U.S. sets the “Red Line” on the N. Korea Nuclear Issue

By quoting a high-ranking official of the U.S. government, Japan`s Yomiuri Shimbun reported yesterday that the U.S. finalized its policy to draw a limit line (“Red Line”), referring to a scenario in which North Korea transfers nuclear-related materials to a third party, and that the U.S. would take strong countermeasures “immediately” if North Korea steps over this line.

The official did not explain the specific countermeasures to be taken if North Korea steps over the line, but the newspaper reported that it is understood, in fact, that the decision was a strong warning that the U.S. does not exclude the possibility of using military forces.

It is the first time that a high-profile official of the George W. Bush administration commented on the limits of the Red Line concerning the North Korea nuclear issue.

The Yomiuri Shimbun conveyed that the official stressed, “(North Korea) should never think that it can make the transfer,” referring to the transfer of nuclear materials to a third party.

Additionally, the newspaper quoted another U.S. high-ranking official who stated, “Concerning the indication that the U.S. would not be able to exert sufficient military pressure because the U.S. has its hands tied in Iraq, Iraq is no hindrance, for the army is dispatched to that country and the U.S. will mainly cope with North Korea with its navy and air forces.”

Won-Jae Park parkwj@donga.com