Korea
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1. Reunion of Separated Families
The DPRK on Friday postponed a scheduled reunion next week of 200 separated families in the two Koreas, citing ROK’s security alert following last month’s terrorist attacks in the US. ROK Unification Minister Hong Soon-young suggested on October 18 that fear of the aftermath of the family exchange might have prevented the DPRK from holding the reunion event. He also added that discussion of a unified constitution or unification treaty is too early at this point when the two Koreas haven’t yet confirmed anything about a peaceful settlement.
“Family Reunion” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
“ROK- DPRK Family Reunion” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, ROK)
“ROK- DPRK Family Reunion Cancelled” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
2. Inter-Korean Talks Delayed
After a day-long silence, the DPRK rose to urge the ROK once more to hold the upcoming inter-Korean talks at its Kumgang Mountain slated for October 19th and 25th. The inter-Korean Cooperation Promotion Committee meeting slated for October 23 would be shifted to next month on November 5, also at Mount Kumgang.
“Inter-Korean Talks Put Off” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
“ROK- DPRK Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
3. Inter-Korean Summit
A Russian presidential envoy said on October 16 that National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il wants to hold summit talks with ROK President Kim Dae-jung and that the DPRK leader’s visit to Seoul will be realized.
“Inter-Korean Summit” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, ROK) |
4. DPRK Demands Withdrawal of USFK
The DPRK made a new call on Friday for the US to remove its troops from the ROK, blaming the US for the half-century-long division of the peninsula.
“DPRK Demands Withdrawal of USFK”(NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US) |
5. DPRK on Alert
The DPRK has also been bracing itself since the September 11th US terrorist attacks, ordering its armies to stay on full alert and watching every move of the US.
“DPRK on Alert” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
6. US Reissues Invitation for DPRK Talks
US President George W. Bush pressed the DPRK on Friday to accept his invitation to meet with US representatives. Bush complimented ROK President Kim Dae-jung’s effort to reach out to the DPRK and said he hoped DPRK leaders would keep their agreement to open talks with the ROK government.
“US Reissues Invitation for DPRK Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US) |
7. DPRK and Terrorism
The DPRK’s state-run Korean Central Broadcasting Station (KCBS) gave out a detailed picture of the US strike against Afghanistan without any commentary today. KCBS also mentioned the Taliban administration’s ‘strong challenge’ toward the US, making outright criticism toward the US military actions that slaughter innocent people.
“DPRK Report on Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
US ambassador to the ROK, Thomas Hubbard said on Wednesday that the US wants the DPRK to join the US-led anti-terrorism campaign, adding that the US is ready to hold talks with the DPRK to discuss issues related to terrorism including the removal of the DPRK from the list of nations supporting terrorism.
“The US Views on the DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, Japan) |
8. Aid to the DPRK
On October 9, the DPRK sent an official letter of protest to Jean Ziegler, a special rapporteur for the Commission on Human Rights, who submitted a report in April stating that it was becoming increasingly obvious that the DPRK was distributing most of the international food aid it received to its military, intelligence and government agencies, and not for its starving citizens as intended. The DPRK in its protest argued that its transparency in food distribution was confirmed by various government delegation and civic groups, stating that the latest suspicion comes as a serious insult to its regime.
“UN Aid to DPRK Debated” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
The DPRK asked the international community for emergency relief on October 18 to repair damage and help victims of floods that swept its eastern coastal region last week. More than 80 people died and 84 more were seriously injured from the floods, which also hit sewage systems and inundated paddy fields.
“DPRK Requests Aid” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
The European Union (EU) decided to send clothing and other medical supplies to children in the DPRK. Partially blaming the natural disaster for intensifying the suffering of the DPRK, the Commission disclosed that the latest aid is aimed toward 74,000 infants and primary school children of the four provinces.
“EU Aid to DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, ROK)
The Millennium Democratic Party decided at a party executive meeting Saturday that it will push to supply the DPRK with rice aid as planned, regardless of the postponed displaced family exchanges.
“ROK Aid to DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
9. DPRK Hit By Floods
At least 80 people died, 27 missing, and 83 seriously wounded as a result of floods hitting DPRK last week. According to Reuters, practically all victims lived in Kanwondo province. The floods were caused downpour rains non-stopping since October 9.
“DPRK Hit By Floods” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, RF) |
10. US-DPRK Relations
The US ambassador to Seoul, Thomas Hubbard, on October 17 welcomed DPRK’s recent criticism of terrorism, and said that he wants the DPRK to join the international coalition to fight terrorism.
“US-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, ROK) |
11. US on DPRK-ROK Relations
US President George W. Bush warned the DPRK not to try to take advantage of the US battle against terrorism by moving against US ally ROK. He added that the DPRK leaders should keep their agreement to open talks with the ROK government.
“US on DPRK-ROK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, US) |
12. ROK Response to US Views on Inter-Korean Relations
ROK President Kim Dae-jung flew to the PRC on Thursday for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and declined to comment on US President George W. Bush’s sharply worded remarks on the DPRK on October 16.
“ROK Response to US Views on Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, US) |
13. DPRK Vice-Chairman Hospitalized Again
Jo Myong-rok (71), first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the General Political Department of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), otherwise referred as the number two man in the DPRK, has underwent a surgery just last month in a hospital in Paris, France.
“DPRK Vice-Chairman Hospitalized Again” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, ROK) |
14. ROK on Terrorism
ROK officials said on October 15 that it is taking measures against possible biological and chemical attacks. The National Institute of Health has put hospitals and state health institutions nationwide on special alert against deadly diseases such as anthrax, smallpox and pest.
“ROK on Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, ROK) |
15. ROK and US on Terrorism
The ROK Air Force said October 18 that five C-130 military transport planes carrying US$1 million in relief goods destined for Afghan refugees will leave for Pakistan on the morning of October 19.
“ROK’s Participation on War Against Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK)
During his two day visit to the ROK, US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly said Friday that the ROK and the US will cooperate closely in the ongoing US-led attacks on international terrorism and the DPRK engagement policy. Kelly expressed gratitude for the ROK’s support for the US-led military action against and said the anti-terrorism war would extend over a long period of time and that the US will share intelligence with Seoul through US Forces Korea (USFK) and its embassy.
“ROK and US on Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
16. ROK Navy to Visit PRC
Three naval vessels, including the 3,800-ton KDX-I ‘Euljimundeok’ will make their first official visit to the PRC. The vessels will anchor in Shanghai, the PRC, from October 24 to 28, marking the first visit to the PRC of naval ships.
“ROK Navy to Visit PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK) |
17. ROK-Japan Summit
Following up on the Korea-Japan summit talks, ROK officials said October 16 that the ROK is considering resuming military exchanges and market openings to Japanese culture and arts products, which were suspended in July in protest against Tokyo’s refusal to revise controversial history textbooks.
“Follow-up of ROK-Japan Summit” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, ROK)
The ROK and Japan failed to make a breakthrough in their bilateral disputes when President Kim Dae-jung and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met at Cheong Wa Dae October 15. Meanwhile, hundreds of ROK activists protested fiercely amid tight security October 15 to denounce Koizumi’s visit, accusing his government of distorting history and damaging relations with Korea.
“ROK-Japan Summit” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, ROK) |
People’s Republic of China
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1. Bush-Jiang Talks
US President George W. Bush said Friday that the PRC had made a “firm commitment” to the war on terrorism and publicly downplayed usual differences with the PRC after his first face-to-face meeting with PRC President Jiang Zemin. Bush alluded to US concerns about human rights in the PRC, sales of arms and military technology, warning the war on terrorism “must never be an excuse to persecute minorities” and stressing “the need to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missile technology.”
“Bush-Jiang Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US) |
2. US Sanctions on PRC
The US Bush administration on October 17 ruled out any move at present to allow the sale of spare parts for US-made Black Hawk helicopters the PRC bought in 1984, but it did not rule out the possibility of issuing a limited waiver of the sanctions imposed on the PRC after the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
“US Sanctions on PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, US)
“US Sanctions Against PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, US) |
3. PRC and Counter-Terrorism
Last year, the PRC forged a regional pact against terrorism, drug-running and Islamic radicalism. It now aids military and security services in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The moves are part of a bold foreign policy agenda that is transforming PRC relations with its neighbors. According to government officials and others who study PRC policy, the country’s assertiveness reflects a profound shift in its approach to foreign relations. Some analysts see the PRC’s expanding influence as an echo of the imperial role it played in Asia over thousands of years. At the same time, however, many Chinese thinkers are troubled by what they see as a lack of values or overall purpose in modern PRC foreign policy.
“PRC and Counter-Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, US) |
4. Editorial on New Sino-US Relations
The Washington Post published an editorial which said that US “public prickliness has disappeared” as the PRC showed support for the US campaign against terrorism and even the bombing in Afghanistan. In return, the article continued, “China, like Russia, expects new understanding for its brutal repression of a Muslim minority, the Uighurs, on the grounds that it is also counter-terrorism.” It noted that although PRC support in Central Asia could be important, “once again the administration appears in danger of going too far, allowing the cause of counter-terrorism to dominate a relationship with other vital US interests.”
“Editorial on New Sino-US Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, US) |
5. PRC Role in Asia
Alarmed by Afghanistan’s support of terrorism long before the September 11 attacks in the US, leaders from the PRC, Russia and four other states had gathered this summer in Shanghai to forge a new bloc against militant Islam. The PRC had hoped this would further boost APEC’s status as an alternative pole of diplomatic and economic power. But now, the PRC has put the US as center stage which undermines the labor of both the PRC and Russia to carve out diplomatic space of their own.
“PRC Role in Asia” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US) |
6. PRC on US Military Action
The PRC called on Tuesday for UN involvement in building a future coalition government for Afghanistan, saying that was the best way to bring peace to the war-torn country.
“PRC on US Military Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, US) |
7. PRC Response to US Strikes against Afghanistan
The PRC closed its border with Afghanistan in connection to US missile bomb strikes.
“PRC Response to US Strikes against Afghanistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, RF) |
8. PRC Air-Defense Work in Iran
According to US intelligence officials, the PRC is stepping up construction of an air-defense system in Iran near the border with Afghanistan as Tehran fears US military operations will spill over into its borders.
“PRC Air-Defense Work in Iran” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, US) |
9. Taiwan Boycotts APEC
The entire Taiwan delegation walked out of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on Friday in protest to PRC refusal to let the island send its envoy of choice to the summit.
“Taiwan Boycotts APEC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US)
“Cross-Strait Relations and APEC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, US) |
10. Japan-PRC Relations
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi flew to the PRC on October 9 and made a “heartfelt apology” for his country’s brutality before and during the second world war.
“Japan-PRC Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, Japan)
“Yasukuni Shrine Issue” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, Japan)
“Japanese-PRC Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, RF) |
Japan
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1. Japanese Military Support of US
Japan’s House of Representatives approved an anti-terrorism bill Friday that defines a narrow role for the country’s military in supporting the US attacks in Afghanistan. Two related bills approved also Friday allow the Self-Defense Forces to protect US military facilities in Japan and give the coast guard the right to use weapons against suspicious ships in Japanese waters.
“Japanese Military Support of US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US)
“Japanese Military Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, US)
“Changes to Japanese Defense Policy” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, US) |
2. Japan’s Role in Afghanistan
Former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura returned to Japan last week after visiting Saudi Arabia and Iran after holding talks to discuss and seek their understanding of Japan’s participation in the US-led anti-terrorism campaign.
“Japan’s Role in Afghanistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, Japan) |
3. Revision of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) Law
The bill to revise the SDF Law includes parts of controversial 1985 bill aimed at plugging information leaks and imprisoning those convicted of releasing defense secrets. The bill stipulates stiff penalties for both SDF personnel and civilians found guilty of leaking such information. The revision bill does not mention “diplomatic secrets” or provisions on collecting information for the purpose of passing it on to another.
“Revision of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) Law” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, Japan)
“Japanese Logistic Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, Japan)
“Japanese Logistic Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, Japan)
In legislation before the Diet to support the US-led fight against terrorism, the government has issued its official rationale for more liberal guidelines on the use of weapons by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) troops. In short, the government asserts, SDF members who use weapons to protect themselves or to protect people under their care are defenders, not aggressors.
“Self-Defense Forces’ Weapons Use” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, Japan) |
4. Public Opinion on Logistic Support for US
Fifty-one percent of respondents to a nationwide telephone poll in Japan supported a bill that is now before the Diet that would allow Japan to support US forces, while 29 percent opposed it. Opinion was split, however, over the US-led bombing campaign on Afghanistan, with 46 percent supporting US action and 43 percent opposing it.
“Public Opinion on Logistic Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, Japan) |
5. Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to the ROK
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi voiced “heartfelt remorse” for ROK suffering under Japan’s colonial rule during his one-day trip to Seoul on Monday and was told by ROK President Kim Dae-jung to put those words into action. The two leaders failed to make headway on a dispute over South Korean fishing rights in waters around Russian-held islands claimed by Japan. Japanese officials said the two countries agreed to launch high-level government talks on the issue.
“Japanese Prime minister’s visit to the ROK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, Japan)
“Japanese-ROK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, RF)
“ROK-Japan Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, US)
“ROK-Japan Summit” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK)
“Self-Defense Forces’ Weapons Use” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, Japan) |
6. Japanese Role in Humanitarian Aid
Taku Yamazaki, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said on October 9th that he will work to lift the restrictions on the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) taking part in the UN peacekeeping operations (PKO) to pave the way for mine removal operations in Afghanistan. Six C-130 Hercules transport planes arrived at Pakistan on October 9.
“Japanese Role in Humanitarian Aid” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, Japan) |
7. Japanese Protest Against DPRK
A civic group in Japan aimed at rescuing family members abducted by the DPRK, was inaugurated Saturday afternoon in Hibiya Park, Tokyo, with the participation of nearly 2,000 Japanese and Koreans.
“Japanese Protest Against DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, ROK) |
8. Salvage of Ehime Maru
The sunken fisheries training vessel Ehime Maru was towed to shallow waters October 14 in preparation for the grim search for the remains of missing students and crew members.
“Salvage of Ehime Maru” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, Japan) |
Russian Federation
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1. RF-ROK Defense Contacts
A ROK military delegation led by Major General Kim Ujon-Tae, Chief of Land Forces Combat Training Directorate, will visit the Far Eastern Military District (DVO) for the first time visit from October 14-19.
“RF-ROK Defense Contacts” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 18, RF) |
2. RF Scholars on Korean War Blank Spots
An article by Aleksandr Orlov and Viktor Gavrilov said that there details and aspects of the time preceding the Korean War that remain unclear. In particular, the authors claim it was DPRK leader Kim Il-sung who actually assured the leaders of USSR and the PRC of a quick victory and received their approval to launch a massive attack on the ROK.
“RF Scholars on Korean War Blank Spots” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, RF) |
Regional Security
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1. APEC Forum
ROK President Kim Dae-jung arrived in Shanghai on October 18, where he will hold separate talks on October 19 with the leaders of the US, the PRC and Russia to discuss anti-terrorism and inter-Korean relations. Analysts said that in Shanghai, Kim may face the same challenge of persuading Bush to ease his hard-line stance toward the DPRK.
“APEC Forum” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, ROK) |
2. APEC Statement on Terrorism
The PRC said on Wednesday that Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members meeting in Shanghai had reached a consensus on a statement condemning terrorism, but details had yet to be discussed by APEC leaders.
“APEC Statement on Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 17, US)
“Anti-Terrorism Declaration at APEC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 15, US) |
3. Bush Agenda at APEC
US President George W. Bush intends to tell the leaders of Russia, the PRC, and other Asian nations that he supports their anti-terrorism efforts at home, but they must draw a line between legitimate dissent and genuine terrorism and not trample human rights.
“Bush Agenda at APEC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 16, US) |
4. NE Asian Regional Security
As the PRC emerges from a half-century of internal struggle and poverty to extend its reach across Asia, its neighbors and the US see a looming struggle for power. In response, some Asian countries have joined a new arms race. Asian countries have started to seek new alliances that will help them survive if a clash took place between the PRC, the US, Japan and India in what some see as an inevitable struggle to be the preeminent power in the region – militarily, economically and politically. The most prominent flash point in Asia for conflict involving the PRC remains Taiwan.
“NE Asian Regional Security” (NAPSNet Daily Report, October 19, US)
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