NAPSNet Daily Report 10 July, 2008
Contents in this Issue:
- I. NAPSNet
- 1. Six-Party Talks
- 2. DPRK on Six Party Talks
- 3. Inter-Korean Relations
- 4. US on DPRK Nuclear Program
- 5. Russian Energy Aid to the DPRK
- 6. Russian Food Aid to the DPRK
- 7. Japan on DPRK Sanctions
- 8. Russo-Japanese Relations
- 9. Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation
- 10. US-ROK Relations
- 11. US-ROK Trade Relations
- 12. ROK, Japan, PRC Environmental Cooperation
- 13. ROK-Indian Trade Relations
- 14. Japan-ROK Territorial Dispute
- 15. Japan-Australia Non-Proliferation Efforts
- 16. PRC Security
- II. PRC Report
- III. ROK Report
I. NAPSNet
1. Six-Party Talks
Associated Press (Kwang-tae Kim, “NKOREA NUCLEAR TALKS RESUME, FOCUS ON VERIFICATION”, Beijing, 2008/07/10) reported that negotiators resumed the six-party talks Thursday with hopes of laying out a program to verify the DPRK’s declaration of its atomic materials. “I want to emphasize that all of us gathered here share the same strategic objectives,” PRC envoy Wu Dawei said at the start of the talks. “The ultimate objective is the realization of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.” “All these successes have led us to believe that if we work together, stick to the guidelines and concepts, honor our commitments, the strategic goals will undoubtedly be realized,” he said.
Yonhap (Lee Chi-dong, “VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR DECLARATION, ENERGY AID TO TOP AGENDA”, Beijing, 2008/07/10) reported that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill negotiator said his country aims to wrap up the second phase of the DPRK nuclear dismantlement by this fall. “Obviously we are going to focus very much on the verification regime to wrap up this phase,” Hill said. Kim Sook, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs of the ROK Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry, expressed hope that meaningful progress will be made at this week’s talks. Akitaka Saiki, director general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, said the six-party talks are at crucial juncture, while Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin said he hopes that the negotiations will be fruitful.
2. DPRK on Six Party Talks
Xinhua (“DPRK URGES U.S. TO TAKE SUBSTANTIAL ACTION AHEAD OF SIX-PARTY TALKS”, Pyongyang, 2008/07/09) reported that the DPRK urged the US to take substantial actions to push forward the denuclearization process. Deeds are better than empty words, said a commentary carried by the official Minju Joson daily, which accused the US of recent arms sales to the ROK worth about 200 million US dollars. “If the U.S. was really willing to get the Korean Peninsula denuclearized, it should take actual action to win confidence of the DRPK,” it said.
3. Inter-Korean Relations
Yonhap (“KOREAS’ TOP NUCLEAR ENVOYS TO MEET AHEAD OF SIX-PARTY TALKS: SOURCES”, Beijing, 2008/07/08) reported that top nuclear negotiators of the ROK and DPRK will hold a one-on-one meeting in Beijing to discuss ways to verify the DPRK’s declaration of its nuclear programs, diplomatic sources here said. The meeting between Kim Sook of the ROK and Kim Kye-gwan of the DPRK comes ahead of Thursday’s resumption of the six-party talks on the DPRK’s denuclearization after a nine-month hiatus. The two Kims will discuss how to set up an effective verification regime in their second meeting since May in the PRC capital, the sources said.
4. US on DPRK Nuclear Program
The Associated Press (Anita Chang, “US: COULD TAKE MONTHS TO CHECK NKOREA NUCLEAR LIST”, Beijing, 2008/07/08) reported that negotiators at the resumed six-nation talks on the DPRK’s nuclear disarmament will work to lay out a program for what could be a months-long effort to verify the DPRK’s declaration of its atomic materials, the US envoy said. “Verification itself … will take several weeks or even months, actually, but we need to agree on how verification will work,” Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told reporters. Hill said he raised the issue of energy aid during a meeting with the DPRK envoy and expressed a wish to resolve it. “We have many more shipments still to make,” he said.
5. Russian Energy Aid to the DPRK
Yonhap News (“RUSSIA TO SEND MORE FUEL OIL TO N.K. BY OCTOBER: REPORT”, Seoul, 2008/07/08) reported that Russia will deliver another 100,000 tons of fuel oil to the DPRK by October as a reward for the country’s shutdown of its nuclear power facilities, Itar-Tass news agency reported, quoting a top Russian envoy to the six-party nuclear talks. “We’ve fulfilled our promises — delivered 100,000 tons of fuel oil in two batches by the middle of the year,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin was quoted as telling journalists in Beijing. “We are preparing to fulfil our obligations further and send another 100,000 tons by October,” he said.
6. Russian Food Aid to the DPRK
Xinhua (“RUSSIAN FOOD AID ARRIVES IN DPRK “, Pyongyang, 2008/07/08) reported that Russia’s promised food aid to the DPRK has been shipped to a border city in the DPRK, the official KCNA news agency reported. The aid, whose quantity was unspecified in the report, arrived at Sinuiju in the DPRK’s northern Phyongan Province Monday. The Russian government announced last month that it would provide 2,860 tons of flour to the DPRK.
7. Japan on DPRK Sanctions
Kyodo News (“FUKUDA RULES OUT IMMEDIATELY LIFTING JAPAN’S SANCTIONS ON N. KOREA”, Toyako, 2008/07/08) reported that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda ruled out immediately lifting Japan’s sanctions against the DPRK when he met PRC President Hu Jintao, saying Pyongyang has not taken concrete actions to fulfill its promise to reinvestigate its past abductions of Japanese nationals, according to Japanese officials. On the DPRK, Fukuda urged the PRC to press Pyongyang toward resolving the abduction issue.
8. Russo-Japanese Relations
The Asahi Shimbun (“FUKUDA, MEDVEDEV EYE PEACE PACT”, Toyako, 2008/07/08) reported that Japan and Russia agreed on the need to conclude a formal peace treaty as soon as possible, but only after the two countries resolve their dispute over the Northern Territories. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held hour-long bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit here. Fukuda told Medvedev that the two countries “need to settle the territorial dispute and remove thorny sentiments toward each other.” Medvedev responded by saying the bilateral relationship would be “upgraded to an unprecedented level” once the decades-old dispute is settled.
9. Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation
Korea Times (Kim Sue-young, “GAESEONG COMPLEX LACKS IN LODGINGS FOR N. KOREAN WORKERS”, 2008/07/08) reported that despite the growing number of DPRK workers in this joint industrial complex in the DPRK, lodgings for workers is lacking due to suspended dialogue between the two Koreas. Officials at the complex expressed concerns that ROK companies intending to set up operations there may be unable to do so as a lack of housing will likely see manpower shortages. Besides, approximately 80,000 to 100,000 workers would be needed by 2010 when 450 companies are expected to settle in the industrial park.
10. US-ROK Relations
Korea Times (Na Jeong-ju, “LEE, BUSH REAFFIRM ALLIANCE”, 2008/07/08) reported that President Lee Myung-bak agreed with US President George W. Bush to strengthen cooperation in dealing with the DPRK’s nuclear weapons program and foster a stronger alliance between the two countries. “Lee and Bush discussed various issues of mutual concern, including the resumption of the six-party talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear program and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” a Cheong Wa Dae spokesman said. “The leaders shared the goal of maintaining peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula based on a strong alliance and agreed to cement economic cooperation.”
11. US-ROK Trade Relations
Yonhap News (Shin Hae-in, “SEOUL RENEWS PUSH FOR KOREA-U.S. FTA “, Seoul, 2008/07/08) reported that the ROK’s cabinet approved of a bill on a free trade pact with Washington, in a renewed pitch to win parliamentary approval of the much-delayed deal after removing a major stumbling block by resuming US beef imports. It was the second such effort made by the ROK government to enforce the Seoul-Washington free trade agreement (FTA), which has been pending at the respective legislatures of both countries for almost a year. Although the ROK’s new National Assembly is likely to approve of the motion with the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) holding a majority of 153 seats in the 299-member unicameral parliament, it may take a considerable amount of time for the bill to pass, with the parliament currently deadlocked with opposition parties’ boycott.
12. ROK, Japan, PRC Environmental Cooperation
Korea Times (Na Jeong-ju, “LEE PROPOSES E. ASIA CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP”, 2008/07/08) reported that President Lee Myung-bak proposed a regional body to fight climate change, saying he would play a bridging role between developing and industrialized countries to help the world achieve its goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In his speech at an expanded Group of Eight summit in Toyako, Japan, Lee proposed the “East Asia Climate Partnership,” under which the ROK, Japan and PRC will implement joint programs to cut carbon emissions and develop environmental technologies. The countries will need some $200 million to launch pilot programs, he said.
13. ROK-Indian Trade Relations
(Hwang Jang-jin, “LEE PURSUES FTAS WITH INDIA AND MEXICO”, ) reported that President Lee Myung-bak had high-level talks to promote economic cooperation with India, Brazil and Mexico, as he began his two-day visit to Japan to attend an expanded Group of Eight summit. On arrival in Sapporo in northern Japan, he met with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The countries plan to hold an 11th round of talks regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement late this month. That pact is estimated to increase two-way trade by $3.3 billion per year.
14. Japan-ROK Territorial Dispute
Chosun Ilbo (“KOREA-JAPAN TENSION MOUNTS OVER DOKDO”, 2008/07/08) reported that the Japanese government will make a final decision on whether new teaching guidelines for secondary schools will state Japan’s claim to the ROK’s Dokdo islets. The issue is capable of shaking bilateral relations, which the leaders of the two countries have pledged to improve, to the core. Japan will announce the teaching guidelines next Monday. Before it makes an official announcement, it is likely that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will brief President Lee on the Japanese government’s position during the G8 meeting this week, a ROK official said.
15. Japan-Australia Non-Proliferation Efforts
Agence France-Presse (“JAPANESE NAMED FOR NUCLEAR BODY WITH AUSTRALIA “, Toyako, 2008/07/08) reported that Japan’s former foreign minister Yoriko Kawaguchi will co-chair a new commission proposed by Australia to advance the cause of non-proliferation. Australia’s former foreign minister Gareth Evans has already been appointed co-chair of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, which will gather experts from around the world. Rudd said the body would aim to lay the groundwork for the next review conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2010. Rudd has said that Australia, which has the largest known uranium reserves, and Japan, a major nuclear energy power, could play a role in non-proliferation.
16. PRC Security
The Associated Press (Christopher Bodeen, “CHINA CLAIMS TO BUST RADICAL MUSLIM GANG”, Beijing, 2008/07/08) reported that the PRC police shot dead five members of a radical Islamic separatist group in western PRC, state media reported, as officials called for an all-out security push ahead of the Beijing Olympics. No hard evidence was offered to back up the claim, although a leading terror expert said such incidents underscore the significant threat Beijing faces from an al-Qaida-linked radical group fighting for independence in the predominantly Muslim far western Xinjiang region.
II. PRC Report
17. PRC on Climate Change
Xinhua Net (“CHINESE PRESIDENT ATTENDS MEETING ON ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE”, 2008/07/08) <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:”Arial Unicode MS”; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} @font-face {font-family:”@SimSun”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:””; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:justify; text-justify:inter-ideograph; mso-pagination:none; font-size:10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –&gt reported that PRC President Hu Jintao attended the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change, in the northern Japanese resort of Toyako. The recent dramatic surge in global oil prices has posed grim challenges for both oil producing and consuming countries. Seeking a balance between the energy demand and supply as well as maintaining world energy security is an urgent task for all nations. Meanwhile, climate change has become a global concern. The “common but differentiated responsibilities” established by the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change represents international consensus on resolving the issue. The MEM meeting started soon after the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8), which was attended by leaders of G8 members and the PRC, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.
18. PRC Security
Xinhua Net (Qian Wei, “MISSILES DEPLOYING AROUND “NEST””, 2008/07/08) <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:”Arial Unicode MS”; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} @font-face {font-family:”@SimSun”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:””; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:justify; text-justify:inter-ideograph; mso-pagination:none; font-size:10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> reported that recently, a number of Beijing residents carefully found that on a lawn near the main National Olympic stadium known as bird’s nest, they can see two missile launchers and radar systems covered with a camouflage net. Minister of Beijing Olympic Security Coordinating Group Tian Yixiang also confirmed to the media recently that for the security protection of Olympic, apart from surface-to-air missiles, the PRC’s military also used combat aircraft, helicopters, warships, radar, chemical defense, engineering support and other weaponry.
19. Cross Strait Relations
Xinhua News Agency (Chen Binhua, “MAINLAND TAIWAN AFFAIRS CHIEF: SEIZE OPPORTUNITY FOR CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS”, 2008/07/08) <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:”Arial Unicode MS”; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} @font-face {font-family:”@SimSun”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 135135232 16 0 262144 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:””; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:justify; text-justify:inter-ideograph; mso-pagination:none; font-size:10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –&g reported that the mainland’s Taiwan affairs chief, Wang Yi, called for further development of cross-Strait relations. Wang, director of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said the development of cross-Strait relations is facing a rare historic opportunity, while the PRC is facing the opportunity of a great rejuvenation. “The two opportunities are connected with each other,” he said. “A good cross-Strait relationship will provide a new driving force for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and the rejuvenation needs the two sides to join hands and work together,” Wang said. He said the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is the crystallization of the political wisdom of the CPC and the Kuomintang, the common wish of the people on both sides, and a reflection of the tendency of peace and development around the world.
III. ROK Report
20. DPRK Nuclear Program
PRESSian (“CAN THE LEE ADMINISTRATION BE DEALMAKER FOR NUCLEAR ISSUE?”, 2008/07/09) wrote that the six-party talks seem positive despite many problems to deal with. The role of the ROK would be the pivotal point. Negotiations will inevitably face troubles regardless of the parties’ will, and the ROK should help the negotiation. The ROK should act as a ‘deal-maker’, as it did in previous talks. However it seems the Lee administration might become a ‘deal-breaker’ rather than a deal-maker.