FOX News: Russia, China are North Korea's 'enablers,' Tillerson says
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson lashed out at Russia and China early Saturday, following North Korea’s second test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile – and reports that Kim Jong Un’s regime was now capable of striking cities on the U.S. mainland.
Tillerson labeled the two U.S. rivals the “principal economic enablers” of North Korea’s weapons programs, and called on them to ramp up efforts to curb the growing nuclear threat from Pyongyang.
“All nations should take a strong public stance against North Korea by maintaining and strengthening U.N. sanctions to ensure North Korea will face consequences for its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them,” Tillerson said.
China has reportedly pressed North Korea to abide by all relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and cease any actions that could escalate tensions.
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Update #1: Rex Tillerson targets Russia and China for being 'enablers' of North Korea's ballistic missile launch (Washington Examiner)
WNU Editor: U.S. Secretary of state Tillerson is right .... China and Russia are enabling North Korea whether they deny it or not. I should also add that it is when I read stories like this one that I have to wonder if the leaders of Russia and China are stupid. In the case of China .... they enjoy a $400 billion trade surplus with the U.S., and it is because of this trade imbalance that China is able to prosper. More to the point ... the children of China's political elite go to the U.S. to study, their investments are going to the U.S., their vacations are now in the U.S., and if China wants peace with their neighbours because of border disputes, they will be needing the U.S. on board to minimise any tensions that may explode. So why does China want to jeopardise all of this for a country that is run by a despotic dictator that provides only a few billion dollars in business with China .... and I am willing to bet that this trade is spotty at best ... is beyond me. Are they doing this (and risking everything) because of history, to stick it to the U.S., and is there another agenda at play .... as I said .... on the surface this is stupid, and when I ask my Chinese friends why .... to be frank .... they do not know what to say.
Update 2: Yup .... U.S. allies have also not been helpful .... How America's Friends Aid North Korea's Missile Program (Anthony Ruggiero, National Interest).
