DPRK as a factor of Japan’s national security

Abstract

Nowadays, the Korean Peninsula is a long-term source of tension in the Asia-Pacific region. The international community is particularly concerned about the DPRK ’s nuclear missile program and Pyongyang’s tests, which a number of countries view as a serious threat to the regional security. Therefore, many international actors became involved in the situation around the Korean Peninsula. For several decades, certain countries have been making intensive efforts to solve this problem. Apart from China and Russia, Japan, the United States, and South Korea play a significant role in this process. The author analyzes the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, examines the degree of influence of the DPRK problem on the situation in the region and possible consequences for regional security. The article examines Japan’s policy towards North Korea, to counter which Tokyo is pursuing a course of strengthening the Japan–US alliance and increasing sanctions pressure. The North Korean factor is highlighted in the Japan –US–South Korea triangle. The author analyzes the role of trilateral defense cooperation, which has seen a significant expansion. The article describes various approaches to resolving the situation on the Korean Peninsula and identifies the most optimal scenario.

Keywords

• dprk
• japan
• usa
• rok
• asia-pacific
• korean peninsula
• nuclear missile program