North Korea's Nuclear Test and the Balance of Power in East Asia

Dec

2006

Written by Jesse W Kline

Introduction

On October 9, 2006, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, announced that it had successfully tested a nuclear bomb. This test has gained North Korea entry into an exclusive club that consists of eight other states that have nuclear capabilities. Since numerous countries have confirmed that North Korea did indeed test a nuclear weapon, the issue has shifted from preventing the state from acquiring nuclear weapons to warning of how a nuclear armed Korean peninsula will affect the balance of power in the region. However, the transition from a policy of disarmament is not a foregone conclusion, as U.S. foreign policy still appears to be focused on disarming the North Korean regime. Many pundits are now wondering if this test will spark a nuclear arms race in the region, with Japan and South Korea looking to acquire nuclear arms and China looking to update its nuclear arsenal. Trying to disarm North Korea is no longer a valid foreign policy goal for any of the countries involved in the six-party talks. These countries should focus on ensuring that North Korea does not sell these weapons or transfer nuclear materials or knowledge to any other state or non-state actor. As well, international efforts should focus on nuclear non-proliferation in the region. In other words, there is great potential for other states to try to acquire nuclear weaponry to counterbalance the threat from North Korea. This acquisition should be discouraged to try to prevent a nuclear arms race in the region. The international community needs to shift its attention away from disarmament, towards a policy of containment and non-proliferation.

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