Longstanding Game in Customary way continues in North Korea

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North Korea leader Kim Jong Un’s hardline statements about his country’s planned weapons program advances reflect his long-term policy of building up its offensive capabilities as means of protecting its interests and as a bargaining chip in his hand. It is a test that Pyongyang applied to President Biden. Naturally, Pyongyang made its move and it needs to keep its wait-and-see approach to sense how new Biden administration would react before Kim Jong Un makes his next move.

However the new Biden administration prioritizes Iran nuclear deal, US-China relationship and Covid-19 related domestic issues. Pyongyang seeks to compel US to address its objections concerning the sanctions, development programs, relations with foreign states and accessing international financial resources. On the other hand, Kim Jong also seeks to maintain good relations with China and lesser extent with Russia and South Korea. US has looking ways to assert influence in Asia and China does not want it. Therefore, China would be cautious with North Korea actions to provoke US to deploy military establishments in Asia. Moreover, China is very much concerned with US intension to set up a alliance like NATO in Asia which would confront rising China interests.

North Korea has been hurt due to Covid-19, international sanctions, dire economic circumstances and natural disasters. Therefore, it is Kim Jong’s interest to secure removing sanctions as a starting point. Therefore, Kim Jong has been holding the weapon program as a major bargaining chip in his hand. It seems Pyongyang made his move to commence an longstanding game with new US administration in customary ways.