战略与国际研究中心-Condemning-the-Missile-Launch-and-Next-Steps_3页_345kb

U.S.-KOREA POLICY SCHOLARS PROGRAM: Summary

Core Content

This document is an article by Jae-kyung Park, a Korean diplomat and visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Korea Chair, published on April 20, 2012. The article focuses on the international response to North Korea's missile launch on April 13, 2012, and discusses the broader implications for regional stability and U.S.-North Korea relations. It also touches on the role of China and the importance of trust in diplomatic engagement.

Main Points

1. International Response to North Korea's Missile Launch

• The UN Security Council issued a Presidential Statement on April 16, 2012, condemning North Korea's missile launch.
• This statement is seen as a unified stance by the international community, with consensus among the fifteen member states.
• The response highlights the need for a consistent message against provocative actions, such as nuclear and missile tests, and underscores the importance of non-proliferation efforts.

2. The Role of Trust in Diplomatic Relations

• The article draws a parallel between the U.S. response to North Korea and the Iranian nuclear issue.
• On April 14, 2012, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi emphasized the importance of trust in his article in the Washington Post.
• Similarly, the U.S. should focus on building trust with North Korea, not just on the nuclear issue, as the regime is perceived as an existential threat to the region.

3. Pyongyang's Justification for the Missile Launch

• North Korea claimed that the Leap Day Deal (agreed on February 29, 2012) was breached by the U.S.
• The claim is considered ridiculous, but the statement reveals North Korea's emphasis on dignity and respect for sovereignty.
• The regime appears to be more concerned with perceived insults to its sovereignty than with the suspension of aid.

4. Recommendations for the Future

• Pyongyang should understand the international response and recognize that provocative actions do not garner support.
• The regime must demonstrate sincerity in improving relations with the U.S., not just through words but through actions.
• China's role is critical in facilitating dialogue and improving North Korea's bilateral relations with the outside world.
• Despite potential future provocations, the article advocates for continued dialogue and preventing escalation to achieve peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Key Information

• Author: Jae-kyung Park, a Korean diplomat and visiting fellow at CSIS.
• Date: April 20, 2012.
• Context: The article was written in response to North Korea's missile launch and the subsequent international reaction.
• Focus: The importance of trust, the role of China, and the need for constructive dialogue to address the security and diplomatic challenges on the Korean peninsula.
• Program Mention: The article also promotes the U.S.-Korea Policy Scholars Program, inviting applications and providing contact information for inquiries.

Conclusion

The article emphasizes that while international condemnation of North Korea's actions is necessary, it is not sufficient for long-term peace and stability. It calls for a shift in focus from merely addressing WMD issues to building trust and fostering dialogue. The role of China as a potential mediator is highlighted, and the importance of maintaining a conducive environment for diplomatic engagement is stressed. Ultimately, the author advocates for a constructive and persistent approach to address the complex challenges on the Korean peninsula.