If North Korea’s official media is to be believed, the regime intends to test-fire a long-range missile sometime between April 4 and April 8. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has already escalated regional tensions by curtailing communications with South Korea and ratcheting up its bellicose rhetoric. Less noticed is how in the process, callous regime hardliners are once again putting their own people further at risk by taking steps to cut off international food aid. The North Korean people will continue to bear the burden of their government’s foolish posturing.
As of this writing, whether or not the regime will actually test-fire another missile remains an open question. But not in question is the continued misery of the North Korean people. Despite persistent malnourishment and the serious threat of another famine, North Korean officials have already halted all food delegations to North Korea. The government also told U.S. humanitarian organizations to leave by March 31. As a result, tons of food commodities on the ground could be diverted or stolen by the regime. This will very likely lead to a formal suspension once again of U.S. humanitarian food assistance, which is intended to help the people and not to enrich the regime. This is the latest installment in a sad litany of North Korean hardliners breaking their international commitments—not just on their nuclear program and missile development, but also on food aid.
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