US says reports of North Korean leader visiting China “speculation”; Seoul to bolster control of Dokdo; South Korean Navy ship sinks off the Yellow Sea, nearly 50 sailors reported missing; US to consider restarting food aid to North Korea
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • The US welcomed remarks by a North Korean envoy that Pyongyang will return to the six-party talks before June.1 US diplomats dismissed as “speculation” reports that North Korea’s Kim Jong-Il was preparing to visit China. They however hoped that such a trip could lead to the resumption of international talks on Pyongyang's nuclear issue.2 US officials also expressed the hope that the landmark agreement between the US and Russia for a new START treaty will help prevent nuclear proliferation by countries like North Korea and Iran.3 US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell meanwhile met with South Korea's top nuclear negotiator in Seoul and discussed issues of mutual concern.4

    South Korean President Lee Myung-bak stated that his administration will study ways to bolster Seoul's control of Dokdo, as the country's parliament issued a strongly-worded resolution against Japan's continued territorial claims on the East Sea Islets.5

    In a contentious incident, a South Korean Navy ship on a routine patrolling mission sank off the Seoul-controlled island of Baengnyeong in the Yellow Sea. Nearly 50 sailors were reported missing.6 North Korea also charged that the South Korean military had "committed grave armed provocation" at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two countries. South Korean officials however denied the allegations.7

    Gen. Walter Sharp, commander of US forces in Korea testified before a House Appropriations Committee that Kim Jong-Il has tried hard for the past year to establish his third and youngest son as heir apparent amid growing complaints over a worsening economy.8

    The US on its part indicated that it will consider restarting food aid to North Korea. The aid was suspended in early 2009 amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.9 South Korea meanwhile significantly reduced import quotas for eight North Korean agricultural goods, in a strong enforcement of UN economic sanctions.10

    Top