On Jan. 22, North Korean state-run media released the statement that a student from the University of Virginia, identified as Otto Frederick Warmbier, is currently being held for an alleged 'hostile' act. The reporter stated that the 21-year-old third year, a member of Theta Chi fraternity, "aimed to destroy the country's unity under the US government's acquiescence and control." The arrest occurred at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on Jan. 2 when Warmbier was about to head home from his trip through China-based tourism agency Young Pioneer Tours.
According to BBC News, two other known Westerners are currently being held by the North Korean government: Canadian pastor Hyeon Soo Lim, accused of planning to overthrow the government, and a Korean-American accused of spying. These arrests amid the eventual sanctions the US government plans to impose on North Korea is not surprising, considering that they have used US citizens to bargain in the past.
Suspicions of "anti-state" activity surrounding commerce student Warmbier are more than likely fabricated to increase tensions between North Korea and Washington. His detainment occurred four days prior to North Korea's allegedly successful test of a "hydrogen bomb." It has been speculated that what was actually tested was a "boosted" fission-based device. This is only a small component to the overarching goal in which North Korea aims to "miniaturize a functioning warhead to the point where it can be mounted on an existing ballistic missile design" (Huffington Post).
On top of US and other superpowers' fears about nuclear power in North Korea, continued conflicts with China are intermingling with these developments. US Secretary of State John Kerry's recent conversation with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not lead to any compromise on how to address these fears over North Korean nuclear power, regardless of the agreement between Kerry and Yi to work cooperatively on this issue. Still, China claims to remain in agreement with the US over panic regarding North Korean nuclear power. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry stated, "We urge North Korea to fulfill its promise of denuclearization and stop any actions that would worsen the situation.”
North Korea's current goals will likely remain unwavering -- especially with continued stark discord with the US and other world powers. Maintaining stable relations with China, monitoring North Korea's activity, and ensuring proper defensive strategies for any future developments is all that has been made public about what actions will be taken next. Remaining cautious and sensitive in interactions with these foreign relations is the best move the US can make right now -- aside from the obvious formulation of possible actions that will need to be taken to ensure the safety of both US citizens and other people in different parts of the world, all who would undoubtedly be impacted by the most frightening possible outcomes. Until then, we await the release of those being detained and an announcement from US administration about plans moving forward.
