China Dispatches Envoys to N. Korea Amid 2nd Test Rumors

[Shaffer]

China appears to have dispatched two nuclear envoys to North Korea in what could amount to a last-ditch effort to keep Pyongyang from conducting another nuclear test.

Citing diplomatic officials in Beijing, former South Korean lawmaker Jang Sung-min said China's State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and nuclear envoy Wu Dawei left China on Tuesday or early Wednesday, probably heading for Pyongyang.

"Both of the men are out of China" and apparently went to North Korea, Jang quoted the official as saying.

A North Korean official in Beijing confirmed that Tang visited North Korea as a special envoy, the South's Yonhap news agency said, without naming the official.

China is North Korea's last remaining ally and key aid donor, but it remains unclear whether Beijing could succeed in dissuading Pyongyang from testing another nuclear device, especially after Beijing supported a U.N. resolution that included punitive measures.

Ri Gun, director-general of the North Korean Foreign Ministry's American affairs bureau, did not rule out another test in an interview with a U.S. television network in Pyongyang that was broadcast Wednesday.

"Even if there's a nuclear test, that is natural," Ri Gun said, without giving any further details.

In Washington, a veteran U.S. government arms control official told FOX News he believes North Korea will conduct a second nuclear test "sooner rather than later."

"If I was them, I would probably want to have another test, based on how the first test went," the official said of the North Koreans on condition of anonymity.

And while refusing to discuss classified intelligence, the source said he "wouldn't dispute" recent published reports claiming classified surveillance imagery has shown increased activity at North Korean nuclear sites, consistent with preparations for a nuclear test.

However, the official cautioned that a number of variables, including scientific, political, and economic factors, will affect Pyongyang's actions.

"You would not want to have a second failure," the official said, "so this argues for a later test. On the other hand, they might want a swift response to the Security Council [resolution], and that argues for sooner."

Jang, a former ruling party lawmaker who currently heads a policy think tank in Seoul, said the Chinese envoys could be poised to convey any North Korean message to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who arrived in Tokyo Wednesday.

Rice, who plans to visit Beijing after a stop in Seoul, reassured Japan Wednesday that the U.S. is ready to use the "full range" of its military might to defend its Asian ally.

"The United States has the will and the capability to meet the full range — and I underscore the full range — of its deterrent and security commitments to Japan," Rice said following discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso.

Rice's words were a reminder to U.S. allies that the United States does not want to see a new nuclear arms race in Asia, but will likely be taken also as a warning to North Korea that it could face the U.S. nuclear arsenal if it used a nuclear weapon on a neighbor.

The United States has repeatedly said t does not intend to attack North Korea or topple its communist regime.

Shortly before Rice arrived, Aso said Japan should openly discuss whether it wants to possess nuclear weapons. He told a parliamentary committee the government has no plans to stray from its post-World War II policy of not allowing nuclear bombs on Japanese soil, "But I think it is important to discuss the issue."

Even discussing the issue is extremely sensitive in Japan, with its troubled military history and experience as the only nation where nuclear weapons were used in wartime.

With Rice at his side, Aso did not repeat the need for a discussion.

"The government is absolutely not considering a need to be armed by nuclear weapons," Aso said. "We do not need to acquire nuclear arms with an assurance by Secretary of State Rice that the bilateral alliance would work without fault."

Later Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe insisted his government would not even discuss building a nuclear bomb.

"That debate is finished," Abe testily told reporters.

It was at least the third time since North Korea's test that Abe — a hawk on defense issues who came to office last month promising a more assertive Japan — has had to reassure jittery neighbors and an anxious United States that Tokyo would not abandon its postwar ban on nuclear weapons.

In addition to settling nerves among allies, Rice's Asia trip is meant to reinforce pressure on South Korea and especially China to enforce economic sanctions. Those include what the United States describes as an aggressive inspection and interdiction program that stops short of a full blockade of North Korean trade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[greensideout]

We can't bomb them, that would be an act of war on our part.

We can't declare war with them as they have not commited an act of war againest us.

We can't wait on the UN because they never act in a timely manner.

We can't open talks with them because they never listen.


Well, I'm out of options for a poll vote. I guess I'll just set back and watch as China yanks the chain on them---however, if China fails to do that we have a much bigger problem then just North Korea!

[Seeley]

Screw 'em.

[CJP]

North Korea -> NK -> NuKe.

It's really unbelievable that they dare to defy the world community like they do. It's like the kid who threaten the other because his big brother is not far.

I'm belgian and sometime I would like to be at the other side of atlantic to be with you because US dare and EU delay.

A suivre ...

[jryanjack]

Agree with GSO - we can't really do any of the options. This is a tough one and I think that its really only a matter of time before we finish what we started in the 50's.

My thought is that if there is another test then we should blockage their ports and stop all trade with them until they come to the table and stop their programs.

[CJP]

Dear Jryanjack,

Would you like to tell me who's the GSO ? It is the second time I see this term. Thank you.

CJP

Quote:

Originally Posted by jryanjack Agree with GSO - we can't really do any of the options. This is a tough one and I think that its really only a matter of time before we finish what we started in the 50's. My thought is that if there is another test then we should blockage their ports and stop all trade with them until they come to the table and stop their programs.

[krc0604]

How about economic sanctions against China, until they deal with their, little dog eating thug.

[jinelson]

Quote:

by CJP - Dear Jryanjack, Would you like to tell me who's the GSO ? It is the second time I see this term. Thank you. CJP

CJP first I would like to welcome you aboard Leatherneck.com and say that it is very refreshing to see folks from Europe take an interest in our Corps. I also would like to answer your question of Jryanjack. GSO is what we refer to our brother and fellow member greensideout as. This is his profile: http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/member.php?u=3166 I know that the differences in languages can be confusing at times. I hope you enjoy this site and look forward to reading your future comments from your prospective.

Jim

[yellowwing]

Talk first. A talk can last a day, or longer if it progresses. We can always escalate from there as needed. Our NCA turn around time is I'm guessing 10-15 minutes to launch our own missiles.

[killerinstinct]

Iran is doing the same thing and an example must be made out of one of them. North Korea would be a more likely target as it has actually tested where Iran hasnt.

There is way too much talk going on and these two countries are using diplomacy as a way to buy more time to aquire nuclear weapons.

[6yrforMar]

Techanically speaking we are still at war with N.Korea.Their is a truce in place.I think we and the other 5 or 6 countries involved should have talks with them at least until we are finished with the Iraq War.We are spread too thin to bomb them now unless we use Nukes.We are really between a rock and a hard place,if they get more nukes they may sell them to terrorist groups.

[Dave Coup]

I don't know the answer but I hope someone does and acts quickly. Either of those countries, N.K. or Iran would happily supply a nuke to any Terrorist Group and therein lies the biggest problem. Terrorists are the delivery system for Pajama Boy and his Alphabet counter-part in Iran.

Semper Fidelis
Dave

[semperfiordie]

The United States can not keep sitting around waiting for North Korea to make up it's mind if it's going to act right and so forth. Therefor we must teach them a lesson now so when we get old and so forth our children won't have to be going to war against them.

OHHHRAHH and SEMPER FIDELIS

"Pain is weakness leaving the body."

1LT Ford, USMC

[Ed Sullivan]

I agree with 6yrforMarines we are techinally at war with N Korea but N. Korea knows it will get it bum kicked without China on its 6.

I believe the spelling to be OOORRRRAAA "Sir" Semper Fi

[blackelk]

I say we leave it to the UN for what their worth