Creating a Framework for Lasting Peace in the Korean Peninsula

Transcription

1 Forum: Issue: Student Officer: Position: Security Council Creating a Framework for Lasting Peace in the Korean Peninsula Inès Munchenbach Mentor Chair Introduction The Korean Peninsula, sharing its northern border with Russia and China, holds an extremely important geopolitical position. Currently, it is the only country still separated by civil war (sustained by an uncertain 1953 ceasefire), forming two entirely sovereign nations: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. Both nations have been struggling with ideological and political strains since the ceasefire, and tensions show no sign of slowing. The tension in the region of the Korean Peninsula is by no means limited to the area surrounding it. In fact, the issue as a whole is sourced in a long-running ideological and political battle between the United States and Russia, following the second World War. The issue has reached worryingly high tensions in the past few decades, generating substantial traction within the international community. Both belligerent governments show no sign of relinquishing, and the division has only been deepening. Nations have pursued many types of solutions to the problem such as appeasement and international pressure. However, no tactics have been effective. Tensions between both nations have only grown in the past certain decades and show no sign of stopping, eventually catalyzing into an ominous conflict for Korea's Reunification. Key Terms

2 Unitary One-Party Government A government in which there is only one political party dominating the government and no other opposition parties are permitted. A unitary one-party government can be seen as similar to a one party dominant system. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) A nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon able to cause major destruction and loss of life. Ballistic Missiles A missile that follows a predetermined trajectory at an extremely high attitude with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target. Nuclear Weapons Yield Amount of energy released when a particular nuclear bomb is detonated. Nuclear Weapons A weapon that uses nuclear energy to cause damage. Totalitarianism A form of government that provides essentially no individual freedom, subordinating all aspects of individual life to the state. Non-Proliferation Treaty

3 The NPT is a UN treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons proliferation, promoting peaceful use of nuclear technology. It is worth noting that the only non-signatories of the NPT are India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan. However, North Korea chose to withdraw in 2003; Libya commenced a secret nuclear program, violating the treaty; and Iran was found to be violating the treaty in Demilitarization Zone A region on the Korean Peninsula separating North Korea from South Korea in which no troops are allowed to be stationed. The 38th Parallel A line on the Korean Peninsula 38 degrees North from east to west officially separating the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. Information Japanese colonialism The Korean Peninsula was under control of the Japanese Empire from 1910 until 1945, defined by the Japanese victory in the Sino-Japanese War in 1895 and the Russian-Japanese war in The nation's culture and language was completely oppressed by the forces of the Japanese empire that sought to treat the Korean nation as its loyal subject. WWII After the Allied victory in 1945 of World War II, Japan was forced to cede all the colonies it had seized through military force. Korea had been a colony of Japan since before the start of WWII, but Japan still had to cede it as it had been conquered with violence. On the same day Japan surrendered itself and its colonies, however, the USSR invaded the Korean peninsula

4 after conquering Northeast China. Despite a neutrality treaty with Japan, the Soviet Union declared war. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had occupied the Korean peninsula, with troops stationed along the 38th parallel. With a giant vacuum left by Japan after its sovereignty was temporarily negated, and with China struggling with internal conflicts between Communists and Nationalists in its country, the United States was the only choice of intervention left. Negotiations between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. failed to create a unified Korea. In 1948, UN held-elections only applied to U.S.-owned South Korea. This led to the creation of the Republic of Korea, followed by the Democratic Republic of Korea. With the United States and the Soviet Union at the helm, Korean fate was little decided with Korean intervention itself. Soviet-US joint commission As it was under Soviet occupation, North Korea followed a communist template of rule, led by Soviet army veteran Kim Il-Sung. North Korean society was collectivized, industries were nationalized, and socialist land reforms were introduced. Kim Il-Sung then created the North Korean People's Army. South Korean politics, meanwhile, were much more chaotic. Anti-communist nominal leader Syngman Rhee emerged as a figurehead of the Korean Government. American forces installed an interim military government modelled after the Japanese colonial administrative structure. The United States took the issue between both Koreas to the United Nations, who created the UNTCOK (United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea) that immediately tried organizing a nationwide presidential election, which the USSR strongly argued against. Two elections occurred in 1948, and Syngman Rhee was voted as the first president of South Korea. Kim Il-Sung was then established as the first prime minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Both nations proclaimed their capital as Seoul (which only changed in 1972), and Soviet forces withdrew from the Korean peninsula in December of Korean war: the 38th parallel

5 In 1949, raids across the 38th parallel were frequent - confrontations were common, and both regimes were adamant on testing the superior regime. On June 25th of 1950, North Korea crossed the 38th parallel with the ultimate intention of reunifying both Koreas and returning territories to Japanese colonialism. The DPRK was heavily armed with Soviet weapons, and the Southern's hastily assembled forced had no chance against the North's high-grade weapons. Three days after the invasion, Seoul had been captured. UN member states were called upon by the United States to brand North Korea as the aggressor. North Korean forces continued to rapidly advance south, aiming to capture the port of Busan. American General MacArthur lead an invasion on Incheon in September Troops drove North Korea far back the 38th parallel, and as they marched closer to the Manchurian border, communist China interceded. Chinese leader Mao Zedong feared an armed aggression against Chinese territory, and sent troops to North Korea. Zedong warned that the United States was to steer clear of the Yalu border unless they wished for an exhaustive war. A stalemate between both superpowers ensued. Armistice talks began in mid In July 1953, the DPRK, the United States, and China signed the Panmunjom Armistice, creating a demilitarization zone (DMZ) as a buffer area along the 38th parallel in which neither parties must station any troops. Post-war & modern times Industrialization in South Korea & False Rapprochement In contrast with North Korea's stagnating economy, South Korea went through massive booms of industrialization and technological development during the 1960s. Before the Korean War, North Korea was considered a more technologically developed nation, but by the 1970s, South Korea had far surpassed the DPRK's military and technological capacities. In August of 1971, the DPRK approached South Korea with the intents of conceding the position of sole state power in the Korean Peninsula. Officials from both nations met in Panmunjom for talks. A joint statement was issued, mapping plans for a

6 peaceful reunification. It was later revealed that the DPRK regime had manipulated the statement as a means for alienating South Korea from its military allies, isolating military troops from invading North Korea. The United States were naturally opposed, and plans were quietly buried after the assassination of President Chung-lee Park. North Korean Militarization in Modern Times and Cheonan Incident In 2003, North Korea alarmed the international community by announcing its withdrawal from the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. North Korea blamed the United States for its withdrawal, stating that US military aggression would "finally lead to the third world war." North Korean government stated that the NPT violated the nation's dignity, and at that point, stated that they had no intention of producing nuclear weapons. However, North Korea began producing nuclear weapons circa The United Nations, following the first nuclear test, implemented a law (Resolution 1718) preventing North Korea from building and testing any nuclear weapons. However, the nation has blatantly disregarded international law, and the issue continues to progress, evolving into an emergent missile crisis. In 2017, North Korea directed a sequence of nuclear missile tests that established an ability to launch ballistic missiles beyond its immediate region, suggesting that the nation s nuclear power was evolving much quicker than the United States intelligence community had predicted. On March 26th of 2010, an explosion caused a South Korean warship to sink near the maritime border between both Koreas. South Korean military intelligence teams stated that it was deliberately attacked by the North Korean navy, leading to a mass-scale investigation. South Korea then conducted a massive military exercise in the Yellow Sea, which North Korea deemed an "invasion." Continued Nuclear Tests & Recent Developments In January of 2017, Kim Jong-un stated that the nation was in the last stage of works on an intercontinental ballistic missile made for testing. On May 3rd, North Korea issued an extremely harsh statement of its chief ally, China, stating that the DPRK will

7 not risk their nuclear program for friendship with China, no matter how important the allyship is. The Washington Post, in August 2017, released an assessment stating that North Korea had succeeded in developing nuclear warheads for missiles with capability of reaching the U.S. mainland. American forces (specifically the United States Forces Korea) had been preparing for deployment to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD), which is created to detect and destroy any ballistic missiles (with the exception of intercontinental ones), facing resistance from China, Russia, and North Korea. THAAD stationed in South Korea had reached operational capability on May 1st of Authorities have recognized the North Korean situation as a conflict paralleled to the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War. North Korea will not state how many nuclear missiles they have, but experts estimate the nation has produced around ten deadly plutonium missiles so far. The risk of fatal conflict through miscalculation from either side is now extremely tense, and disputes could easily mount to nuclear levels. Certain catalysts for the state of tension may be stubbornness of both leaders and the fact that most of the dispute is occurring through rhetoric and threats rather than true engagement between both political leaders. Major Countries and Organizations Involved Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) The DPRK has declared itself as a socialist state, but others have characterized it as a totalitarian dictatorship. North Korea has been governed by the Kim Dynasty since its creation, official name being the Mount Paektu bloodline. The "hermit kingdom" has been isolated from the international community, yet its hostilities and threats continue to pose insecurity within the global society. Republic of Korea (ROK)

8 South Korea constitutes the Southern part of the Korean peninsula. United States The United States has historically been involved in the Korean conflict as an ally of the Republic of Korea, holding an umbrella position over South Korea and Japan against external hostilities. China China has historically been North Korea's chief ally. It has supplied a great portion of North Korea's economic and nuclear resources, always stopping short in terms of UN-mandated sanctions. This may be due to China's political ties with the DPRK, rivalry with the United States, and fear of North Korean refugees overwhelming Chinese border territories. However, Beijing has halted all textiles and oil exports of Pyongyang due to perhaps exhaustrion over North Korea's frequent threats. Russia Prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the USSR had always maintained a close allyship with North Korea. Since the creation of the individual Russian government, Moscow has changed its position on the conflict, criticizing the DPRK's threats and nuclear program. Russia has repeatedly warned North Korea that if it continues with its fierce threats, it may have to impose violence on the DPRK. Japan Japan is a strong adversary of the North Korean regime and one of the strongest east Asian allies of the United States. The DPRK and Japan have repeatedly clashed on almost all issues, but Japan is also waging conflict with South Korea over both territorial and cultural differences. International Atomic Energy Agency

9 The IAEA works in close cooperation with the United States as a means to promote peaceful use of nuclear technology. Timeline of Events Date August 15th, 1945 August 15th, 1948 September 9th, 1948 June 25th, 1950 June 27th, 1953 December 12th, 1985 September 17th, 1991 February 9th, 1993 December 2002 January 2003 February 2005 July/October 2006 October 2008 January 2009 Description of event Japanese occupation ends South Korea declares independence DPRK declared; Kim Il-Sung as leader; Soviets withdraw North Korea invades South Korea, start of Korean War Korean Armistice agreement signed, DMZ proclaimed North Korea joins the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty DPRK and ROK admitted to UN as separate nations IAEA accuses DPRK for violating NPT, insisted on access to nuclear storage sites, DPRK threatens to leave NPT North Korea announces reopening Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research, expels all UN inspectors North Korea withdraws from NPT DPRK publicly announces that it is developing nuclear weapons North Korea carries out first nuclear test, leading to UN sanctions North Korea agrees to provide international access to Yongbyon facilities as long as it is removed from US terrorism blacklist North Korea announces scrapping of all political deals with South

10 Korea, stating the Republic of Korea has "hostile intent" May 25th 2009 March 2010 December 2011 February 2013 September 2013 September 2016 August 2017 September 3rd, 2017 DPRK conducts its second nuclear test North Korea sinks South Korean warship Cheonan Kim Jong-Il dies, Kim Jong-Un takes his place as Supreme Leader DPRK conducts third nuclear test DPRK's only ally, China, bans all exports that could be applied to manufacture of missiles or any WMD DPRK conducts fifth nuclear test North Korea threatens ballistic missile attack to American territory of Guam North Korea carries out 6th nuclear test Relevant UN Treaties and Events Complaint of aggression upon Republic of Korea, 27 June 1950 (S/RES/83) New Members: DPR of Korea / R. of Korea, 8 August 1991 (S/RES/702) Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 11 May 1993 (S/RES/825) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 14 October 2006 (S/RES/1718) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 12 June 2009 (S/RES/1874) Maintenance of international peace and security: Nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, 24 September 2009 (S/RES/1887) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 7 June 2010 (S/RES/1928) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 10 June 2011 (S/RES/1985) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 12 June 2012 (S/RES/2050) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 7 March 2013 (S/RES/2094) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 5 March 2014 (S/RES/2141)

11 Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 4 March 2015 (S/RES/2207) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 30 November 2016 (S/RES/2321) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 5 August 2017 (S/RES/2371) Non-proliferation/Democratic People s Republic of Korea, 11 September 2017 (S/RES/2375) Previous Attempts to Solve the Issue Six-party talks The six-party talks between North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan, the United States, and Russia began after North Korea retreated from the NPT in The talks were discontinued in 2009 after six unsuccessful rounds, in which security, nuclear energy, light water reactors, diplomatic relationships, financial restrictions/trade, and disarmament were discussed between the nations. In theory, the talks were a good stepping stone forward in diplomacy. However, during debate, not much was actually achieved. North Korea exploited the United States during the talks for its own gain of resources and held most of the control in the conference. This was because China was too afraid to endanger North Korea's sensitive economy as it did not want a large influx of refugees at the border between the DPRK and China. The United States was too afraid to use military force and drive North Korea away from negotiation, and since nations refused to donate non lethal aid to the DPRK, it proceeded with missile testing to coerce donations from member states. UN Sanctions After North Korea retreated from the NPT, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea decided to take matters more seriously and aggressively with economic sanctions. Sanctions proved to be

12 slightly more effective than any other attempt to solve the issue before, but there are still limitations to the sanctions that mean North Korea can still continue its nuclear program. North Korea's secret economy is hidden from international monitors. A previous official, Ri Jong-ho, at Office 39 (a hidden cabinet specializing in slush funds for North Korea's leaders) stated that the DPRK has searched for Russian fuel from Singaporean brokers and others. Ri also stated that Pyongyang has used names of Chinese and Russian people to open foreign bank accounts for access to international markets. An investigation by the American research group C4ADS claims to have found evidence to back his claims. It is also rumoured that the Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development (a Chinese company) has been supporting the nuclear activities of the DPRK, trading on its behalf. North Korea has also generated revenue through smuggling and hacking. Reunion Despite a grand total of 20 reunions between officials of both nations, no talks of unification were brought into action. Diplomatic relations between both nations remain tense and show no sign of yielding peace anytime soon. Possible Solutions Although North Korea is often labelled the belligerent in this crisis, it is important to consider actions of other partakers such as the United Nations and the United States. It is normal to consider North Korea an aggressor due to its constant violation of UN legislation, but the conflict is by no means one-sided. When writing resolutions, please keep in mind the history of the conflict rather than the current reality of the situation. In addition, please keep in mind that action proposed in resolutions is in no way confined to the action proposed in this report. Some suggestions for action may include: Demilitarization Finding consensus of the international community Addressing loopholes in current sanctions Seeing to North Korea's secret hidden economy

13 Attempting to find terms for reunification Bibliography Single Party-State. Fact Index, Wikimedia Foundation, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), 16 June 2017, The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. Totalitarianism. Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 Aug. 2017, Sukjoon, Yoon. "Expanding the Rokn s Capabilities to Deal with the Slbm Threat from North Korea." Naval War College Review, vol. 70, no. 2, Spring 2017, p. 49. EBSCO host, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&authtype=ip,url,uid&db=aqh&an= SIGNATORIES AND PARTIES TO THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Federation of American Scientists, (Federation of American Scientists) FAS, Mar. 12ADAD, History.com Staff. Demilitarized Zone. History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010, Bednar, Charles, et al. "Neutralizing North Korea." Atlantic, vol. 320, no. 3, Oct. 2017, pp EBSCO host, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&authtype=ip,url,uid&db=lfh&an= Center for Strategic and International Studies. World Missiles. Missile Threat, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 2018, missilethreat.csis.org/missile/.

14 The B-41 (Mk-41) Bomb. Nuclear Weapon Archive, 21 Oct. 1997, nuclearweaponarchive.org/usa/weapons/b41.html. Korea as a Colony of Japan, th CENTURY: Korea as a Colony of Japan, Central Themes and Key Points Asia for Educators Columbia University, Asia for Educators, 2009, Sherman, Wendy, et al. "North Korea: How to Stop Kim Jong Un." Time, vol. 189, no. 12, 03 Apr. 2017, p. 40. EBSCO host, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&authtype=ip,url,uid&db=aqh&an= Ellington, Lucien, and Tawni Hunt Ferrarini. Why Do Some Nations Prosper? The Case of North and South Korea. Foreign Policy Research Institute, FPRI, 26 Apr. 2017, North Korea Profile - Timeline. BBC News, BBC, 9 Jan. 2018, Ma, Alexandra. Why UN Sanctions on North Korea Aren't Working, According to Experts. Business Insider France, Business Insider, Inc., 21 Sept. 2017, Ford, Glyn. "What Drives North Korea's Nuclear Quest." New Statesman, vol. 146, no. 5383, 08 Sept. 2017, pp EBSCO host, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&authtype=ip,url,uid&db=lfh&an= Killalea, Debra. The Countries Which Tolerate North Korea. NewsComAu, News Limited, 7 Sept. 2017, c2c51df544fb8afede42d310c70757f. agencies, Staff and. North Korea Withdraws from Nuclear Treaty. The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 10 Jan. 2003,

15 Appendices I. North and South Korean reflections on Korean Unification/Inter-Korean Relations: II Joint Statement: m III. Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-aggression, Exchanges and Cooperation (1990): %20reconciliation%20non%20aggression%20and%20exchangespdf.pdf IV. Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula: V Moscow Conference: