Japan, South Korea, United States To Hold In-Depth Policy Discussions Over North Korea’s Nuclear Program
Following North Korea's fourth nuclear testing that once again grabbed international attention, unending proposals for isolation and sanctions against the country have significantly increased.
The Korea Herald reported Tuesday that vice ministers of the United States, Japan and South Korea have scheduled a meeting on Saturday to discuss the "stifling sanctions" that North Korea should face for conducting its fourth nuclear test last week.
The officials will meet in Tokyo to commence an "in-depth policy discussions over North Korea's nuclear program."
South Korea will be represented by Vice Minister Lim Seung Nam, Vice Minister Akitaka Saiki for Japan and Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken for the United States.
Seoul's Foreign Ministry said they will not only be discussing the North's denuclearization but will also tackle "programs and ways to cooperate on other key regional and global issues."
Additionally, they will also be working on possible ways to bring China and Russia on board as they seek possible multilateral and individual sanctions against Kim Jong Un's nuclear claims.
"I am certain that China is very well aware if such a strong will isn't followed by necessary steps, we will not be able to stop the North's fifth and sixth nuclear tests, and we cannot guarantee true peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," said South Korean President Park Geun Hye, Reuters reported Tuesday.
However, some experts said the three-way cooperation of the countries could prompt China from avoiding their initiatives considering that Beijing has a "blood-forged" alliance with North Korea, and also because it has an ongoing issue with Washington regarding regional supremacy. Beijing is also facing a standoff with Japan in the East China Sea.
The meeting of the three country representatives marks the second round of vice-ministerial talks following the first meeting in Washington, DC last April. This will also be the first time for Vice Minister Lim Seung Nam to participate in the convention since he assumed the position just two months ago.