Challenges to inter-Korean relationship
(VOV) - The tense relationship between the two Koreas has heightened following a series of tough words and actions from both sides. The situation on the Korean peninsula is dire and a clash appears unavoidable if both sides don’t calm down.
An 11-day joint military exercise between the US and the Republic of Korea, codenamed “Key resolve” and involving 13,000 soldiers as well as warplanes, and guided-missile destroyers was denounced by Pyongyang as a Seoul invasion backed by the US.
The annual exercise is taking place simultaneously with another US-RoK joint military exercise, Foal Eagle, which began on March 1 and will last 2 months.
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In retaliation, Pyongyang on March 11 unilaterally announced it was canceling the Armistice that was signed to end the Korean war in 1953. The Rodong Sinmun, the mouthpiece of the Workers’ Party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, confirmed that Pyongyang has readied its weapons for war and has cut off a Red Cross hotline with Seoul.
During visits to border artillery units on March 11, leader Kim Jong-un threatened to destroy the RoK’s Baengnyeong Island, which is located in a disputed sea area. Kim said the island will be the first target if military tension continues to escalate. He put his armed forces on high alert.
The two Koreas have never signed a bilateral peace agreement, but the DPRK’s unilateral withdrawal from the armistice raises great international concern. In his latest statement, Martin Nesirky, a spokesman for the UN Secretary General, said the armistice on the Korean peninsula remains valid because it was approved by the UN General Assembly and doesn’t allow unilateral withdrawal.
RoK President Park Geun-hye has vowed to deal firmly with any North Korean provocation but will not give up efforts to negotiate with Pyongyang. Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok warned that the RoK will retaliate if the DPRK attacks.
Meanwhile, the West, led by the US, has imposed further sanctions on the DPRK and is considering forming a Committee to Investigate Human Rights in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang’s tough actions aim to consolidate public support for young leader Kim Jong-un. It also shows the country’s determination to overcome bigger challenges and hope for other countries to make concessions and provide what it wants.
The Korean peninsula seems to be on the brink of a nuclear war that will not benefit either side. It could trigger a domino effect and a regional arms race, and change the regional political situation as a consequence.