SEOUL: North Korean state media wasted no time in expressing its discontent as it criticized France for what it termed “outdated gunboat diplomacy.”
The source of this diplomatic tension stems from France’s recent decision to deploy a patrol aircraft in the waters near the Korean Peninsula.
This development comes on the heels of Japan’s foreign ministry announcement earlier this week. According to the statement, France is set to take part in surveillance operations aimed at monitoring illicit maritime activities in the region. Specifically, the mission includes keeping a close watch on ship-to-ship transfers carried out by North Korean-flagged vessels.
To facilitate this mission, France plans to utilize aircraft based at Futenma Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. This joint effort between France and Japan underscores international concerns about illicit activities in North Korean waters and the importance of maintaining surveillance to ensure compliance with international sanctions.
However, North Korea’s response, labelling France’s actions as “outdated gunboat diplomacy,” reflects the complex and sensitive diplomatic landscape in the region. It remains to be seen how this criticism will impact relations between the involved nations and whether it will lead to further tensions in the already delicate situation surrounding North Korea.
