North Korea Claims Shift of Focus to "Economic Development"

Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Latest: Kim Jong-un Speech Claims A Shift of Focus Towards National/Economic Development

Kim Jong-un, present North Korean Leader

Early this morning, Kim Jong-un gave a speech which took a different approach from North Korea’s usual hostile rhetoric. These days, North Korea is making headlines and being closely watched and scrutinized all over the world. Breaking news comes regularly, from the recent passing of former “Great Leader” Kim Jong Il to their recurring threats of pursuing a nuclear war with the U.S. As North Korea pulls closer to achieving nuclear capability- and as we get more and more alerts of nuclear activity and tests on their soil- these serious threats carry far more weight than before.

Today’s speech, however, did not call for war, but rather highlighted his apparent shift in focus towards national and economic development. He clarified that the nuclear activity and capabilities were necessary in that they supported the economy and when speaking on current affairs, he blamed the U.S. of forcing North Korea into an arms race solely for the purpose of hindering economic growth. In light of everything that is going on, one wonders if this isn’t some ploy to dim the burning spotlight he has so successfully placed on the ever-controversial and secretive country.

His claims of foreign bullying are not far-fetched. Just this past weekend, the White House took a strong position in response to the threats by deploying counter missile warships off the Korean coast. Aerial presence of a B-2 stealth bomber in South Korea skies only gives Kim Jong-un more reason to worry. Critics believe, and it seems inevitable, that the U.S. show of strength will soon cause a military retaliation from North Korea.

Kim Jong-un is extremely young (30) and clearly under high pressure to prove himself and step from under his father’s shadow. It is speculated that he is being coerced by the older, experienced and highly influential military generals into taking a more definitive stance against both South Korea and the United States.

Tensions continue to escalate between the North and South, with both sides drawing closer to an eventual military standoff. Much of this tension has only been further instigated by the United States, who has repeatedly asked the UN to place tougher sanctions on North Korea. On March 8th, 2013 these sanctions passed with all votes in the UN and if China- North Korea’s number one trading partner and ally- eventually cracks down (unlikely), it will certainly be interesting to see where the country turns for support.

F.E.A


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