Korea: The Hexagon of Uncertainty

The six-way talks on North Korea's nuclear program made significant headway, even if the communist country did threaten to test a nuclear bomb. This article in the Asia Times notes that amidst much of its usual belligerent rhetoric, North Korea backed down on two previous demands by partaking in the talks, simultaneously giving up on bilateral negotiations with the US and meeting without a non-aggression treaty. The talks also managed to produce a six-point consensus on the nuclear issue, the article notes, including a resolution to pursue long-term peace, a plan to work for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula while taking the North's security concerns into consideration, and an agreement to meet again. This next round of talks will likely be held within the next two months, shortly before winter – and an increased need for foreign aid – arrives in Pyongyang. The article gives China much of the credit for this progress, pointing out that the country has been a great stabilizing factor throughout the talks. By taking the lead in negotiations, the article says, China is attempting to ensure regional stability and foster a strategic partnership with the US in the region. – YaleGlobal