They are masters at raising the tension level to realize their objectives. The negotiating table is simply one more venue for this type of brinkmanship. For example, in late 1995 the North's Ambassador Ho Jong threatened to have Pyongyang restart its nuclear weapons program if KEDO did not make certain concessions. Despite the risk of triggering a new nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula, KEDO hung tough. Ho eventually dropped his demands.
Constant vigilance is warranted in dealing with North Korea.
Taepo Dong 1 ballistic missile launch, and the June 1999 confrontation between the North and South Korean navies over the Northern Limit Line. It is entirely possible that they may threaten to test launch another ballistic missile later this year. It is therefore essential that anyone negotiating with the North not be afraid to walk away from the table. The United States should never be, or seem to be, more eager than the North to reach a deal. Offering the North inducements for simply showing up, or holding meetings solely for the sake of holding meetings, diminishes U.S. credibility in Pyongyang and elsewhere around the world.