Sen. McCain calls on China to rein in North Korea
Iran Press TV
Mon Dec 16, 2013 2:34PM GMT
US Senator John McCain calls on China to rein its ally North Korea following the recent execution of a prominent political figure in the country.
McCain, a leading voice on international affairs, said North Korean leader Kim Jong un was a "dangerous man" and characterized the order to execute his uncle and long-time mentor Jang Song-thaek as "aberrational behavior."
Pyongyang announced on Thursday that it had executed Jang, the country's unofficial number two, for 'acts of treachery' and "attempting to overthrow the state."
"This must be a huge embarrassment for China," the Arizona senator said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union, noting that Jang had served as a primary liaison to China.
McCain warned that Pyongyang presents a security threat to the world because of its nuclear weapons program especially with its current leader at the helm.
"I think it's very obvious this young man is capable of some very aberrational behavior and given the toys that he has I think it's very dangerous and you would think that the Chinese would understand that as well," he said. "They've got to rein this young man in and they can."
McCain had earlier warned China against supporting a "nuclear-armed aggressive Korea."
The US State Department has voiced concern over regional stability after the shock punishment of Jang.
Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday that the execution showed the world 'how ruthless and reckless' Kim is. 'This is the nature of this ruthless, horrendous dictatorship and of his insecurities,' Kerry told ABC television.
Jang's execution -- just days after he was ousted from all his party and military positions -- marks the biggest political upheaval since Kim inherited power after the death of his father Kim Jong-Il in December 2011.
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