Game of intimidation worsens N.Korea nuclear issue

The US has deployed a B-52 bomber on a low-level flight over South Korea on Sunday to show its military might and demonstrate support to an ally. It came days after North Korea claimed it had tested a hydrogen bomb, which preliminary assessments believe is Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test. Pyongyang's moves have shocked the international community, and once again exposed the deadlock in US approaches in dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue. US policies to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons have always rested upon coercion and awe, which, however, has not worked so far. After Pyongyang carried out its third nuclear test in early 2013, the US sent two B-2 stealth bombers over the Peninsula to send a warning. The annual military drills between the US and South Korea and Washington's hard-line approaches of imposing heavy sanctions on the North are also aimed at further coercing the isolated country. Nonetheless, Washington's tough policy has not prevented North Korea from pursuing a nuclear option. Instead, it has prompted Pyongyang to become more desperate to develop nuclear capabilities to enable itself to confront Washington. US containment of North Korea through coercion can hardly change the security path of the latter. Owning nuclear power cannot bring real security to North Korea, but it is exposing the whole region to more danger. Currently, it seems that the nuclear weapons serve as an encouragement to North Korea rather than a real deterrence to its opponents. Pyongyang should also realize that leaning toward nuclear weapons has worsened its international image and credibility. Its ultimate goals of developing society and economy cannot be achieved through war. The idea that the international community would be at its disposal for fear of the nuclear weapons it owns is not pragmatic. In light of the latest nuclear test and US responses, the Washington-Pyongyang interaction has further come to a dead end. How long can the stalemate be kept and prevent the region from being dragged into a war? However, if the situation spirals out of control and comes to a tipping point, the entire Korean Peninsula will be the first victim. In order to avoid such a tipping point, we should start with modest goals such as easing tensions between North Korea and the US. As the most powerful side, the US bears more responsibility.