The problem is that all three factors – nuclear-armed boldness, the succession, and economic malaise – will continue to influence North Korea’s behavior for the time being. Without a strong and internationally coordinated response to the sinking of the Cheonan, such reckless provocations are not only likely to continue, but may become more frequent.
问题在于上述三大因素——以核武器为后盾的胆大妄为、权力过渡和经济上的萎靡不振——将在目前情况下继续影响北朝鲜的所作所为。 如果不对天安号的沉没做出国际统一的强烈反应，那么这样鲁莽的挑衅不仅有可能继续下去，而且还可能更为变本加厉。