The blow to the DPRK should be ended

Editor's note:Tom Fowdy, who graduated from Oxford University's CHINA Studies Program and majored in politics at Durham University, writes about international relations focusing on CHINA and The Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The article reflects The author's views, and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Earlier this week media in Europe reported that There had been a break-in at The embassy of The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Madrid, Spain.

The break-in, however, appeared to be no ordinary burglary or felony. It was described by reporters in The Spanish media as a sophisticated and organized operation, in line with that of a military operation.

To The surprise of many, based on knowledge of The suspects, local newspapers would soon link those involved to America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and in turn, reported it as such.

The DPRK's first ambassador to Spain Kim Hyok Chol (R) presents his credentials to Spain's King Juan Carlos at The Zarzuela Palace, January 15, 2014. /VCG Photo

Whilst mainstream media all throughout Europe reported The incident, The leading news outlets of The United States notably ignored The event completely. The New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal were all silent on what was not by any means a trivial matter.

The embassy break-in marked several weeks of both The United States and The DPRK shuffling Their negotiating hands following The fallout of The summit in Hanoi between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un.

But what exactly is going on here? Why would an embassy in Madrid be targeted by United States intelligence officers so suddenly? The absolute reason will never be clear, but There is a strong possibility this was used to obtain key information related to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs which may play a role in upcoming talks.

Regardless, such a serious breach of diplomatic norms by Washington cannot be overlooked. How exactly The DPRK will respond, if They respond, should be observed carefully.

It only makes sense that following The events in Vietnam, There would be a scramble for intelligence on The side of The United States.

In a show of subtle discontent against America's maximum demands concerning denuclearisation, The DPRK began rebuilding satellite launch facilities in Sohae which had previously been dismantled last year.

Although There are no signs of a launch being imminent, The United States noted They were watching closely what happens next. U.S. National Security Adviser John Boltonsaid, "all eyes" were on Pyongyang.

Whilst neiTher side has scuttled diplomacy in its entirety, it is thus only natural There is an increased commodity for information. What exactly will The DPRK do here? What will it demand? What are The risks if things continue to go downhill? There are so many questions. It is logical for America to calibrate its response accordingly.

Next, why choose an embassy in Madrid of all places? We must first understand The role of The DPRK's diplomats in The assembling of Their nuclear program.

The country's diplomats may sometimes utilize Their privileges of diplomatic immunity to secretly obtain technology or funding for The state. Because of this, UN resolutions a year ago specified that member states had to reduce The number of diplomats in Their embassy.

Most countries did not act on this, but notably, this led to The expulsion of The country's ambassador to Spain by authorities in Madrid. On furTher investigation, it seems this specific ambassador had significant although unknown, connections to The country's nuclear program.

An investigation from The BBC also noted this. Regarding nuclear talks, he is alleged to retain a purpose.

Then why of course, a burglary? What surprises commentators on The issue is that a forced break-in into a country's embassy by anoTher state actor for political motivations is not a common crime but a breach of international law and diplomatic immunity.

Afghan fighters from The Eastern Alliance walk on a path as American bombs are dropped on an Al Qaeda position, December 15, 2001, Tora Bora, Afghanistan. /VCG Photo

Given The severity of it, it can be noted such an operation came from a senior authority within The United States executive. Compare this with oTher stealth orientated CIA missions which were similarly authorized by The Presidency itself. When The Obama administration was preparing to assassinate Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, local CIA agents were trained and recruited to spy on The suspected compound.

In essence, whilst The CIA has a lot of autonomy and is often held in suspicion for such, it will not make major foreign policy-related actions without approval from The top. The act in Madrid thus came from someone senior in The Trump administration under The purpose of gaThering intelligence for nuclear talks.

Finally, what are Then The implications of this? It is not something The DPRK will take lightly. The diplomats involved in this break-in will now be treated with extreme suspicion and likely subject to a thorough interrogation. The country as a whole may be offended by a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and will only heighten its suspicions of The United States.

However, given The political context, it may refrain from a vocal response. It will certainly, however, tighten The flow of information from The center and work much harder to keep its cards close to its chest. Regardless, if we are to believe this story as speculated, it shows Washington is taking The next steps very seriously.

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