Summary
A map by Newsweek reveals that U.S. allies, including Canada and several other countries, have deployed aircraft and ships around Japan to enforce U.N. sanctions against North Korea. These measures aim to prevent North Korea from bypassing sanctions related to its nuclear weapons program. Multiple countries participate in these operations to curb North Korea's suspected illegal transfer of goods at sea.
Key Facts
- North Korea maintains around 50 nuclear warheads despite U.N. sanctions.
- In September 2017, a U.N. resolution urged member states to inspect ships for illegal North Korean goods.
- Canada has conducted several monitoring missions near Japan in 2023 and 2024 as part of Operation NEON.
- Operation NEON began in May 2018 and Canada extended it until April 2026.
- Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and the U.K. also monitor North Korean activities at sea.
- Monitoring operations base out of Kadena Air Base in Japan, a key U.S. military location.
- Japan considers North Korea's weapons program a serious threat and works with global partners to implement sanctions.
- The Canadian Armed Forces emphasize the importance of security in the Indo-Pacific and supporting U.N. sanctions.
