After the Korean Summit

CHEN LUNG-CHU

The Korean Summit ended on June 15, closing a new chapter in the history of the Korean peninsula. The meeting showed how in the post-cold war world, communication and dialogue have replaced war and confrontation. This irreversible trend will have far-reaching consequences for all of Asia.

The resolution produced at the Korean summit agreed to: ease tensions on the peninsula, resolve the problem of reunification of the two countries independently, help divided families to reunite, improve cooperation and exchange in all respects between the two, and have a reciprocal visit by Kim Jong Il to Seoul.

Many Koreans are most concerned about reuniting with their families. With the start of the Korean War in 1950, North Korea began down the road towards a collective communist economy, while South Korea, under the military protection of the U.S., began establishing a modern democratic nation. Millions of Koreans were separated by the tragic course of history, and any move to reunite families divided should be welcomed.

The accord avoided some sensitive issues between the two countries, including any statement on U.S. soldiers stationed in South Korea or North Korea's nuclear weapon and missile programs. It is likely that powerful nations with interests in the region will try to regroup to defend their interests in the near future.

Tensions between North and South Korea have dramatically improved with Kim Dae Jung's "sunshine policy," the real desire of all Koreans to realize unification and the goodwill of both countries to participate in the talks on an equal footing.

In addition to the structural differences between cross-strait relations and relations between North and South Korea, it is now clear that China's insistence on a "one China" policy is an obstacle to real dialogue, and a snub of the sincerity and friendly gestures extended to China by the new administration of Chen Shui-bian.

"If the Koreans can, why can't we?" Because China continues to act in a bellicose fashion towards Taiwan, and is not prepared to deal with Taiwan on equal footing! Now is an excellent opportunity for the PRC to renounce military force, stick to the peaceful resolution of disputes as laid down in UN principle, and engage in reciprocal talks with Taiwan.

This is the only way to maintain regional and world peace, and promote the common interests of Taiwan and China.

(Taiwan News, 2000.6.18, p.6 For Viewpoint, I'm Dr. Lung-chu Chen)