North Korea: New UN Sanctions Are an Act of War

In response to the latest sanctions from the UN Security Council, North Korea has stated that it views them as "an invasion of its territorial integrity," "an act towards war," and "a cause of instability." Pyongyang has threatened to punish the supporters of the sanctions. The UN Security Council approved new sanctions against Pyongyang on December 22, following North Korea's recent missile test. The North Korean Foreign Ministry stated that the sanctions are "a severe invasion of territorial integrity and a war act violating peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region." North Korea claims that "if the United States wishes to continue its existence in security, it must abandon its hostile policies against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and accept coexistence with a nuclear-armed country." North Korea has warned that it will continue its military activities, which it calls "a nuclear deterrent against U.S. atomic threats and coercive actions." On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump stated two days prior that the consensus among Security Council members indicates that the world is seeking peace. The sanctions imposed on Friday followed the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on November 28. The recent resolution not only imposed new restrictions on the import of petroleum products and the export of certain items but also gave North Korean workers in other countries a short deadline to return to their homeland. All 15 Security Council members were unanimous in tightening the sanctions. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of North Korean citizens are sent abroad to work under a program organized by their government. These workers are required to send a significant portion of their earnings back to Pyongyang, which is a major source of foreign currency for North Korea. An agency known as "Room 39" in the ruling party of North Korea is one of the main entities in Pyongyang overseeing these workers and finding ways to transfer currency to the government. International media have published reports about various activities of this secret agency, which, in addition to foreign workers, includes claims of selling precious metals, controlling dozens of legal and illegal companies, or exporting fabrics labeled as "made in China." This is not the first time that North Korean workers abroad or currency-generating activities for Pyongyang have been targeted by sanctions. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated following recent military tests and a new nuclear test in North Korea. The number of missile tests and the capabilities and range of these weapons have significantly increased since Kim Jong-un came to power. North Korea claims that the sanctions or military exercises by the United States and its regional allies are aimed at overthrowing the ruling regime or violating its territorial integrity. Washington and its allies assert that the exercises are defensive and conducted in preparation for military threats from Pyongyang. The U.S. State Department has emphasized that it continues to seek a diplomatic solution to end North Korea's nuclear military activities.