NAPSNet Daily Report 27 September, 2001

Recommended Citation

"NAPSNet Daily Report 27 September, 2001", NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, 2001, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-daily-report/napsnet-daily-report-27-september-2001/

 
CONTENTS

I. United States

1. DPRK Aid in US Probe
2. ROK-Japan Maritime Accident
3. Japanese Participation in US Retaliation
II. Republic of Korea 1. ROK Proposes Talks with DPRK
2. DPRK-Singapore Relations
3. UK-DPRK Relations
III. People’s Republic of China 1. Inter-Korean Relations
2. DPRK on Japanese Role in US Retaliation
3. PRC on Japanese Role in US Retaliation
4. PRC View on Anti-Terrorism
5. Bush’s Asia Tour
6. PRC-US Relations
7. Cross-strait Relations

I. United States

1. DPRK Aid in US Probe

The Boston Globe (John Donnelly and Anthony Shadid, “‘ROGUE’ NATIONS FURNISH INTELLIGENCE,” Washington, 09/27/01) reported that US officials confirmed that the US may ask the DPRK to provide intelligence on terror groups in its probe into the recent attacks in the US. The officials said that the US President George W. Bush administration has already received intelligence on Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda organization from Libya, Syria, and Sudan, and hopes to receive intelligence on Afghan drug networks from Iran. An anonymous senior US official stated, “This is a fertile opportunity for nations to do business differently. It took … an historical event like this to capture the attention of countries that they didn’t have to do things in a certain way anymore.” The official added, “If Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and other countries say, ‘I’m against that too, maybe I have to join in not only condemning terrorism and expressing condolences, but support that brotherhood of nations out there,’ we should realize that maybe this page in history is going to look a lot different. We’re not taking this naively. We will take it a step at a time and not lurch to embrace anyone.”

2. ROK-Japan Maritime Accident

The Associated Press (“SOUTH KOREAN FISHING TRAWLER SINKS AFTER COLLISION WITH JAPANESE PATROL BOAT,” Tokyo, 9/27/01) reported that Isao Satomura, a Japan Fisheries Agency spokesman, said that a Japanese patrol boat ran into and sank an ROK trawler that was fleeing after being caught fishing in Japanese waters on September 26. All four ROK crewmembers fell into the sea after the collision, but were rescued by another ROK boat. It is fairly common for Japanese patrol boats to find ROK fishing boats operating near Japanese waters in the area, but collisions are rare.

3. Japanese Participation in US Retaliation

Reuters (Linda Sieg, “KOIZUMI WANTS SWIFT LEGAL CHANGES TO BACK US,” Tokyo, 9/27/01) reported that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pledged on Thursday to back the US “war on terrorism” to the hilt and promised swift enactment of a new law that would allow Japan to provide logistical support for any US military action. The new law would clarify how far the military could go to support the US under Japan’s pacifist constitution. Koizumi said to the Diet, “The terrorist attacks in the United States were a dastardly attack on humanity as well as on America. When I visited the United States and saw the scars left by terrorism, I once again felt immense outrage toward this inhuman act. We will cooperate with international society and create an autonomous and effective policy. We will create as quickly as possible the necessary framework to implement the seven measures I announced last week.” Koizumi has pledged to seek opposition party support for the new legislation, and Japanese ruling party senior officials met their opposition counterparts to discuss it later in the day. Leaders of the biggest opposition party, the Democratic Party, have given the new legislation support in principle. Public support appears broadly in favor of Koizumi’s stance.

The Associated Press (Kenji hall, “PROTESTERS DENOUNCE JAPAN AID TO U.S.,” Sasebo, 9/27/01) reported that dozens of Japanese activists gathered on the docks near a military base in the southern port city of Sasebo Thursday to protest the government’s plans to provide support for an expected US strike on terrorists. Local Communist Party official Takao Fukamachi told demonstrators, “Retaliation will only bring war, not peace!” Attention has focused on this southern base, which is likely to serve as a port for Japan’s navy. Japanese media have reported that a four- or five- ship flotilla is preparing to leave in the next two weeks for the Indian Ocean, and military personnel have been seen loading warships with ammunition and equipment. The USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship, entered the harbor Thursday, escorted by tugboats and a US Coast Guard vessel. It typically carries smaller landing assault vessels and about 2,700 sailors and troops.

II. Republic of Korea

1. ROK Proposes Talks with DPRK

The Korea Herald (“SEOUL PROPOSES GEUMGANG TALKS,” Seoul, 09/27/01) reported that an ROK Unification Ministry spokesman said that the ROK proposed on September 26 that its officials meet the DPRK regarding the Mount Kumgang tourism project from October 3-5. The ministry suggested that a three-member delegation from each side plus support staff take part in the talks.

2. DPRK-Singapore Relations

Joongang Ilbo (Kim Hee-sung, “SINGAPORE’S SCI TO VISIT NORTH FROM OCT.1-9,” Seoul, 09/27/01) reported that the Singapore Confederation of Industry (SCI) disclosed its intention to visit the DPRK from early next month in order to examine the investment condition of the nation. The official statement announced that a 25-member delegation is slated to enter the DPRK from October 1-9. The head of the SCI delegation said that the two sides will look into the business environment in the DPRK. The group also pointed out that it stands a good chance of sealing solid strategic cooperative relations in order to innovate regional domestic markets.

3. UK-DPRK Relations

Joongang Ilbo (“BRITAIN TRADE MISSION TO VISIT NORTH NEXT MONTH,” Seoul, 09/27/01) reported that Dennis MacShane, Britain’s Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, said on September 26 that a British trade mission consisting of 10 companies will visit the DPRK from October 16-20. MacShane said that the mission “is going to see what is there in terms of business,” adding that said it would be the first of its kind since Great Britain normalized its ties with the DPRK. He added that currently five teachers from Britain have been dispatched to the DPRK to teach English and the nation is also planning to receive DPRK foreign affairs officials to study English in Britain as well.

III. People’s Republic of China

1. Inter-Korean Relations

China Daily (“DPRK, ROK EXCHANGE NAMES FOR FAMILY REUNIONS,” 9/27/01, P11) reported that the DPRK and the ROK exchanged information on September 26 about a total of 400 candidates who want to be reunited with relatives. At talks in Seoul last week, both sides agreed to allow 100 people from each side to cross the border for three days of temporary reunions with relatives starting October 16. Results of the search will be forwarded to the other side early next month.

2. DPRK on Japanese Role in US Retaliation

China Daily (“DPRK OPPOSES JAPAN DEFENSE FORCE CHANGE,” Seoul, 9/26/01, P12) reported that the DPRK said on September 24 that it “may be the right option” for countries to participate in an international campaign against terrorism, but expressed its opposition to Japan participating in any such effort. The DPRK accused Japan of using the terror attacks on New York and Washington to redefine the role of its self-defense forces, in defiance of the pacifist constitution, the report said. The DPRK’s official Korean Central News Agency said, “The countries neighboring Japan are closely watching the country’s irresponsible moves,” adding that Japan’s real aim was to become a military power again. The DPRK’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun also said that “Japanese reactionaries” were spreading rumors about a threat of terrorism from DPRK. It added, “This is an extremely malignant provocation.”

3. PRC on Japanese Role in US Retaliation

China Daily (Zeng Min, “JAPAN TOLD TO BE CAUTIOUS IN MILITARY ACTION,” 9/26/00, P1) reported that in response to news reports that Japan is considering military assistance for the US proposed military strike against Afghanistan, PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said on September 25 that Japan should move cautiously on the subject. “We understand the global cooperation and consultations against terrorism and hope that every party can contribute to the struggle in terms of its own conditions and under the spirit of the UN principles and charters,” Zhu said. “However, due to historical reasons, Japan’s role in military action has been a sensitive issue. Therefore, Tokyo should take precautions.”

4. PRC View on Anti-Terrorism

People’s Daily (He Hongze, “CHINA: UN SHOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE,” United Nations, 9/26/01, P3) reported that PRC permanent representative to the UN Wang Yingfan said on September 24 that the UN should play an important role in the global efforts to prevent and combat all forms of terrorism activities. Speaking to the 56th General Assembly, Wang said that the PRC delegation is going to participate actively in relevant discussions and will make its own contribution to strengthening international cooperation against terrorism.

People’s Daily (“CHINESE, GERMAN LEADERS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ATTACK,” Beijing, 9/26/01, P1) reported that in a telephone conversation with German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on September 25, PRC Premier Zhu Rongji said that anti-terrorism is a long-term and complicated task and a common challenge to the international community, and that the PRC will strengthen cooperation with all countries in the world, especially with Germany. Zhu strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in the US on September 11 and reiterated the PRC’s consistent and principled position firmly opposing terrorism of any kind. Meanwhile, said Zhu, actions against terrorism should conform to the purpose and principle of the UN Charter and the acknowledged norms of international laws, and be in the long-term interests of world peace and development.

People’s Daily (“CHINESE, EGYPTIAN PRESIDENTS TALK OVER PHONE,” Beijing, 9/27/01, P1) reported that PRC President Jiang Zemin and Egyptian President Muhammed Hosni Mubarak spoke over the phone on the night of September 26. The two presidents exchanged views on combating terrorism and the Middle East peace process. Jiang reiterated the principled stance of the PRC on combating terrorism. He pointed out that as for the issues on combating terrorism and safeguarding international peace, both the PRC and Egypt hold that international cooperation should be strengthened and the role of the UN should be put into full play. The PRC and Egypt are against linking up terrorism with religion and ethnic problems. Jiang said, “We appreciate the active role played by Arabic countries, especially by Egypt, in fighting terrorism and safeguarding regional peace and stability.”

5. Bush’s Asia Tour

People’s Daily (“BUSH’S POSTPONING ASIAN VISIT UNDERSTANDABLE, SPOKESMAN,” Beijing, 9/27/01, P4) reported that PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said on September 26 that the PRC understands US President George W. Bush’s postponing his scheduled visit to the three Asian countries of the PRC, Japan and the ROK because of the current situation. Zhu said that the US side notified the PRC of this decision on the night of September 25. The two sides have agreed through consultation that PRC President Jiang Zemin and Bush will meet in Shanghai.

6. PRC-US Relations

China Daily (Shao Zongwei, “TIE MOMENTUM CONTINUES,” Washington, 9/24/01, P1) reported that momentum for the improvement of ties between the PRC and the US continued on September 21 as the two countries agreed to enhance their consultations and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in the quest for human rights and AIDS prevention, and to schedule talks on foreign policy on the vice-foreign minister level. PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said that the PRC has attached great importance to the development of Sino-US ties and hopes that the visit will effectively improve the relationship. During talks between Tang and Bush, Bush expressed his confidence that bilateral ties will further improve and made a particular point of expressing his hope of strengthening cooperation with the PRC as well as other countries in the fight against terrorism.

7. Cross-strait Relations

China Daily (Wu Gang, “REUNIFICATION EMPHASIZED,” 9/27/01, P1) reported that the PRC spokesman for Taiwan affairs on September 26 reiterated the unequivocal PRC position that the reunification of Taiwan could not be postponed indefinitely. Zhang Mingqing, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, said, “Settling the Taiwan question has been included as one of the three major tasks that the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese Government will achieve in the 21st century. This determination, which reflects the will of the entire nation, has appeared in many official documents and has been reiterated by many government officials on different occasions. It is the inevitable direction.” Zhang was making the remarks in response to a question on whether PRC Vice-Premier Qian Qichen’s speech on September 10 about the mainland’s policy of Taiwan question showed a relaxation of previous warnings that the Taiwan question could not be shelved forever. Qian said that the PRC could wait patiently if the Taiwan authorities were willing to settle the Taiwan question using the one-China policy. Zhang said, “But the context of the notion should not be ignored.”

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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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