The North Korean Factor in East Asian Regional Security
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The North Korean Factor in East Asian Regional Security Jaebum Kim
Published online: 3 September 2013 Ó CEEUN 2013
Abstract This paper first examines briefly the current security environment in East Asia and then identifies the North Korean factor in regional security. It later reviews the implications of this factor in a broader context, especially in relation to the overarching theme of the conference: ‘‘East Asian Regional Integration and the US Role’’. It specifically attempts to highlight three major aspects of the topic of Session I: ‘‘Political and Security Co-operation in East Asia’’. They are (1) the issues of status quo and national interest, (2) the relationship between regional integration and national unification, and (3) strengthening and expanding PRC– Japan–ROK nuclear and space co-operation to include other states in the region and other fields of co-operation. It finally reaches the conclusion that, while the role of the United States should remain formidable and even essential for East Asian regional security and integration, the North Korean factor requires closer co-ordination and concerted efforts by all the powers concerned, both global and regional, as well as both big and small, preferably including Pyongyang herself. In the final analysis, the regional security could be better promoted by seeking synergy effects of regional integration and reunification of divided nations. As regional integration progresses so does national unification and vice versa. Each and every problem has a solution if its stakeholders approach it in a broader context, with farther-sighted visions, and in such a way as to exchange their positions with one another. More judicious prioritization of issues is required for each stakeholder. Keywords East Asia Regional security North Korea Integration Unification Trilateral co-operation J. Kim (&) International Policy Studies Institute, Policy Commissioner, Korean Council on Foreign Relations, Seoul, Korea e-mail: [email protected] J. Kim Cyber Secretariat of the Forum for East Asia–Latin America Co-operation, Seoul, Korea
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JEL Classification
J. Kim
F55
Introduction This paper aims to identify the North Korean factor in the context of East Asian regional security and propose ways to cope with it effectively with a view to promoting regional security and integration. With the broader theme of the conference, ‘‘East Asian Regional Integration and the Role of the United States’’, in mind, the paper intends to find an appropriate approach to enhancing regional security and integration as well as national unification. The analyses and recommendations focus more on contemporary issues and future prospects in the region as closely linked to their dynamics involving extra-regional powers. East Asian Regional Security If the East Asian region includes Oceania, it extends from the Russian Far East to New Zealand and comprises about 2.2 billion inhabitants in 31 states. As compared to other ‘‘Third World’’ areas, this region has enjoyed relative peace for
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