News Exercise #223

1. Mr Kono thinks the sanctions will work, but how long will it take, what is needed during this time, and what are is the alternative?
2. How could these sanctions work much faster, and why is it not happening?
3. How does China now consider North Korea?
4. According to Kono, why does japan need to step up its role in the security of the region?

Answers:
1. Mr Kono thinks the sanctions will work, but how long will it take, what is needed during this time, and what are is the alternative?
He said that it would take months, and that they have to be patient and well-coordinated. The only alternative is military action, which noboone wants.
2. How could these sanctions work much faster, and why is it not happening?
It would work faster if China closed down the border and shut off the supply of oil. The reason China is not doing this is that they are worried that North Korea could collapse, and then millions of refugees would cross into China.
3. How does China now consider North Korea?
He said that China now considers North Korea as a liability, not an asset.
4. According to Kono, why does japan need to step up its role in the security of the region?
He said that Japan needs to be able to protect itself because the security regime has changed (since the US took responsibility for protection of the region), and that Japan needs to be able to shoot down North Korean missiles.