Why is North Korea resuming its nuclear programme? | The Stream

North Korea appears to have restarted a nuclear reactor believed to have previously produced plutonium for weapons, according to a report from the UN atomic agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's assessment is based on satellite pictures of the Yongbyon nuclear plant because the group has not had access to the site since 2009 when North Korea kicked out its inspectors.

“Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor,” the report noted of the facility.

The report also pointed out that from December 2018 until July 2021 there had been no indication of reactor operations at the site.

Some analysts believe the resumption of North Korea’s nuclear programme signals Pyongyang is looking for the upper hand if and when negotiations with the West resume. North Korea has said it isn’t interested in talks unless the US is willing to ease sanctions.

In this episode of The Stream, we discuss the implications of Pyongyang expanding its nuclear program and its potential impact on the Korean peninsula and beyond.

Join the conversation:

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#northkorea

[aljazeeraenglish]

Thanks for watching everyone. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

[saintniculae]

Sounds like N.Korea is feeling left out with everyone looking at Afghanistan, hey look remember us we are bad guys to. Some one give him a hug or something.

[joeldavis]

Why is it always the United State's responsibility to negotiate talks with everybody? Why can't any of the countries in the general region where North Korea is located do anything?

[hoyosharaf]

Actually i believe all humans have the rights to be strong enough to defend themselves against oppression so, i would say to N.K good work.

[JAH]

America needs to pull back on helping anyone for a while to focus on us. No....new entry's

[Leo.Wirabuana]

to have a perfect defense strategy, is a good thing, no need for toxic news. Carry On 🇰🇵North Korea

[Freedomofspeech-zwjx]

Is there any reason why North Korea can't have nuclear weapons?

The USA has over 10, 000 nuclear weapons and are the only country to use it (twice) killing 244, 000 Japanese people and they have military bases in South Korea and Japan.

[NilufarBegumBangladesh]

Access to nuclear energy should not be discriminatory.

[JV-gihs]

Whenever they run out of money, they do that.

[helgaformo]

the bigger mystery to me is why it slowed down in the first place lol

[MrBingie]

Honestly I am wondering if there even capable of building it in the first place. They have been talking about this for the longest. It almost feel like it’s an empty threat.

[g_y.rtz]

kim jong un new look? damn my boy looking fresh

[tayrock]

Kim's looking royal in the thumbnail

[mishaaqeel]

Can anyone write down the summary in the reply section cuz i m too lazy to watch 25 minutes long video

[eg]

Talking about North Korea without Northkoreans? Make sense talk about a country without people from the country?

[clarereader]

Investing in crypto now should be in every wise individuals list. In some months time you'll be ecstatic with the decision you made today.

[outlandishyute]

Because they want to why does anyone care. It actually brings a healthy balance to the world

[bennorwood]

Does anyone know the situation at Guinea border is it really closed might be a good idea to send a reporter over over to the border of the neighboring country

[oceanwave]

Although Taliban has helped Afghanistan gain independence, they should think of long-term defense strategy that can absolutely prevent the West's invasion again... Hint: learn from North Korea.

[eternalpassenger]

Now Amarica should start his dirty game in North Korea after bashing loss in Afghanistan 🙃😃