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3. N. Korea’s Continued Provocations Lead to Strong Int’l Sanctions

2016-12-29

N. Korea’s Continued Provocations Lead to Strong Int’l Sanctions

2016 saw stronger nuclear and missile provocations from North Korea, leading the international community to slap tighter sanctions on Pyongyang.

The North conducted two nuclear tests and launched missiles several times this year. The provocations led to the implementation of more UN sanctions on the North, including a restriction on the North’s coal exports and of independent sanctions by major countries.

Despite the international community’s repeated warnings, the North carried out its fourth nuclear test on January sixth. Then on February seventh, it launched a long-range missile. On March second, 57 days after Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test, the UN Security Council(UNSC) adopted Resolution 2270 which included the UN’s toughest sanctions yet against the North.

However, that didn’t stop Pyongyang from engaging in further provocations. On August 24th, the North test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile(SLBM) in waters off its eastern coast and conducted its fifth nuclear test on September ninth.

The North’s fifth nuclear test highlighted the need for a new level of sanctions against Pyongyang and to make up for shortcomings from Resolution 2270.

On November 30th, 82 days after the fifth nuclear test, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2321, which included a substantial export ban on coal, Pyongyang’s main source of income. The resolution also virtually called on member states to not hire North Korean workers and to limit the North’s diplomatic activities.