Asia is KEY to diffusing North Korea tensions as WW3 threats build after missile launch – Express.co.uk

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In recent months, the rising tensions between the US and North Korea have aroused anxiety throughout the Asia-Pacific.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a long history of diplomatic relations with the hermit state - with Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia all having embassies in the country.

Last month, Pyongyang appealed to the bloc for support in a letter which claimed North Korea was on the brink of war.

In the letter to the ASEAN Secretary General, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho indicated his expectations that ASEAN which attaches great importance to the regional peace and stability will make an issue of the US-South Korean joint military exercises at ASEAN conferences.

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And he added ASEAN should take a fair position and play an active role in safeguarding the peace and safety of Korean Peninsula.

But just a week later, US Secretary of State Rex Tllerson warned ASEAN members to minimise relations with the hermit state.

Then in April, ASEAN expressed grave concern as it urged North Korea to comply with UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear programme.

Now one expert believes the ASEAN bloc could hold the key to peace - and urged the association to act as a facilitator between the warring nations.

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An unidentified rocket, reported to be a Hwasong-type missile similar to the one used in a May 14, 2017 test launch, at a military parade in Pyongyang

Lonny Carlile, associate professor at the University of Hawaiis Asian Studies Program, said: North Korea has always said that they want to engage in direct negotiations with the United States and feel included in the international community.

With ASEANs track record in various dialogues, maybe thats an alternative.

Southeast Asian countries - particularly Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia - have close ties to North Korea, and provide an economic and security lifeline for the state.

However, not everyone shares Mr Carliles optimism.

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Denny Roy, a research fellow at Hawaii-based research institute East-West Center, said: This is a Northeast Asia problem...

I dont know what ASEAN can do to make talks more likely but (it) can help to enforce sanctions."

David Han, research analyst, said: If ASEAN intends to show its relevance regarding the North Korean threat, it should be realistic about its own ability in offering viable solutions to the crisis, and avoid pandering to either China or the US.

While ASEAN could do more by signalling to North Korea during the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings to back down from Pyongyangs provocative behaviour, beyond this there is not much that ASEAN could do to pressure North Korea to change its course.

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Asia is KEY to diffusing North Korea tensions as WW3 threats build after missile launch - Express.co.uk