North Korea Agrees to Return to Nuclear Talks

After a lengthy meeting in Beijing with Chinese and US officials, North Korea agreed to return to Six-Party Talks. The announcement could ease tensions in the Asia Pacific region after North Korea tested a nuclear device in early October. North Korea has sent mixed messages to the international community during the past year: During the last round of talks in 2005, North Korea had assured the other five parties – Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and the US – that it would stop its nuclear research in exchange for aid and guarantees about security. Then, the government expressed anger about financial sanctions imposed by the US, test-fired a missile in July and described sanctions quickly imposed by the United Nations in October as an “act of war.” However, China – which provides much of North Korea’s food and energy – also joined the UN measure and signaled its displeasure about its neighbor’s defiance. Ongoing sternness from China could keep North Korea in line and result in some productive diplomacy for the region. – YaleGlobal