Are sanctions against North Korea working? – Inside Story

It's no secret that North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world.

But this week, it's become even more so.

China has announced that it's banning all coal imports from North Korea until the end of the year.

It's part of an international effort to get the country to stop missile its tests.

North Korea's ties with Malaysia have also been worsening, after the death of a man Malaysia says is Kim Jong-un's half brother.

Malaysian officials say Kim Jong nam died in Kuala Lumpur last week.

They're refusing to send his body home without first conducting their own investigation.

There are concerns the death was an assassination planned in Pyongyang.

Malaysia has recalled its ambassador from North Korea over the incident.

But North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia says the investigation is politically motivated.

But is further isolation of North Korea the answer?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan

Guests:

BJ Kim - Professor of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

Jia Xiudong - Senior Research Fellow at China Institute of International Studies.

Aidan Foster Carter - Senior Research Fellow in Sociology and Modern Korea at Leeds University in the UK.

[mfmf]

China has no need for N. Korean coal. They have plenty of their own and available from Mongolia, elsewhere. Any coal they buy from N. Korea is for purely political purposes.

[kernsjk]

the same countries that set sanctions also gives north Korea humanitarian aid when they need it

[MrAitraining]

Great discussion. Host is very good too.

[xinglinjiang]

of course it will not work. but what else can we do?

[kipper]

My concern is that if the DPRK feel painted into a corner with these latest round of sanctions they may feel that invasion of the ROK may be their only option. The US oil sanctions on Japan was the main reason why they attacked the US and the DPRK cant attack China.

[firelord]

Without china.. There is no north korea.. End of discussion

[kingshark]

so no coal into China, but I bet China, still sending nk coal payments

[machiscopac]

And Qatar is also isolated and worst without human rights.