North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions

North Korea's announcement that they will hold a nuclear test as a defensive measure has been met with extreme resistance not only from their neighbors, but also from the United States. Condoleeza Rice called the announcement a "wake-up call" for other nations in the region, and stated, "It would be a very provocative act. I think that you would see that a number of states in the region would need to reassess where they are now with North Korea."

The newly elected prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, reacted strongly, stating that they would not tolerate a nuclear test. Abe, who has big plans to shore up Japan's defenses, is planning to meet with Chinese and South Korean leaders later this week to discuss these new developments.

North Korea is maintaining that they have the right to test nuclear weapons and has stated that they will do so under extreme caution. However, analysts are warning that nuclear fallout could be a huge problem for their neighbors. This does not seem to be deterring North Korea from their resolve. Pak Myung-Guk, a spokesman for North Korea stated, "It is just the corresponding measure for defense, for us to defend ourselves. It is the really essential process for nuclear deterrence."

In addition to their nuclear warnings, North Korea is also calling for the complete removal of US troops from South Korea. A North Korean state newspaper carried an official release from the government, which stated in part, "The US occupational forces in the South are putting spurs on warlike forces there while blocking the improvement of North-South relations by raising tension by reckless, provocative military drills. It is our nation's persistent resolve and intention to force the US invasion forces to leave the South."

Meanwhile, South Korea is moving forward with supplying North Korea with aid after flooding left several areas decimated. The aid package, which was sent by ship, included 6,400 tons of cement. A South Korean official, who asked to remain anonymous, defended their actions stating, "As North Korea has yet to conduct a nuclear test, it is difficult to immediately halt sending flood relief aid, which is being provided on a humanitarian basis. However, we will decide future plans (of shipments) after monitoring the situation."

South Korea has also stated that this humanitarian aid package is different from the other aid that they stopped supplying after North Korea launched several missiles in July 2006.