Around Asia Pacific & Oceania [04.23.15]

 

Denuclearization of North Korea

• China Warns North Korean Nuclear Threat Is Rising [Wall Street Journal]  #NuclearWeaponFreeWorld

“China’s top nuclear experts have increased their estimates of North Korea’s nuclear weapons production well beyond most previous figures, suggesting Pyongyang can make enough warheads to threaten regional security for the U.S. and its allies.

The latest Chinese estimates showed that North Korea may already have 20 warheads, as well as the capability of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year“

US – South Korea Relations

• U.S., South Korea Reach Revised Nuclear Deal [Wall Street Journal] #NuclearWeaponFreeWorld

“The U.S. and South Korea on Wednesday signed a new nuclear-energy cooperation pact that approves Seoul’s nuclear research (Nuclear Engineering) but doesn’t allow the Asian nation to produce its own fuel.

During nearly five years of negotiations, South Korea has been pushing for U.S. approval to make its own fuel for its fleet of 23 nuclear reactors.”

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert and South Korean Ambassador for Nuclear Energy Cooperation Park Ro-byug after initialing a new nuclear-energy pact [Image Courtesy of WSJ]