Concern on North Korea Brings US Pressure

Suspicions about North Korea's possible nuclear materials sales to other nations have prompted diplomatic actions aimed at amplifying Chinese pressure on Kim Jong Il. A US envoy traveled to Beijing, urging the government to join in the effort to force North Korea to abandon its weapons program. China has agreed to cooperate, swayed by the caliber of damning new scientific evidence, but has reportedly urged Bush to refrain from public pronouncements about North Korean nuclear activity. A diplomatic solution will be essential, due to lack of adequate information for effective military action. And while there is talk of trade isolation or other destabilizing economic actions, US leaders have determined that China's participation is crucial in dealing with a dangerous North Korean nuclear threat. –YaleGlobal