Chi-Coms and NorKs

With Kim Jong-il realizing the nuclear test did more to undermine his quest for world domination, or at least his quest for more tasty carrots, he rather amusingly attempts to return to the status-quo with the utmost dignity.

China, no stranger to anti-American endeavors, loves this idea. The status quo would keep the thorn in America's side, while they avoid dealing with the collapse of a Communist third-world cesspool.

From the AP:

China gave its first full public account Tuesday of its mission to North Korea, saying it got no apology from top leader Kim Jong Il for the atomic explosion but did receive assurances there were no plans for a second nuclear test.

The North's reclusive leader also expressed a willingness to return to six-nation talks over its nuclear program if financial restrictions levied by the U.S. are first resolved, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

We shouldn't give North Korea the upper-hand in negotiations, as they are attempting to do so now. What appears to be unfolding is the return to the status-quo with a North Korean advantage. A nuclear North Korea at the table would have more sway than it did a few years ago.

As the threat from North Korea appears to wane, many international leaders will become more willing to return to the status-quo, which would ultimately reward this behavior.

Should North Korea be allowed to return to the six-party talks, rest assured they will advance their nuclear weapons program and we will be back where we are now, only with a greater disadvantage.