We need to recognize DPRK as a legit nuclear state and lift the sanctions. They got them, and no way we are taking them away without too great of a loss to us and our allies. So, time to lift the sanctions and recognize DPRK as a legitimate nuclear power. Hate to say it, but they won.
The ONLY way to do what I mentioned above is if we give them the means or ROK makes their own nukes too. Then we can pull out of ROK and let the two deal with their differences. Both will be on equal footing then, and M.A.D. will prevent them from waging a war.
It's not something we can just do overnight and pull out overnight. ROK would have to build up its military, including building up a nuclear force, before we could leave them and let them defend themselves and work out their differences themselves with their neighbors.
But in my opinion, that would be the best way to create less tensions and a more peaceful Asia if we recognize North Korea as an official nuclear state and lift the sanctions. At least it would be a good start. But again, so long as ROK and Japan can and do develop their own nukes too.
That's why I believe ROK/Japan should and will create their own nuclear arsenal and beef up their militaries. Of course they'll never be friends with DPRK, but that doesn't mean we have to keep hostile relations either by sanctioning them for something they already have, nukes, and now will always have no matter what.
DPRK is here to stay, and so are their nukes. Think it's time we accept that and try to normalize relations or normalize life around that somewhat, and also withdraw from the area once ROK/Japan have nukes and a sizable military to defend themselves.
I say, why risk accidental nuclear war by maintaining such high hostilities over their nuclear weapons when they are there to stay? They won. It's over. Time to move on with our lives before we blow it up over a hair trigger mistake that isn't necessary anymore to be on hair triggers with them.
