A serious crisis is approaching the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

North Korea announced its successful ICBM test launch on July 4th, America’s Independence Day. The missile landed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone . It was the 5th North Korean missile to land within Japanese waters.

The missile was fired at a lofted trajectory, but calculations confirm that, if it were launched at a non-lofted trajectory, the missile would have a range of around 6000km, making it possible to reach the state of Alaska.

Within the next 2 to 3 years, North Korea could possess the technology to attack the U.S. mainland with an ICBM carrying a nuclear warhead. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made provocative statements towards the U.S. saying, “I imagine America is displeased. We’ll continue to send them ‘gifts’ of various sizes”.

Why Sanctions Don’t Work Against North Korea

In June, prior to the recent missile test, the UN Security Council passed a resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea. This included a new asset and travel freeze on 4 entities and 14 people involved in North Korea’s nuclear developments. Even China and Russia, unenthusiastic about sanctions until now, agreed.

Chairman of China, Xi Jinping, promised U.S. President Donald Trump in April to take measures to prevent North Korea’s provocative behavior. Xi requested from Trump a “100 day grace period”. As we have seen, however, North Korea has continued its missile tests. Nothing has changed in the grace period, which is now nearing its end.

On July 5th, Trump tweeted, “Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us – but we had to give it a try!” Clearly Xi was just buying time.

China Expands Dreams of World Domination

The extent of the China-North Korea cooperation is uncertain. What is certain is that Xi has used North Korea to distract the international community to steadily advance China’s dreams of world domination.

In the G20 Summit held in Germany, Chairman Xi progressed his “One Belt One Road” initiative: a trade bloc connecting China, the Middle East and Europe via land and sea.

In contrast, Trump seemed distanced, probably due to his conservative trade plans. Until now the U.S. has stood as the leader of the world and China has been supported by advanced countries. Now it seems as though they have switched their former roles.

The burning question is whether it really is better for global society for them to switch roles?
The U.S. has spread the values of liberty and democracy to the world, in the name of God. While some of their methods have been violent, they have done the utmost to correct their mistakes. Most importantly, they continue to question what is right.

China, on the other hand, is a one-party dictatorship ruled under a materialistic and atheistic Communist party. They have oppressed the people of Uyghur and Tibet, and on many occasions, have resorted to massacring their own people. They have sacrificed million of civilians in their struggle for power.

Right now, the U.S. is trying to keep its hold on world order, but China is right on its heels attempting to take center-stage.

A Short-Term Large-Scale Strike

Under China’s protection, North Korea is able to continue its rampage, and will no doubt complete development of a nuclear missile that can reach the U.S. mainland by the end of this year.

It will leave the U.S. with no choice but to prioritize its own safety, and subsequently cause its reputation as a world superpower to plummet. If we do not act swiftly, it will be too late. This is our last chance to stop Kim Jong-un.

The U.S. can potentially strike North Korea with their Tomahawk missiles. This, however, leaves South Korea and Japan open to the danger of retaliatory attacks from North Korea. It could result in the casualties of over a million innocent people. This is what is worrying Trump.

Luckily, Tomahawk strikes aren’t the only option. The other possibility is the MOAB. The MOAB is the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal and could be used to simultaneously strike against North Korea’s primary military facilities.

What is important is not to give North Korea an opportunity to attack South Korea or Japan. A short-term large-scale strike is the best method.

Of course, allied states such as Japan must cooperate. Japan has long been reliant on the U.S., but a time of trouble like this is a great opportunity for Japan to become a nation that can protect itself. Taking up nuclear arms for deterrence is the most effective measure against North Korea. If Japan holds nuclear weapons, North Korea will be stalemated. American nuclear sharing can also be effective, but Japan ought to take the initiative to engage in nuclear development for deterrence purposes.

The U.S. may oppose the idea of Japan possessing nuclear arms. Nonetheless, Japan should convince their ally of the importance of independently holding nuclear weapons, and come up with a concrete cooperative stance with the U.S. to bring an end to North Korea and China’s ambitions.

Both Japan and U.S. must decide, and must do so quickly.