On June 12, 2018, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un met for the first time in history at the summit between the two countries held on the island of Sentosa in Singapore. On this occasion, the two leaders signed a joint declaration in which, among other things, the two countries committed themselves to establishing new diplomatic relations for peace and prosperity. But, on 6th of December, satellite images obtained by CNN reveal North Korea has significantly expanded a key long-range missile base. At the end of November, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was willing to allow inspectors into the reclusive country’s main nuclear complex in Yongbyon. The image released by CNN deals with the military base located in Yeongjeo-dong.
Is this information valuable ?
As a reminder, during the severe arm-struggle ocurred in 2017 between the U.S and North Korea, Kim Jong Un decided to pause the nuclear program. For the moment, this information comes from CNN. In other words, we have to wait a few days to get further information. Nevertheless, over the past months, several sources have raised questions about North Korean missiles building. Since the end of the Korea war (1950-1953) it has to be said that North Korea has been almost 100% closed to the world. Consequently, great powers are today unable to get intelligence from this country.
What are the consequences ?
First and foremost, the effectiveness of Trump’s foreign policy is impacted. Indeed, Trump and his allies often proudly claims the crisis with North Korea as a victory for the US. The image of Trump is worldwide eroded and an other ” battle ” with Kim could be even more affected. Then, If such affairs tend to be too numerous, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un may get their country into an other diplomatic crisis.
Besides, if North Korea obtain nuclear deterrence, power struggle in Eastern Asia might change. Indeed, nuclear capabilities affects the position of a country. On the long run, the country concerned will own a nuclear umbrella. In view of the improvement of relations between North and South Korea, the latter could line up behind North Korea. In the decades to come, the latter is likely.
