Hostile rhetoric crosses line
More diplomatic approaches needed to ease tensions
In a strongly-worded statement, North Korea is heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula by issuing threats to occupy South Korea in the event of a war. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has directed the removal of expressions such as “peaceful unification and grand national integration” from the Constitution. Instead, he emphasized the necessity of officially designating the South as the “primary foe.” Kim was quoted on Tuesday by the North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), stating, “The republic will firmly retaliate against our enemies by mobilizing all available military forces, including nuclear weapons.”
In a speech at the 10th session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) held on Monday, Kim even vowed to abolish existing inter-Korean agreements and relevant monuments and facilities. He also defined the South as an invariable warring enemy, signifying a total turnaround in inter-Korean relations. Ki
m’s statement is regrettable as it rejects all hitherto efforts designed to boost reunification and peace in Northeast Asia.
As the New Year unfolds, North Korea has initiated military provocations, firing artillery shells into the West Sea and purportedly launching a supersonic ballistic missile. This recent shift signals a comprehensive change in policies towards South Korea. In response, South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted a joint naval exercise from Monday to Wednesday, deploying the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and nine warships in waters south of Jeju Island.
North Korea’s ongoing efforts coincide with its continuous campaigns to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, targeting both South Korea and the United States. Additionally, Pyongyang has found support in recent military agreements with Moscow, where it sought advanced military technologies in exchange for supplying ammunition and weapons to Russia.
Rep. Tae Yong-ho of the ruling People Power Party (PP
P) said in an interview with a local daily that North Korea’s recent actions stem from a growing sense of “instability.” The North has reportedly transported significant quantities of weapons and ammunition to outside forces such as Russia, Hamas, and the Houthi rebels. “The North harbors concerns over a possible invasion by South Korea and the U.S. taking advantage of the situation (a shortage of military forces faced by the North),” he said.
North Korea’s attempts to eliminate references to “unification” and “homogeneous people” evoke memories of former East Germany’s rejection of potential German reunification. Similarly, East Germany removed provisions related to unification from its constitution and imposed restrictions on singing the national anthem that advocated reunification. Notably, East Germany even avoided using the term “Deutschland” (Germany). In contrast, West Germany persistently pursued and ultimately accomplished reunification.
President Yoon Suk Yeol sternly responded vowing multiple ret
aliations against possible military provocations by the North. Yet, ominously enough, Kim said he would no longer acknowledge the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The North has deemed the NLL as “illegal,” rejecting its status as a maritime border. The NLL and its surrounding areas have been the backdrop for numerous military conflicts in the past.
Yoon also dismissed Kim’s remarks as an attempt to sow division among the people in the South and generate a sense of crisis. While it is understandable for the Yoon administration to take a strong stance against potential military provocations from the North, relying solely on confrontational approaches may not be suitable for both the South and North. The North seems poised to increase its leverage in the lead-up to the April 10 general elections in South Korea and the U.S. presidential election in November.
Relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are displaying signs of warming, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering a visit to
North Korea. It is crucial to bolster cooperative ties with the U.S. and Japan to deter potential North Korean provocations. Simultaneously, opening channels for dialogue with North Korea is essential. Proactive diplomatic engagement is needed to effectively communicate with Russia and China, both significant supporters of North Korea, and persuade them to contribute to our peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Yonhap News Agency