Japan Pushes For Tough U.N. Sanctions On North Korea

TOKYO, JAPAN - FEB. 8: Japan on Monday called for swift adoption by the U.N. Security Council of tough sanctions on North Korea over its fourth nuclear test last month and the launch Sunday of what it says was a "satellite." Citing China's reluctance to slap rigorous sanctions on North Korea, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan will demand that Beijing -- one of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council -- swiftly agree to tough penalties against Pyongyang. "Our country will strongly make such a demand (to China) on various occasions," the top government spokesman told a press conference. Since North Korea carried out what it claims was a hydrogen bomb test on Jan. 6, the United States, Japan and other countries have been pressing for stronger sanctions against it, including an oil embargo. But China has opposed putting too much pressure on North Korea for fear of destabilization -- or possible collapse -- of the country. China regards North Korea as a strategic buffer against South Korea, a U.S. ally, according to some commentators. Suga said the Japanese government is preparing to tighten its unilateral sanctions on North Korea in line with instructions given Sunday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe told officials to make preparations so the government can swiftly decide on specific punitive measures when necessary. He also said Monday that Tokyo will "take a firm and resolute stance" against Pyongyang. Referring to the abduction issue, Kishida told a Diet session Monday that Japan will "not close the door for dialogue from its side," and that it will continue efforts to have all abduction victims returned to Japan. Meanwhile, Suga said Tokyo is cooperating with Washington, Seoul and other governments in ascertaining whether the "satellite" launch was successful as claimed by Pyongyang. Suga also said that Japan backs cooperation between Washington and Seoul that would ensure peace and security in the region.