Won Gon Park, the Chair of EAI North Korea Studies Center, contends that North Korea is using a divide-and-conquer strategy between South Korea and the U.S. by revealing its uranium enrichment facilities, increasing direct threat to South Korea while avoiding test launches of missiles that could strike the U.S. mainland. He suggests that by exposing easily concealable nuclear facilities, North Korea aims to signal the need for nuclear disarmament talks and gain de facto recognition as a nuclear state. Regarding a potential seventh nuclear test, Park believes it is unlikely, as it would harm Trump’s election prospects and strain North Korea-China relations. |
