Clinton warns of further North Korea provocations
- 12 years ago
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned on Tuesday (April 11) that history points to "additional provocations" from North Korea after its expected rocket launch this week, suggesting isolated Pyongyang feared closer relations with the outside world.
In a wide-ranging speech on U.S. policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, Clinton said North Korea's decision to launch weeks after it agreed to re-engage in disarmament talks "raises questions about Pyongyang's seriousness in saying that it desires to improve relations with us and its neighbors."
North Korea calls the rocket a weather satellite, but others see it as an advanced missile, she added.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"Now, this new threat comes only weeks after North Korea agreed to a moratorium on nuclear and missile testing. The speed of the turnaround raises questions about Pyongyang's seriousness in saying that it desires to improve relations with us and its neighbors. This launch will give credence to the view that North Korean leaders see improved relations with the outside world as a threat to the existence of their system. And recent history strongly suggests that additional provocations may follow. So we are working around the clock with South Korea and Japan to strengthen our alliances and sharpen our deterrent."
Clinton also called on China to embrace and participate more in regional security efforts, and to address the problem of cyber theft of intellectual property.
In a wide-ranging speech on U.S. policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, Clinton said North Korea's decision to launch weeks after it agreed to re-engage in disarmament talks "raises questions about Pyongyang's seriousness in saying that it desires to improve relations with us and its neighbors."
North Korea calls the rocket a weather satellite, but others see it as an advanced missile, she added.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"Now, this new threat comes only weeks after North Korea agreed to a moratorium on nuclear and missile testing. The speed of the turnaround raises questions about Pyongyang's seriousness in saying that it desires to improve relations with us and its neighbors. This launch will give credence to the view that North Korean leaders see improved relations with the outside world as a threat to the existence of their system. And recent history strongly suggests that additional provocations may follow. So we are working around the clock with South Korea and Japan to strengthen our alliances and sharpen our deterrent."
Clinton also called on China to embrace and participate more in regional security efforts, and to address the problem of cyber theft of intellectual property.