Chinese and German scientists helping Pyongyang’s 'dual-use' nuclear technology
US experts examined more than a thousand papers on the potential military applications of research. Chinese scientists co-authored 913 articles, followed distantly by German scientists. North Korea will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons.
Washington (AsiaNews/Agencies) – North Korea could be developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in defiance of sanctions by collaborating with foreign scientists, especially Chinese and German, on "dual use" technology, a new report indicated Wednesday.
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) at Monterey, California, said it analysed 1,304 papers co-authored by North Korean and foreign scientists to determine the potential applications of the research to military purposes.
They include at least 100 articles that have "identifiable significance" for dual use technology, weapons of mass destruction, or other military purposes.
Some of the research of concern or potential concern relates to uranium purification, insulation of high-voltage cables for nuclear power plants, and technology applicable to space and missiles, the report said.
By country, scientists from China were the most frequent collaborators, co-authoring 913 papers, followed distantly by Germany.
"Direct collaboration between North Korean and foreign scientists is playing an expanding role in the regime's pursuit of technological advancement," the report says.
"Some of these activities may be contrary to provisions in international and national sanctions regimes," it adds, noting that UN Security Council resolutions ban the provision to North Korea of technical training, advice, services or assistance related to dual use and military-related technology.
Meanwhile, in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, North Korea today said that it would never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States removes its nuclear threat first. This follows frictions over the denuclearisation process and the removal of international sanctions.
“The United States must now recognise the accurate meaning of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and especially, must study geography the right way,” the statement said. “When we talk about the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, it means the removal of all sources of nuclear threat, not only from the South and North but also from areas neighbouring the Korean peninsula.”
.png)
