Koreas
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1. Reunion of Separated Families
ROK officials said the DPRK on Friday abruptly postponed a scheduled reunion of 200 separated family members until the ROK lifts its special alert status and creates a freer atmosphere for exchanges, citing a “warlike situation” in the ROK. They also called off a plan to send a taekwondo demonstration team to the DPRK. However, Cabinet-level meetings and two other inter-Korean government contacts, scheduled to be held in the DPRK this month, will be held. “Reunion of Separated Families Postponed” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, US)
“Delay of 4th Family Reunion by DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, ROK) |
2. DPRK Response to US Military Action
In the first comment on the military action launched on October 7, the DPRK Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the country opposed terrorism but armed forces should not be used to aggravate regional stability and kill civilians. DPRK watchers said that the statements reflect the influence Islamic countries have on the DPRK foreign relations.
“DPRK Response to US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, US)
“Comment on US Attack from DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, ROK)
“DPRK Diplomatic Calculation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, ROK) |
3. Affects of Military Action on DPRK-US Relations
Panelists at a symposium in Seoul on inter-Korean reconciliation on Tuesday said the September 11 attacks were likely to raise US concerns about DPRK missile proliferation and the state’s weapons programs.
“DPRK-US Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, US) |
4. Food Aid to DPRK
ROK Minister of National Unification Hong Soon-young said Tuesday that the ROK “is likely to provide DPRK with 100,000 ton of rice and 200,000 ton of corns in near future.” Hong said further disclosing the food assistance will be provided in the conditions of the loan.
“Food Aids to DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, ROK)
DPRK Food Aid
Japanese officials said Thursday that the World Food Program (WFP) has been asking Japan to provide additional food aid to the DPRK, where a shortage of more than 1 million tons of grain is expected this season.
“DPRK Food Aid” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, US) |
5. Inter-Korean Military Talks
The ROK Defense Ministry has proposed resuming contact with the DPRK military to discuss construction work on a cross-border railway project within the Demilitarized Zone.
“Bilateral Military Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, ROK) |
6. ROK Support of US Military Action
ROK President Kim Dae-jung said in a special address to the nation on October 8 that he fully supported the US military campaign against the Taliban government of Afghanistan. US General Thomas Schwartz, commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, visited Defense Minister Kim Dong-shin Monday afternoon and discussed cooperative measures between the two countries’ militaries.
“ROK Support to the Campaign” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, ROK)
“ROK Support of US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US)
“ROK Response to US Military Attacks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, ROK)
“Joint Effort Made over Domestic Politics” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, ROK)
A high ranking ROK Defense Ministry official said on October 9 that the ROK plans to dispatch 450 non-combat troops in support of the US attacks in Afghanistan. The government is still consulting with the US for the date and place of the dispatch. Endorsement of the National Assembly is likely because both major parties have agreed to it.
“ROK Practical Support for US Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, ROK) |
7. US-ROK Military Talks
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly was due in the ROK on Thursday to discuss ROK’s offers of support for the US-led campaign in Afghanistan and policy coordination toward the DPRK.
“US-ROK Military Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, US) |
8. US Force in Korean Peninsula
An ROK Defense Ministry official said on October 11 that an unknown number of the US military’s new aircraft have arrived in the ROK to fill the vacuum caused by the redeployment of a US aircraft carrier assisting in US retaliatory attacks on Afghanistan.
“USFK Deployments” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, US)
General Thomas Schwartz, commander of the US Forces Korea and ROK-US Combined Forces Command (CFC) said on October 8 that the process of building up of armies in Korean Peninsula is proceeding smoothly in line with the advance of an aircraft carrier to the Middle East
“US Force in Korean Peninsula” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, ROK) |
9. Effects of US Military Action on ROK Economy
The ROK government said ripples through the domestic economy from the military actions in Afghanistan will be limited in the shorter term and ROK business community foresee no immediate impact from the US retaliation against Afghanistan.
“Impact of US Military Action on ROK Business” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, ROK)
“Domestic Economy Countermeasures” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, ROK)
“Negative War Effect on Seoul Market” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, ROK) |
10. Anti-War and Remilitarization Campaign
Seven hundred fifty-six citizens groups, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, urged the ROK government on October 10 not to aid the US attack on Afghanistan and insisted that the US stop its retaliatory war.
“Anti-War and Remilitarization Campaign” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, ROK) |
11. Confirmed Measures for Anti Terrorism
Since setting up an emergency task force on October 8, the ROK is moving quickly to heighten security and lend greater support to the US-led coalition. US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly is set to make a two-day visit to Seoul on October 11 to prepare a meeting between ROK President Kim Dae-jung and US President George W. Bush. ROK officials predict during that meeting the US official may request financial and military support from Seoul
“Confirmed Measures for Anti Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, ROK) |
12. Kim’s Diplomacy at the APEC Forum
Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Oh Hong-keun officially announced October 11 that ROK president Kim Dae-jung will visit PRC from October 18 to 22 to attend the ninth round of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Shanghai.
“Kim’s Diplomacy at the APEC Forum” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, ROK) |
13. ROK Politicians’ Anger toward Japan
ROK politicians voiced yesterday their opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s planned visit to Seoul for October 15 because of anger over a new row over fishing rights.
“ROK Politicians’ Anger toward Japan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, ROK) |
14. Fishing Ban off Kuril
An ROK official said Wednesday that Japan and Russia have reached an accord to ban third countries, including ROK, from fishing for saury in the waters off Russian held Southern Kuril Islands. The two countries are expected to finalize the talks with a promise from Japan for compensation for losses sustained by Russia in implementing the ban.
“Fishing Ban off Kuril” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, ROK)
ROK Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Han Seung-soo telephoned Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka on October 11 to make an official protest over the decision by Japan and Russia to exclude third country fishing in the south Kuril islands.
“ROK Government’s Reaction on Fishing Dispute” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, ROK)
“Fishing Dispute in Kurils” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, ROK) |
People’s Republic of China
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1. PRC Reaction to US Military Action
The PRC’s official Xinhua news agency quoted PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan saying Wednesday that the country is opposed to military strikes in the US-led war on terrorism spreading from Afghanistan to other countries.
“PRC Opposition to Spread of US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, US)
The PRC offered a cautious endorsement of October 7 US-British attacks on Afghanistan, calling for strictly targeted strikes to avoid civilian casualties. The PRC said it hoped that peace be resumed as soon as possible and supported “relevant resolutions” passed by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
“PRC Support of US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
2. PRC on Afghan Coalition Government
The PRC’s official People’s Daily said Wednesday that the PRC and Russia support the formation of a coalition government in Afghanistan and share a common stance on a campaign against terrorism.
“PRC on Afghan Coalition Government” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, US) |
3. Domestic Terrorism in PRC
The PRC called for international support on Thursday for its campaign against Islamic separatists as part of a global war on terrorism. PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said ethnic Uighur militants agitating for an independent state of East Turkestan in the northwestern region of Xinjiang had links with international terrorist groups.
“PRC on Domestic Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, US)
The PRC has backed the US-led war on terror but PRC analysts say it wants support for a campaign against what it sees as its greatest militant threat – Uighurs fighting for an independent homeland in Xinjiang. The PRC has said it is also a victim of terrorism and there is a connection between Xinjiang separatists and terrorists in Afghanistan.
“Anti-terrorism Campaign Effects in PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
4. Cross-strait Relations
PRC President Jiang Zemin urged Taiwan’s leaders on Tuesday to agree their island is part of “one China” and start talks on uniting the two sides. Jiang said talks on opening direct trade, transportation and communications could take place only after Taiwan has accepted the “one-China principle.”
“Cross-strait Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, US)
US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that PRC assistance in a US-led anti-terrorism coalition would in no way affect US policy towards Taiwan, including arms sales to the island.
“US Arms Sales to Taiwan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
5. Taiwan Official at APEC
Taiwan officials confirmed Thursday that it would send a vice-president Li Yuan-zu to this month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Shanghai. Li, 78, who retired in 1997, was said to have been given the green light by the PRC.
“Taiwan Official at APEC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, US) |
6. Sino-US Talks
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly said Wednesday that cooperation between the US and the PRC against terrorism would be high on the agenda when US President George W. Bush visits the PRC next week. Talks touched on a number of remaining obstacles to improving Sino-US ties including US plans to build a missile defense system and US sanctions on the PRC for allegedly transferring missile technology.
“Sino-US Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 10, US)
“Sino-US Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
7. US-PRC Military Sanctions Talks
US officials said on October 11 that the US and the PRC have failed to resolve a dispute over PRC’s alleged missile technology transfers to Pakistan, making it unlikely that US sanctions will be lifted in time for a US-PRC leaders’ meeting later this month.
“US-PRC Military Sanctions Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, US) |
8. US-PRC Human Rights Talks
PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said Thursday the PRC and the US have re-started a human rights dialogue that have been stalled since 1999. Sun characterized the talks as “sincere and constructive” and said both sides wanted to strengthen dialogue and cooperation and keep up human rights exchanges.
“US-PRC Human Rights Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, US) |
9. Sino-Japanese Relations
A Japanese official said that in a meeting with the visiting Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, PRC President Jiang Zemin said it was “easy to understand” why Japan wants to be involved in the US-led campaign. However, Jiang and PRC Prime Minister Zhu Rongji in meetings Tuesday warned Japan to “remember the wariness of other Asian countries” as it considers sending military forces to play a supporting role in the war on terrorism.
“Sino-Japanese Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, US) |
Japan
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1. Japanese Support of US Military Action
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Monday announced strong support for the US-British military action against Afghanistan and ordered a tightening of security.
“Japanese Support of US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US)
“Japanese Reaction to US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
2. Changes in Japanese Military Policy
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s cabinet endorsed on October 5 a controversial bill that would allow Japan’s military to give logistical support to any US military retaliation for last month’s attacks on New York and Washington. The new legislation set off heated debate over how far Japan can go without infringing its pacifist constitution. Under the legislation, the Japanese government wants to dispatch military forces to provide rearguard logistics support such as medical services and supplies as well as humanitarian aid for refugees.
“Changes in Japanese Military Policy” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
3. SDF and the Use of Weapons
Taro Aso, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Policy Research Council, said that the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) should be allowed to use heavy firearms to protect troops participating in any US-led antiterrorism operation. However, The Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) will oppose any loosening of restrictions on the use of weapons by the Self Defense Forces (SDF) in the Diet debate on a bill designed to respond to the September 11 US attacks.
“Japanese Logistical Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan)
“SDF’s Use of Weapons” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
4. US View on Japanese Logistical Support
The US repeatedly called for flexibility in what Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to support US strikes against terrorists, long before the bill on the touchy matter was sent to the Diet. Sources in both Japan and US said that there are a number of reasons the Bush administration wants Japan to allow flexibility in its contribution.
“US View on Japanese Logistical Support” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan)
“US-Japan Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
5. US Naval Movements from Japan
The US Navy amphibious ship Essex, dock landing ships Germantown and Fort McHenry, and the minesweeper Patriot left White Beach, Okinawa for an undisclosed destination on October 8.
“US Naval Movements from Japan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
6. US Military Exercises in Japan
Approximately five thousand US Marines and five Navy ships began a major exercise on October 10 off the coast of Okinawa in southern Japan. Over the next two weeks or so, hundreds of Marines on two other ships were to be launched on amphibious vehicles for simulated shore assaults.
“US Military Exercises in Japan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, US) |
7. Sino-Japanese Relations
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi laid a wreath at a PRC war memorial Monday on a visit meant to allay fears that Japan is using the US-led campaign against terrorism to revive its own military ambitions.
“Sino-Japanese Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
8. Japanese Premier Visit to ROK
ROK diplomatic sources said on October 10 that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi plans to visit the Seodaemun Prison History Hala museum in Seoul, a former a Japanese prison where Korean independence fighters were incarcerated, tortured and killed during the colonial period from 1910 to 1945. It will mark the first time a Japanese leader has visited a place in ROK associated with Japan’s rule of the Korean Peninsula.
“Japanese Premier Visit to Seoul” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, ROK) |
9. Japanese Humanitarian Aid
Japan dispatched six C-130H military transport aircraft to Pakistan on Sunday to airlift relief supplies to Afghan refugees fleeing the threat of US military action.
“Japanese Aid to Pakistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US)
Japan announced Thursday that it is ready to provide up to US$120 million to the UN in preparation for the worst-case scenario in the coming six months. Separately, Japan will directly provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with US$6 million to meet the emergency request.
“Japanese Role in Humanitarian Aid” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
10. Salvage of Ehime Maru
The US Navy on October 5 succeeded in lifting and moving of Ehime Maru, paving the way for the vessel to be salvaged, according to navy official.
“Salvage of Ehime Maru” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 11, Japan) |
Regional Security Issues
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1. Asian Reactions to US Military Action
Newspapers in Asia gave a cautious reception to the US-led attacks on Afghanistan and called for a diplomatic solution which would not only eradicate terrorism but also address age-old conflicts in the Arab world.
“Asian Reactions to US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 9, US)
US allies around the world strongly supported the October 7 US-led attack on Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network. However, the Muslim world was deeply divided Monday, with some countries opposing the assault and others setting off protests by backing it.
“Reactions to US Action in Afghanistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 8, US) |
2. Peres on Expanded NATO
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said on Friday that the global defense structure should be reshaped to fight terrorism and all major world powers should join the Western defense alliance NATO. Peres said the present NATO coalition must be changed to include Russia, India, China and Japan.
“Peres on Expanded NATO” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 12, US) |
Nuclear Issues
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1. Pakistan Nuclear Safety
Lt-Gen Rashid Qureshi, spokesman for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons facilities are secure.
“Pakistan Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
2. India Nuclear Safety
India is taking steps to prepare for potential terrorist attacks with nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
“India Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
3. Pakistan-Japan Relations
Japan indicated that Pakistan signing the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty (CTBT) would be a significant step toward Japan restoring official development assistance.
“Pakistan-Japan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
Terrorist Attack & Aftermath
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1. Afghanistan: Current Situation
US air strikes in Afghanistan commenced, and US troops and planes were deployed near the Uzbek border town of Termez. Despite its resources, the US still lacks vital information to pursue its war aims in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden appeared on the Arab al-Jazeera news network to call for an Islamic jihad against the United States, and his Al-Qaeda network warned that the United States would face further terrorist attacks. Observers debated the intent and effectiveness of the messages.
“Afghanistan: Current Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
2. Afghanistan: Future Prospects
Hedayat Amin Arsala, a top aide to former Afghan monarch Mohammed Zahir Shah, said the ex-king will send an envoy to Islamabad, at the request of President Pervez Musharraf, to outline plans for a post-Taliban government in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Musharraf reiterated the need for a broad- based political dispensation in Afghanistan. The Northern Alliance on Monday called on Pakistan to stop interfering in Afghanistan’s affairs.
“Afghanistan: Future Prospects” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
3. Pakistan
Pakistan reacted to the assaults on Afghanistan by expressing hope that the military action would remain limited and focused. Pakistan’s air space was used by the US in launching its attacks on Afghanistan, but Pakistani ground bases were not used. However, leaders of various Pakistani religious parties condemned the US attacks on Afghanistan. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Sunday stated that Pakistan should learn from its past policies on Afghanistan and base future policies more on the needs of Afghanistan’s own citizens.
“Pakistan” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
4. India
Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee cautioned British Prime Minister Tony Blair against some countries pursuing “their own terrorist agenda” under the cover of an international action. India’s deputy home minister I.D. Swami said Wednesday that cross-border military strikes on Muslim guerrilla camps in Pakistan is an options to combat violence in Kashmir.
“India” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
5. Regional Developments
President Marshal Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen has said that he fully supports Pakistan President Musharraf’s position announced September 19. Turkey favors sharing with Afghanistan’s Taliban government evidence about the alleged involvement of Osama bin Laden in the September 11 attacks. Foreign Ministers from the Arab League of the Arab nations and the Organization of Islamic Conference were set to meet this week in Doha, Qatar, to debate responses to US military operations in Afghanistan.
“Regional Developments” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
6. US Role
The US may seek airspace, airfields and ground intelligence support from Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to expand its operations inside Afghanistan. US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that US Secretary of State Colin Powell would travel to India and Pakistan because “there is serious work to do with both of these governments in the coalition against terrorism.”
“US Role” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
7. General Assessments
Assessment of US military action and its effect on the South Asia region are made by various experts including Rasul Bakhsh Rais, Director, Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Suba Chandran, Research Officer, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi, Dr. Eqbal Ahmad , Harold A. Gould, Visiting Scholar of South Asian Studies, Center for South Asian Studies, University of Virginia, Franklin C. Spinney, a civilian in the Office of the US Secretary of Defense, Niraja Gopal Jayal, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Mollica Dastider, Research Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.
“General Assessments” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
Pakistan
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1. Pakistan Domestic Situation
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf removed Lt. Gen. Mehmood Ahmad as chief of the ISI, the Pakistan army’s most powerful institution, in a shakeup that also included promotion of two lieutenant generals. A.B.S. Jafri warns that Pakistan needs to address domestic extremism.
“Pakistan Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
2. India-Pakistan Relations
President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee spoke to each other by phone on Monday, their first direct talk since the failure of the India-Pakistan summit in Agra in July.
“India-Pakistan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
India
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1. India Domestic Situation
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Tuesday met with Leader of the Opposition and Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss implications of US military action in Afghanistan. The Indian cabinet has agreed to reorganization of India’s military command structure.
“India Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
2. Pakistan-India Relations
India is prepared to take new initiatives to strengthen its ties with Pakistan following the phone conversation between President Musharraf and Prime Minister Vajpayee. Indian officials are worried over the prospect of new US military aid to Pakistan, but do not oppose the lifting of US economic sanctions on Pakistan.
“Pakistan-India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
3. Russia-India Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Monday to discuss developments in Afghanistan.
“Russia-India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
4. US-India Relations
The current crisis may help both the US and India steady their relationship and avoid past vacillations.
“US-India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40) |
Kashmir
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1. Srinigar Attack
Indian commentators discuss implications of the Srinagar attack.
“Srinigar Attack” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #40)
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