North Korea continues to test the patience of the USA (and the world) with their rebellious missile tests. The most recent of these came on Monday when the country launched four missiles into the Sea of Japan. While they certainly came now where near the USA, they landed within Japan’s economic zone, just a mere 200 miles from the coast. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin decides who to help.
NORTH KOREA TESTS THE PATIENCE OF USA AND PUTIN
For one, this was not an “attack” on anyone. North Korea loves to provoke. They are like that little kid at the party who wants to sit at the adult table but can’t. Hence, he throws mashed potatoes at the nearest kid out of anger. However, these mashed potatoes have some serious potential for danger. Pyongyang claims these rockets are capable of hitting the United States if they so desire. It’s no coincidence these tests come three weeks after the assertion of leader Kim Jon Un’s half-brother, Kim Jong Nam.
CHINA UPSET AT NORTH KOREA; PUTIN WANTS TO STEP IN
One might remember the days of a Chinese and North Korean friendship. Those days are no more. China is increasingly angered by North Korea’s radical nuclear program that poses a potential threat to the Chinese economy. Now, it’s time for China to put their foot down. They sent a message by stopping all coal imports to their neighbors until the end of 2017. Seeing as this is a large lifeline for North Koreans, that certainly means trouble. Still, China is not so displeased as the Americans, which want to initiate a high-altitude defense system based in South Korea. Meanwhile, where does Putin stand?
WILL PUTIN CHOOSE AMERICA OR NORTH KOREA?
Who’s side is Russia really on these days? With former President Barack Obama leading the White House, the answer was a little more clear. Now, with Russia’s leader and President Donald Trump beginning a long and fruitful friendship, perhaps Putin will finally side with the U.S. on this N. Korea issue.
