bieber. Ha!

 

[Dotini]

I'm not at all convinced that NK has miniaturized the bomb or attained other essential steps for its accurate intercontinental delivery and reliable detonation. There is zero evidence for any of this, merely assertions or suggestions from miscellaneous intelligence agents. Certainly no more persuasive than Bush and Blair ballyhooing Saddam's mooted WMD prior to the Iraq invasion.

Are we being tricked and led by the nose once again by fake news? Why not? It wags the dog and benefits Trump and the wannabe Japanese militarist Abe. Maybe, even very likely, its all BS.

 

[Dennisch]

Except now you have a looney who is threatening the USA.

 

[Dotini]

Except now you have a looney who is threatening the USA.

Threats, yes. But not acts of war. He puffs himself up to strut on the world stage - with our collusion and that of the Japanese.

I can make loud noises and stinking smoke, and wave my arms around and threaten Mars. No one cares. Emotional buttons are being effectively pushed by marginally believable politicians for purposes of their own. I am skeptical. Caveat Emptor.

 

[Famine]

Except now you have a looney who is threatening the USA.

Well, it was him or Hillary.

 

[Dennisch]

Well, it was him or Hillary.

I shall correct my statement.

Now we have 2 loonies threatening the USA. Little Boy and Fat Man. (stolen from the internet)

 

[Joey D]

Threats, yes. But not acts of war. He puffs himself up to strut on the world stage - with our collusion and that of the Japanese.

I can make loud noises and stinking smoke, and wave my arms around and threaten Mars. No one cares. Emotional buttons are being effectively pushed by marginally believable politicians for purposes of their own. I am skeptical. Caveat Emptor.

Under international law though I think we have casus belli against North Korea since they did commit an act of war when they tested their ICBM's and they landed in Japan's waters. This could be seen as an attack and since we're allied with Japan, the cause for war could be justified.

Not that I think we should go to war though, I think most of the American public is tired of military conflict since it's been going continuously since 2001.

 

[Rage Racer]

Under international law though I think we have casus belli against North Korea since they did commit an act of war when they tested their ICBM's and they landed in Japan's waters. This could be seen as an attack and since we're allied with Japan, the cause for war could be justified.

The missiles fell into Japan's economic zone but not Japan's territorial waters AFAIK. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)

 

[FoRiZon]

North Korean take on REACT channel.

 

[Dennisch]

North Korea has fired a missile that flew over Japan.

That's a breach of Japanese airspace. This needs to trigger proper action before it goes wrong.

 

[Robin]

Japan had to activate its emergency text message system telling people to take cover underground. This is getting ridiculous now, firing a missile over another countries airspace is beyond nuts. Japan could have shot it down but I guess they are also scared of retaliation.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

I don't know why any of your are surprised, North Korean leaders were pretty adamant about this, and just like other tyrants of history, usually when they say they're going to do something they do it.

 

[Blitz24]

I don't know why any of your are surprised, North Korean leaders were pretty adamant about this, and just like other tyrants of history, usually when they say they're going to do something they do it.

Eventually NK will cross the line of no return and China will be unable to stop them either.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Eventually NK will cross the line of no return and China will be unable to stop them either.

Agreed, but as seen of late, it seems they've already stepped on too many toes for China to ignore. And to be frank, I doubt N. Korea care if China turns their back on them. They have this "fine, I'll do it myself" attitude about them anyways.

 

[JKgo]

....There's something I just realised, after I recently started translating a Korean webnovel to English.

When you look at the map of the peninsula and the surrounding geography, you can't help but wonder how the hell in the world it came to be that the four of this planet's major superpowers have either national borders there, or have a vested economic and political interest in the region. And to make the matters worse, these four big "whales" are on the opposing sides of ideology, even.

And the tiny little NK is the only plug that's been wiggling in between these giants. Makes me shudder somewhat - I heard people proclaim that the Middle East is the world's most dangerous flashpoint, but seeing the volatile nature of this small region in the arse-end of the Asian continent, I have to strongly differ from the opinion.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

....There's something I just realised, after I recently started translating a Korean webnovel to English.

When you look at the map of the peninsula and the surrounding geography, you can't help but wonder how the hell in the world it came to be that the four of this planet's major superpowers have either national borders there, or have a vested economic and political interest in the region. And to make the matters worse, these four big "whales" are on the opposing sides of ideology, even.

And the tiny little NK is the only plug that's been wiggling in between these giants. Makes me shudder somewhat - I heard people proclaim that the Middle East is the world's most dangerous flashpoint, but seeing the volatile nature of this small region in the arse-end of the Asian continent, I have to strongly differ from the opinion.

Based on what, proximity alone? And you have to be specific about the four Super powers, I know of the three, I wouldn't call S Korea a super power if that's the fourth one you're referring too.

 

[Rallywagon]

You guys don't think firing an ICBM into another countries air space, while continuing the rhetoric that they are going to nuke someone isn't already crossing the line of no return? Are we really going to wait for them to nuke someone before we do something about it?
Maybe I just have a chip in my shoulder from all the bullying I endured, but by my estimation, it's better to smash the bully in the mouth before they get bold enough to start doing serious harm. For me, they crossed the line years ago, as soon as they started dropping missiles into surrounding seas while chanting to the world they were building nukes to blow up America and their enemies.

 

[Dennisch]

What we need in this situation is that bully's dangerously large big brother to step in and punch the bully in the face.