Build trust to resolve DPRK nuke issue

SHI YU/CHINA DAILY Even the potential threat of a military conflict has not deterred the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from pursuing its nuclear program, as it is under the false impression that nuclear weapons can ensure its security instead of realizing they will further isolate it from the international community. Described as "an iconic modern street architecture and a fairyland" with 70-story, 235-meter-tall residential buildings, and shops on both sides of the street lined with LCD TV sets and tablets, Ryomyong Street is seen as a symbol of the DPRK's modernization and an important achievement for the Kim Jong-un government. Due to the successive and severe UN Security Council sanctions and the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Park, the DPRK has been trying to reduce the use of national resources to advance its nuclear program and, instead, is paying equal attention to economic development. Increasing economic hardship, however, may prompt the DPRK to again resort to a military-first approach and expedite its nuclear weapons' program, which will further increase its economic burden and worsen people's livelihoods. The international community therefore should gradually build trust with the DPRK through dialogue and economic cooperation, while prompting Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program in phases, in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.