hankyoreh

A Cold War structure of antagonism has continued to become more evident by the day in Northeast Asia, as nations split into opposing camps. The spark reignited this antagonism was one incident, the sinking of the Cheonan, but in the background of this situation remains the aggressive foreign policy approaches of a number of countries. The reckless diplomatic and national security policies of the South Korean government have played an especially large role in strengthening this framework of hostility, and a thorough policy reexamination and change in course are in order.
　　
After demonstrating its intensely antagonistic diplomacy toward North Korea early this month at the United Nations Security Council, the administration showed it once again last weekend at the ASEAN Regional Forum. However, the Chairman’s Statement released two days ago was characterized by statements about the Cheonan issue that were more neutral than the United Nations Security Council President’s Statement. This was yet another diplomatic failure for the South Korean government. Moreover, as South Korea and the United States remain on one side and North Korea remains on the other and open criticism through harsh language has been voiced, this has left wounds that will not quickly heal.
　　
The antagonism has been ramping up further over the large-scale South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises that began yesterday in the East Sea.
　
North Korea said that it would “initiate a holy war of retaliation based on nuclear deterrent forces at a necessary time of our choosing.” China also made its objections clear, charging that the drills actually their country as well. In addition, the fact that a team of officers from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is participating for the first time in these exercises has raised alarm not only with China and North Korea, but also among South Korea‘s own citizens. This is because some have said the exercises expose the South Korean naval forces to Japan, a nation with which a strong rivalry exists over the Dokdo issue. The South Korean government is now being suspected of actively yielding to Japan in order to revive the anachronistic tripartite alliance with the nation and the U.S.
　　
This antagonistic framework, with South Korea, the United States and Japan on one side and North Korea, China, and Russia on the other, is not only of no help in resolving the Cheonan issue, but is certain to aggravate the political situation in Northeast Asia. When these joint military exercises, which are set to continue in the future, combine with new economic sanctions against North Korea from the United States, North Korea is likely to feel the need to respond forcefully. There is also a strong likelihood that China will see a growing threat to its people and take action. South Korea stands to suffer the most if tensions heighten in this manner. And at the same time, we will find our right to be heard on issues pertaining to the Korean Peninsula withering away.
　　
It is a grave error for the Lee Myung-bak administration to present the appearance that it is taking the lead in forming a Cold War-style framework of antagonism. If it really wants to resolve the Cheonan issue, it must refrain from taking direct aggressive action against North Korea, and instead pursue an additional, thorough investigation. More importantly, the six-party talks must quickly resume so that denuclearization efforts can get back on track.
　　
Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]