hankyoreh

North Korean and South Korean patrol boats fired rounds at each other in the seas near Daecheong Island south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) yesterday morning. There were no losses on the South Korean side, but as it was the first naval clash in seven years since the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in June 2002, it is not a matter to be taken lightly. It demands a wise response that does not exacerbate inter-Korean tensions.

North Korean patrol boats have occasionally crossed the NLL since the Second Yeonpyeong Battle. There was an instance in which a patrol boat crossed further than 20 kilometers over the line, and several times when the South Korean navy sent back North Korean boats with warning shots. This incident, however, is exceptional in that a firefight occurred at a location no more than 2 kilometers south of the NLL. In addition to whether the North Korean vessel intentionally ignored the South Korean vessel’s warning messages, it is questionable whether the clash, which escalated from a South Korean warning shot to North Korean direct fire to South Korean return fire, was unavoidable.

The clash reflects the weakness of inter-Korean relations. If talks to establish a West Sea zone of peace that was agreed to in the October 4 2007 Summit Declaration had progressed, this incident would not have occurred. The clash must not become an excuse to heighten tensions. Neither side should become caught up in a revenge mentality. As the West Sea situation becomes increasingly unstable, both sides can only become victims of senseless confrontations. The nations of the international community view inter-Korean clashes not as victories or defeats for one side or the other but merely as “instability on the Korean Peninsula.”　

The Lee administration must make the clash an opportunity to reconsider inter-Korean relations in general. North Korea has been hoping for improved inter-Korean ties since the summer. North Korea-U.S. dialogue to restart the six-party talks and resolve the nuclear issue is also set to begin. That inter-Korean ties are at a standstill even within this atmosphere is primarily due to the passive attitude of the Lee administration. While subordinating inter-Korean ties to movement on the nuclear issue and waiting for North Korea to bend, absolutely necessary inter-Korean dialogue is not taking place. If this distorted structure does not change, incidents akin to yesterday’s clash could occur once again. Moreover, an improvement in inter-Korean relations could greatly contribute to smoothly resolving the nuclear issue.

Inter-Korean ties have directionality. This is the time for improvement in inter-Korean relations, as clearly demonstrated by this naval clash that just took place. The Lee administration must use this clash as an opportunity to turn misfortune into a blessing. A mere two-minute accidental clash must not be allowed to have a negative impact on inter-Korean ties.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]