North Korea warns US of ‘greatest pain’

UN set to rule on harsher sanctions

SEOUL: North Korea warned of retaliation if the United Nations Security Council approves a US proposal for harsher sanctions after Pyongyang conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Kim Jong-un’s regime “is closely following the moves of the US with vigilance”, its state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said yesterday, citing a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“In case the US eventually does rig up the illegal and unlawful ‘resolution’ on harsher sanctions, the DPRK shall make absolutely sure that the US pays a due price,” it said.

“The forthcoming measures to be taken by the DPRK will cause the US the greatest pain and suffering it had ever gone through in its entire history,” KCNA reported.

The warning came as the US called for a vote on Monday on a draft resolution to tighten sanctions on North Korea, which has repeatedly tested bombs and missiles as it seeks the ability to target the US with a nuclear weapon.

Mr Kim threw a banquet over the weekend to reward the scientists and engineers behind the Sept 3 test, thought to be of a hydrogen bomb.

In response, the US, South Korea and Japan want the Security Council to implement stronger measures against North Korea, including bans on oil imports, exports of textiles and employment of its guest workers by other countries. They also want to freeze Mr Kim’s assets.

The US-drafted resolution is said to drop a proposed oil embargo and instead cap shipments of refined petroleum products at 2 million barrels a year and limit crude oil exports to North Korea to current levels.

The draft won’t propose blacklisting Mr Kim, nor will it seek an asset freeze on the military-controlled national airline Air Koryo.

It’s unclear whether the proposal will pass. China and Russia, which can veto any UN measures, have expressed scepticism that tough sanctions will stop North Korea’s nuclear push and have pushed for peace talks.

China, meanwhile, has strengthened its smuggling checks in areas bordering North Korea, Yonhap News reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said more sanctions wouldn’t work, while China is wary about cutting off Mr Kim’s economic lifeline to the point it risks collapsing his regime.

China is North Korea’s main ally and by far its biggest trading partner, including for oil shipments.

China would support further UN action if it helped restart dialogue with North Korea, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last week. Observers have said Beijing might agree to just a partial, or temporary, oil exports ban.

Chinese state banks have started suspending transactions through accounts held by North Koreans. Branches near North Korea of at least three state banks have also banned North Koreans from opening accounts.

Heightened tension over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program could have a substantial impact on South Korea’s economy and cause broader effects if it disrupts trade relations, most notably between China and the US, Fitch Ratings said in a statement yesterday.

The US and its allies in Asia are bolstering their missile interception capabilities. South Korea last week installed the full battery for its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or Thaad, while Japan is planning to introduce the Aegis Ashore shield.

Opposition lawmakers in South Korea have called for discussion over the introduction of US tactical nuclear weapons, but the government has reiterated in recent weeks its stance against bringing them into the country.

A senior lawmaker in Japan’s ruling party last week called for debate on allowing US atomic devices on Japanese soil.