NAPSNet Daily Report 25 September, 2001

Recommended Citation

"NAPSNet Daily Report 25 September, 2001", NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, 2001, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-daily-report/napsnet-daily-report-25-september-2001/

 
CONTENTS

I. United States

1. DPRK Support of US Anti-Terrorism Campaign
2. Britain on DPRK and Terrorism
3. PRC Support of Anti-Terrorism Campaign
4. Party Expulsion of Ex-Taiwan President
5. UN Support of Anti-Terrorism Campaign
II. Republic of Korea 1. Reunion of Separated Families
2. ROK Prepares for Inter-Korean Talks
3. DPRK-PRC Relations
4. DPRK-Japan Business Exchange
III. Japan 1. US Forces and MSDF
2. SDF’s Logistic Support for US
3. SDF’s use of weapons
4. Salvage of Ehime Maru

I. United States

1. DPRK Support of US Anti-Terrorism Campaign

Reuters (“N. KOREA: COUNTRIES MAY BE RIGHT TO BACK US,” Seoul, 9/25/01) and The New York Times (“SUPPORT FROM NORTH KOREA ON U.S. CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERROR,” Tokyo, 9/25/01) reported that the DPRK’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) news agency said that countries may be right to contribute to efforts to thwart international terrorism, but did not say where the DPRK stood. In an overnight report criticizing Japan’s plans to change the status of its defense forces to allow them to help the US, KCNA reiterated that the DPRK considered the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington “very regretful and tragic.” KCNA said, “It may be a right option taken in line with the policy of each country opposed to all forms of terrorism to make a due contribution to the efforts of the international community to eliminate the root cause of this terrorism. But the neighboring countries of Japan are becoming extremely watchful against its hectic moves.”

2. Britain on DPRK and Terrorism

The Associated Press (Soo-Jeong Lee, “BRITAIN URGES N. KOREA ON TERRORISM,” Seoul, 9/25/01) reported that Denis MacShane, Britain’s parliamentary undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, urged the DPRK on Tuesday to open up to the outside world by joining the global battle against terrorism. MacShane said, “This is an opportunity for North Korea to join the coalition of countries of all ideologies determined to fight terrorism.” He was in Seoul for talks with ROK officials on trade and the DPRK. Noting that the DPRK denounced the September 11 terror attacks in the US, MacShane said, “It is an opportunity for countries to reflect on the new relationships in the world and for North Korea to express as clearly as possible its opening up and joining in the world campaign against the evil of terrorism.”

3. PRC Support of Anti-Terrorism Campaign

Reuters (John Ruwitch, “CHINA SAYS TO HELP FIGHT FINANCING OF TERRORISM,” Beijing, 9/25/01) reported that the PRC said on Tuesday it would help US President George W. Bush’s campaign to stop the money supply of the loose organization that the US says is the top suspect in the September 11 attacks on the US. PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao told a news conference, “The Chinese government endorses the international community strengthening cooperation in cracking down on all terrorist activities, including the prevention and curbing of financing terrorist activities. We are willing to strengthen negotiation and cooperation with the United States in this aspect.” Zhu also called for international cooperation to lessen the effects of any economic fallout from the attacks. Analysts said that the attacks could push the world into recession and that the PRC, which has posted strong growth for years, would have difficulty escaping a major global slowdown unscathed. Zhu said that the possible effects of the attacks on Asia-Pacific economies were significant enough for the PRC and other members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to put it on the agenda for an October 20 and 21 meeting in Shanghai.

4. Party Expulsion of Ex-Taiwan President

The Associated Press (“CHINA CHEERS EX-TAIWAN HEAD EXPULSION,” Beijing, 9/25/01) reported that the PRC on Tuesday cheered the expulsion former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui from the Nationalist Party on September 21. He was expelled after clashing with its new leaders, who have appeared more amenable to the PRC. The PRC newspaper China Daily wrote, “Who can deny that Lee’s expulsion is just punishment for his betrayal of his party and of the Taiwanese people? Lee’s ouster is a blessing to the party and people alike.”

5. UN Support of Anti-Terrorism Campaign

The Associated Press (Edith M. Lederer, “NATIONS BACK UN IN TERRORISM FIGHT,” United Nations, 9/24/01) reported that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s call on September 24 for the UN to play a major role in the long-term international fight against terrorism won immediate support from the US, Russia and the PRC. However, it struggled over what it can and should do. Annan declared that only the UN can give “global legitimacy” to the long-term struggle against “the unspeakable horror” of terrorism. He urged all countries to work together to strengthen international peace and security “by cementing the ties among nations, and not subjecting them to new strains.” Backing Annan, Ivanov said, “It is necessary to strengthen and enhance the role of the United Nations as an indispensable instrument for maintaining international peace and security and for mobilizing people of the world against a new, unprecedented threat.” PRC’s UN Ambassador Wang Yingfan urged all countries to strengthen cooperation “and make joint efforts for the sake of their common interests to prevent and combat all forms of terrorist activities.” Annan did not address specific measures but said that he expects the General Assembly at its October 1 plenary meeting on international terrorism to stress the urgency for all nations to ratify, and above all implement, a dozen legally binding conventions and protocols to fight terrorism – and to consider new ones.

II. Republic of Korea

1. Reunion of Separated Families

Joongang Ilbo (“NORTH-SOUTH TO EXCHANGE FAMILY LIST WEDNESDAY,” Seoul, 09/24/01) reported that the DPRK and the ROK agreed on September 24 to exchange the list of 200 families from each side on Wednesday 26 for the fourth family reunion slated October 16-18. An ROK Korean National Red Cross (KNRC) official said, “We have agreed with the North’s side to exchange reports on the whereabouts of the family members on October 6 and finalize 100 members from each side for the reunion event by October 8. We also asked for the North to provide us with further lists from previous reunion events. The South’s side needs to confirm additional existence of the family members and the change made in address. It would take at least a week to confirm the whereabouts of the family members after receiving the ‘alive’ list from the North but we would make sure everything turns out just smoothly.”

2. ROK Prepares for Inter-Korean Talks

Joongang Ilbo (Kim Ki-chan, “SEOUL, BRACING UP FOR SERIES OF INTER-KOREAN TALKS,” Seoul, 09/24/01) reported that the ROK is expected to hold special meeting between it and DPRK ministry officials in preparations for the next inter-Korean talks. The delegation to head the inter-Korean talks is likely to consist of three members with representatives from the Unification Ministry, Construction and Transportation Ministry and Culture and Tourism Ministry. Others say, however, there is a possibility of extending the members to five. One state official said, “The special ministerial talks is expected to take place this Tuesday on the 25th between various officers from the Ministry of Unification, Construction and Transportation, Culture and Tourism, National Defense and others. We still have to decide on the size of our delegation but considering the nature of the talks and past precedents the officers of the National Defense is not likely to be included in this meeting, either.”

3. DPRK-PRC Relations

Joongang Ilbo (Kim Ki-chan, “NORTH AND CHINA MAKING VIBRANT EXCHANGES,” Seoul, 09/24/01) reported that the DPRK and the PRC seem to have gained full momentum in making various level of exchanges since the DPRK-PRC summit talks in Pyongyang early this month. The two countries already exchanged a number of delegations just last week: four from the DPRK and five from the PRC. The four delegations from the DPRK included representatives from the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry headed by Ri Kum-bom, an Academy of Social Sciences delegation headed by Thae Hyong-chol, a Rodong Sinmun delegation headed by assistant editor Yun U-chol and a Power and Coal Industry Delegation headed by vice minister Sin Yong-song. The delegation from the Ministry of Power and Coal Industry attended the 54th joint executive meeting on the hydroelectric Power Corporation. The Post and Telecommunication Group, meanwhile, discussed further cooperation in the IT communication sector. The two nations concluded a related treaty in Pyongyang earlier this month.

4. DPRK-Japan Business Exchange

Joongang Ilbo (Kim Hee-sung, “NORTH DISPATCHES ITS SOFTWARE EXPERT TO JAPAN,” Seoul, 09/24/01) reported that the DPRK has been dispatching its computer experts to a software company in Japan to jointly develop a computer program since last year. The ROK’s Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) disclosed the fact on September 23, citing the words of Kim Ki-chol, vice-chairman of the DPRK’s Chosun Computer Center, who said, “We have been launching a joint project with Japan’s Dejiko Soft Company for about a year and are looking forward to an opportunity to promote our software standard and make headway to the international market. We have been dispatching our experts from four main high-tech institutions in the nation including Kim Il Sung University, Kim Chaek University, the Academy of Sciences and the College of Science. We plan to consider increasing our delegation if the demand rises.”

III. Japan

1. US Forces and MSDF

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“MSDF ESCORTS KITTY HAWK; CONCERNS RISE,” Tokyo, 09/22-23/01) reported that Japanese destroyers and minesweepers escorted the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk from Yokosuka Naval Base on Friday, sparking complaints that the Maritime Self Defense Forces has overstepped the boundaries of the Constitution. Japanese Defense Agency Director-General Gen Nakatani defended the use of MSDF ships as a form of research and surveillance approved by law. It was the first time MSDF ships escorted a US aircraft carrier heading for a military operation. Thirty-seven Japanese Coast Guard cutters also were part of a massive escort group for the Kitty Hawk. Individuals trained in dealing with terrorists were aboard the cutters.

Kyodo (“ESSEX LATEST US WARSHIP TO PUT TO SEA FROM JAPAN,” Sasebo, 09/23/01) reported that the US amphibious assault ship Essex left the US naval base in Sasebo, on Saturday morning for an undisclosed destination. After stopping at the Yokosuka base, the Essex is expected to head for the Indian Ocean to participate in the anticipated retaliatory measures against terrorists for the September 11 attacks. The 2,950-ton Haruyuki, a Japanese MSDF destroyer, patrolled the sea off Sasebo base along with two helicopters, effectively escorting the amphibious assault ship. The Essex is carrying three hovercraft-type landing crafts. Large containers and wooden crates were also loaded aboard the ship, while two large transport helicopters landed on the Essex shortly before its departure.

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“US VESSEL DEPARTS SASEBO NANAL BASE,” Sasebo, 09/25/01) reported that the US amphibious ship Fort McHenry left the US naval base in Sasebo on Monday morning for an undisclosed destination. The ship carries no US Marines, but as it left its homeport it picked up three 87-ton amphibious hovercraft, which can land supplies and Marines ashore. An MSDF ship and surveillance helicopter escorted the Fort McHenry from the port.

2. SDF’s Logistic Support for US

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“PARTIES AGREE ON OUTLINE OF LAW,” Tokyo, 09/24/01) reported that a meeting Sunday between the secretaries-general of the ruling coalition parties led to agreement on the basic outline of a bill to allow the SDF to support the US military in retaliating against the September 11 attacks. To ensure swift passage of the new law, the coalition agreed to stick within the bounds of the law designed to deal with military emergencies in areas surrounding Japan. No provision will be included in the new law to allow the SDF to supply weapons and ammunition to US troops or to fuel and maintain aircraft preparing for takeoff. However, to allow the SDF to be dispatched to areas where their rear-echelon support activities will be meaningful, the law will widen the limits on their operations to the territory and the waters of nations that consent to accepting SDF troops. The types of rear-echelon support activities that would be available to the SDF include medical care for the wounded, provision of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and supplying fuel and water, as well as transporting food and other daily necessities.

The Japan Times (“RULING, OPPOSITION CAMPS SPLIT ON SUPPORT TO US,” Tokyo, 09/24/01) reported that top ruling and opposition party lawmakers voiced different views as to whether Japan needs a new UN resolution to extend logistical support to US forces in the event of a retaliatory strike over the September 11 attack. Taku Yamazaki, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said that Japan does not necessarily need another UN resolution to authorize the use of force against terrorists. Tetsuzo Fuyushiba, secretary general of New Komeito–an LDP coalition partner–said that Japan already has sufficient reason to draw up the required legislation. However, Naoto Kan, secretary general of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, said that Japan needs a new UN resolution. Hirohisa Fujii, secretary general of the opposition Liberal Party, said that Japan would end up virtually approving the use of the right to collective defense based on the Japan-US security alliance unless it obtains a UN resolution requesting the use of force from each UN member. Tadayoshi Ichida, head of the secretariat of the Japanese Communist Party, said that Japan should work with the UN to legally punish terrorism based on international law. Meanwhile, Yamazaki said that Japan should send SDF medical officers to Pakistan in the event US or multinational forces launch retaliatory strikes.

3. SDF’s use of weapons

The Japan Times (“JAPAN EYES EASING SDF WEAPON RULES,” Tokyo, 09/24/01) reported that Japan has begun studying the feasibility of easing rules of the use of weapons by SDF troops taking part in logistic support for the expected US military operation. The Japanese government is considering allowing troops to use weapons when deemed “necessary to carry out duties” under a soon-to-be-submitted bill. The government previously envisioned allowing the troops to only use weapons to protect themselves and their colleagues, a restriction imposed by existing laws. It is still uncertain, however, whether the measure is included in the bill to be submitted to the Diet because the New Komeito Party remains cautious.

4. Salvage of Ehime Maru

Kyodo (“EHIME MARU SALVAGE COST BALLOONS TO $60 MILLION,” Honolulu, 09/24/01) reported that US Navy officials said that the cost of salvaging Ehime Maru has grown to an estimated US$60 million due to difficulties such as rough weather or technical problems encountered by the salvaging team.

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Produced by the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development in partnership with:
International Policy Studies Institute Seoul, Republic of Korea
Center for American Studies,
Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
International Peace Research Institute (PRIME),
Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
Monash Asia Institute,
Monash University, Clayton, Australia

Gee Gee Wong: napsnet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States

Timothy L. Savage: napsnet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States

Kim Hee-sun: khs688@hotmail.com
Seoul, Republic of Korea

Hibiki Yamaguchi: hibikiy@dh.mbn.or.jp
Tokyo, Japan

Rumiko Seya: rumiko-seya@geocities.co.jp
Tokyo, Japan

Hiroya Takagi: hiroya_takagi@hotmail.com
Tokyo, Japan

Peter Razvin: icipu@glas.apc.org
Moscow, Russian Federation

Yunxia Cao: yunxiac@yahoo.com
Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Dingli Shen: dlshen@fudan.ac.cn
Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

John McKay: John.McKay@adm.monash.edu.au
Clayton, Australia

 


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