Japan has decided to extend its trade sanctions against North Korea for two more years. This decision responds to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme and the unresolved issue of the abductions of Japanese nationals.
The sanctions currently prohibit North Korea-registered vessels and ships that have docked in North Korean ports from entering Japan. They also ban all trade with North Korea. These measures were due to expire on Sunday, but Japan has chosen to extend them.
The role of sanctions in Japan-North Korea relations
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said the extension is based on North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons development. He also cited the unresolved abductions of Japanese citizens. Hayashi stressed the importance of enforcing UN Security Council sanctions, which influenced Japan’s decision.
The abduction issue is a major obstacle in Japan-North Korea relations. Japan has confirmed the abduction of 17 citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. North Korea allegedly kidnapped them to serve as language instructors for its spies. Japan believes 12 of the victims are still in North Korea.
Pyongyang argues that eight of the 12 abducted have died, and four never entered the country. It claims no further issues exist concerning the matter.
Increased military activity and fraudulent online work scheme
North Korea’s military activity has escalated recently. In March, Pyongyang launched several ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea in response to joint military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
North Korea also announced the creation of a nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching missiles. Experts believe this development could strengthen North Korea’s strategic deterrent.
In a separate incident, Tokyo police referred two Japanese men to prosecutors. The men allegedly assisted a North Korean IT worker in fraudulently securing freelance work online by providing their personal details. The men, both in their 30s, gave scans of their driver’s licences and bank account details in 2020, enabling the IT worker to register on freelance platforms under their names.
The IT worker used these platforms to take assignments. Payments were made to the men’s bank accounts and later transferred abroad. The two men received around 10% of the earnings.
Investigations suggest the IT worker was involved in efforts to raise foreign currency for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. Data from the job-matching website indicated the worker was operating from North Korea.
The UN Security Council’s panel of experts, which monitors sanctions against North Korea, has highlighted the use of IT workers to conceal their identities and generate income for North Korea’s military efforts. Japan’s National Police Agency warned businesses about North Korean IT workers impersonating Japanese citizens to earn online income.
