As incredible as it may seem, North Korean leaders basically want what is allowed of China. In October 2006, after North Korea had conducted its first nuclear test, the administration quietly spread the notion that conflict was near. One month later, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice raised the possibility of North Korea becoming a member of APEC. Macron issued a statement on August 12 whose terms are entirely aimed at North Korea, except one final call for “avoiding the escalation of tensions.”The two initial responses, reflect strategic cultures inside Europe. Neutrals with the Swedes in front typically support an approach of engagement with North Korea.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 15, 2017 11:26 UTC