Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday called out Russia and China for failing to do enough to halt North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, and said the U.S. questions whether those countries are committed to stopping the regime.
“We particularly call on Russia and China to increase pressure, including going beyond full implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions,” Tillerson said. “Continuing to allow North Korean labors to toil in slave-like conditions inside Russia in exchange for wages used to fund nuclear weapons programs calls into question Russia’s dedication as a partner for peace.”
“Similarly, as Chinese crude oil flows to North Korean refineries, the United States questions China’s commitment to solving an issue that has serious implications for the security of its own citizens,” he added.
Tillerson’s comments were aimed at achieving the full implementation of U.N. sanctions and the additional pressure of an oil embargo that China has opposed. He started his speech with a broad warning that failing to act swiftly calls into question the commitment of all U.N. members to rein in North Korea.
“Each U.N. member state must fully implement all existing U.N. Security Council resolutions,” Tillerson said during a United Nations Security Council meeting. “For those nations who have not done so, or who have been slow to enforce Security Council resolutions, your hesitation calls into question whether your vote is a commitment to words only, but not actions.”
China and Russia blocked a UN draft resolution that would have mandated an oil embargo on North Korea in September. Instead, the UN Security Council voted to lower oil exports to the regime.
“The last time the North Koreans came to the table, it was because China cut the oil off,” Tillerson said Tuesday. “Three days later, the North Koreans were at the table talking.”
That September effort followed North Korea’s launch of a missile that flew over Japan, as well as the detonation of a nuclear bomb. Since then, North Korea has also tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that appears capable of striking any place in the United States.
That development spurred Friday’s Security Council meeting, which featured a rare appearance from North Korea as well. With a senior regime diplomat in attendance, Tillerson reiterated the warning that the Trump administration is willing to take military action to prevent the regime from acquiring the ability to strike the United States.
“We have been clear that all options remain on the table in defense of our nation, but, we do not seek nor do we want war,” Tillerson said. “The United States will not allow the regime in Pyongyang to hold the world hostage.”
