North Korea: A Challenge, the Response, and Resurrection of Talks
October witnessed significant developments in the struggle to find a resolution to North Korea’s nuclear program.
· On October 9, the DPRK tested a nuclear device.
· On October 14, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1718 condemning the test and calling on UN members to block the supply of (i) major weapons systems; (ii) hardware and technology related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD); and (iii) luxury goods. Individual member nations moved to respond to the call.
· On October 31, China announced that, following tripartite talks among the DPRK, China, and the United States,
the DPRK had agreed to return to the Six Party Talks.