Page 27 - 2018 Defense White Paper

has made positive responses to a series of measures to improve inter-Korean relations and ease
Chapter 1
military tensions including the demilitarization of the Joint Security Area (JSA). On the other
hand, Pyongyang has been selectively critical of issues related to security situations such as force
buildup.

In general, North Korea is expected to maintain inter-Korean cooperation and exchanges
to create an external environment favorable to its economic development. The Inter-Korea
Liaison Office will establish a full-time state-level contact for matters in diverse areas including

Red Cross, military, and road infrastructure. North Korea will likely create an atmosphere for
the active implementation of the agreements made between the two sides by highlighting the
“Panmunjom Declaration” and the “Pyongyang Joint Declaration.” Pyongyang is also expected

to seek stronger cooperation in civilian sectors to build stable inter-Korean relations on both the
state and civilian levels.

| Foreign Policy | Despite the tough sanctions imposed by the international community,

North Korea maintained that it does not intend to give up its nuclear development. Since
2018, however, the regime has expressed its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean

Peninsula and has continued its efforts, such as the U.S.–DPRK Summit, to escape international
isolation through improved foreign relations.
Since all official channels of dialogue with the United States were cut off in 2012 due to the
breach of the U.S.–DPRK Leap Day Deal 16) , Pyongyang has focused on advancing its nuclear

capabilities despite the U.S. government’s constant demand for denuclearization. Pyongyang
continued its nuclear development program even after the inauguration of the new U.S.
administration in January, 2017. In August, the regime unveiled a plan to strike the U.S. Pacific

territory of Guam and, in November, conducted a flight test of a Hwasong-15 ICBM-class
ballistic missile as part of the program to develop long-range missiles capable of reaching the
U.S. mainland. However, in March 2018, Pyongyang expressed interest in denuclearization of

the Korean Peninsula and dialogue with the United States. Following this, Pyongyang declared
a moratorium on nuclear and IBCM development on April 20, and dismantled the Punggye-ri

16) On February 29, 2012, North Korea agreed to suspend long-range missile development and uranium
enrichment in exchange for assistance from the United States.e

Section 3 North Korean Situation and Military Threats 25