[whiteperil] Sean: More projectiles

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Posted by Sean:
More projectiles
http://whiteperil.com/posts/1152246115.shtml


   Today's [1]lead editorial in the Nikkei sensibly wonders whether
   reactions to the DPRK's missile shenanigans from the PRC and Russia
   will do more harm than good:

     The countries on which North Korea, which has launched several
     successive ballistic [test] missiles over the Sea of Japan, most
     relies are surely China and Russia. One can see this in the way
     they responded to the joint proposal by the US and Japan that the
     United Nations Security Council issue a condemnation of North Korea
     with a push for the statement issued by the chairman to express
     criticism [but] have no real restraining power. North Korea has
     announced that it will continue to launch missiles; the result of
     China and Russia's position is that the DPRK is emboldened, and the
     security of both countries themselves is threatened.
     On 6 July, a spokesman for the DPRK Minister of Foreign Affairs
     officially acknowledged the launching of the ballistic missile and
     stated that the DPRK will have no choice but to take even more
     unwavering, physically active measures in other forms if (1) it
     continues missile experiments from here on as one component of its
     strengthening of its defensive strike capability and (2) anyone
     attempts to pressure it [into not doing so, presumably]. The second
     stage will apparently involve keeping a close watch on the
     movements of the UNSC.

   Something worth noting that informs but isn't explicit anywhere in the
   Nikkei editorial: Japan's deep and long-standing distrust of its two
   giant continental neighbors. It's hardly misplaced in this situation.
   Russia's ambassador to the UN has warned against getting too emotional
   over the attempted Taepodong 2 launch, and I think so-and-so party
   leader in the PRC urged everyone toward "calm."
   Well, all right. But it's also worth noting that DPRK leaders seem to
   find a slight froth of righteous indignation on the part of its
   adversaries perversely affirming. Makes them feel like important
   geopolitical players or something, I guess. Given the humiliating
   failure of the Taepodong 2--which wasn't exactly predictable but is
   hardly a surprise--the DPRK may receive censure with somewhat more
   rawness than usual. But still, one might have expected China and
   Russia to allow for a bit more sternness with their friends in North
   Korea, if only out of long-term self-interest.

References

   1. http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/shasetsu/index20060706MS3M0600306072006.html