Negotiations vital to peninsula peace

Ignoring the opposition of the international community, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday. The DPRK has been trying the patience of the international community, especially its neighbors, and risking more severe sanctions by continuing to conduct nuclear and missile tests.

It claims the nuclear/missile tests are to strengthen its national security and counter the threat posed by the US military. But it seems to have erred on this front, because the United States is much more likely to launch an attack if the DPRK becomes more capable of making nuclear weapons and advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The fact is, the DPRK's security depends on negotiations, not military power. It should not only stop its nuclear/missile programs, but also heed the international community's warnings and take steps to improve its ties with the US through talks. To restore peace on the Korean Peninsula, it also needs to enhance communication with the Republic of Korea.