In a surprising move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced last month that he was abandoning the long-held goal of reconciliation and unification with South Korea, and instead declared the South as his country’s “permanent enemy”. Kim said that North Korea “did not want war, but we also have no intention of avoiding it”, and that his aim was to “occupy, suppress and reclaim” the South if a conflict broke out.
Kim’s new stand on South Korea marks a radical departure from decades of official policy, which sought to maintain dialogue and cooperation with the South, despite occasional tensions and provocations. Kim’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, had signed several agreements with the South, such as the 1991 Basic Agreement and the 2000 Joint Declaration, which committed both sides to peaceful coexistence and eventual reunification.
Kim’s reasons for the policy shift are not entirely clear, but some analysts suggest that he may have been influenced by several factors, such as:
Kim has not only changed his words, but also his actions, to back up his new policy toward the South. In recent weeks, he has ordered a series of weapons tests, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles, demonstrating his country’s growing and diversified arsenal. He has also shelled a maritime buffer zone that was established in 2018 to prevent accidental clashes, and called for his military to accelerate war preparations and readiness.
Kim’s actions have drawn condemnation and concern from the international community, especially from the US, South Korea, and Japan, who have urged him to refrain from further provocations and return to dialogue. The US has also reaffirmed its commitment to defend and support its allies in the region, and has conducted joint military exercises and consultations with them. The UN Security Council has also discussed the situation and called for the full implementation of its resolutions on North Korea.
Kim’s policy shift toward the South may bring him some rewards, such as:
However, Kim’s policy shift also entails significant risks, such as:
The future of the Korean Peninsula is uncertain and unpredictable, as Kim’s policy shift has created a new and dangerous situation that could lead to either war or peace, depending on how the parties involved react and interact. The US and the South have expressed their willingness and preference for dialogue and diplomacy, but they have also made clear that they will not tolerate or accept North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, and that they will defend and deter any aggression. North Korea, meanwhile, has shown its determination and capability to pursue and enhance its nuclear and missile programs, but it has also left some room for dialogue and engagement, if the conditions and terms are favorable.
The key to resolving the crisis and preventing a war lies in finding a way to bridge the gap and build trust between the two sides, and to address their respective security and economic concerns and interests. This will require political will, strategic vision, and creative diplomacy from all parties involved, as well as the support and cooperation of the international community. The stakes are high, and the time is short, for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region.
With a record-setting intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, North Korea boldly claimed it as the "world's most powerful strategic deterrent."…
Late October's bare Mount Fuji, a symbol of resiliency and natural beauty, marks the first time in 130 years that…
Children eventually learn to see that others cannot read their thoughts as they negotiate their developmental path. Research on an…
With a new tool dubbed "Moments," Netflix is improving users' experience and sharing of their preferred scenes. Although the behemoth…
The modest town of Hawkins, Indiana became the center of otherworldly horror once Stranger Things first showed viewers Eleven, a…
Recently paying an official visit to Singapore in a historic diplomatic gesture emphasizing the UAE's dedication to strengthen ties in…
This website uses cookies.
Read More