Korean Peninsula
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1. DPRK Missiles
The Joongang Ilbo reported that the DPRK has recently tested missile combustion systems. US and Israeli intelligence sources alleged that the DPRK and Egypt are cooperating on long-range missile development. Russia’s Isvestia newspaper reported that the DPRK had planned to test a missile on the occasion of Kim Jong-il’s birthday, but visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov dissuaded the DPRK from going through with it.
“DPRK Missile Research” (Daily Report, February 25, ROK)
“Alleged Egypt-DPRK Missile Cooperation” (Daily Report, US, February 24)
“Alleged DPRK-RF Missile Agreement” (Daily Report, Russia, February 22) |
2. Alleged Defection of DPRK Missile Expert
The ROK’s Chosun Ilbo reported that a DPRK missile scientist had defected to the US and claimed that the DPRK had missiles with a 6,000-km. range. US officials refused to comment on the report, but ROK officials denied it.
“Defection of DPRK Missile Expert” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“Defection of DPRK Missile Expert” (Daily Report, ROK, February 22)
Defection of DPRK Missile Expert (Daily Report, Russia, February 22) |
3. DPRK Refugees in PRC
The Washington Post reported that the conditions for DPRK defectors in the PRC has deteriorated as relations between the US and the DPRK have improved. The Chosun Ilbo reported that one of the seven defectors forcibly repatriated to the DPRK by the PRC has escaped and returned to the Yanbian region of the PRC.
“DPRK Defectors in PRC” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“DPRK Defectors in PRC” (Daily Report, ROK, February 22)
“DPRK Defectors” (Daily Report, ROK, February 23) |
4. Korean War Massacre
ROK military officials arrived in the US on February 22 for a five-day visit to investigate the Nogunri massacre during the Korean War.
“Korean War Massacre” (Daily Report, US, February 23)
“Korean War Massacre” (Daily Report, ROK, February 22 |
Taiwan Straits
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5. PRC White Paper on Taiwan
The PRC issued a White Paper on “The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue,” which warned that Taiwan can not indefinitely delay the reunification issue but must rejoin the mainland under the “one China” principle. Both the US and Taiwan criticized the PRC for raising tensions in the Taiwan Straits. Many analysts attributed the White Paper to an attempt by the PRC to put pressure on Taiwanese presidential candidates in the run-up to next month’s election.
“PRC White Paper on Taiwan” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“US Response to PRC White Paper” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“Taiwan Response to PRC White Paper” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“Analysis of PRC White Paper” (Daily Report, US, February 22)
“Cross-Straits Relations” (Daily Report, Russia, February 22)
“PRC White Paper on Taiwan” (Daily Report, US, February 24)
“PRC White Paper on Taiwan” (Daily Report, US, February 23)
“White Paper on Taiwan Issue” (Daily Report, PRC, February 23) |
6. Taiwan Security
Taiwan military officials said that Taiwan is losing an arms race to the PRC. They argued that Taiwan needs early warning radar and increased submarine capacity to be able to hold off a PRC attack long enough for the US to come to its aid. Martin Lasater argues that the US is likely to intervene under most conditions to prevent a PRC military defeat of Taiwan.
“Taiwan Military Posture” (Daily Report, US, February 25)
“Taiwan Security” (Nuclear Policy Project Flash) |
People’s Republic of China
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7. PRC Participation in G8
The PRC announced that it will not participate in the Group of 8 (G8) summit in Okinawa, arguing that such a forum cannot replace the UN.
“PRC Participation in G8” (Daily Report, PRC, February 23)
“PRC Participation in G8” (Daily Report, US, February 22) |
Japan
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8. US Troops in Japan
US State Department spokesman Kenneth Bacon said that the issue of relocating a US air base in Okinawa should be dealt with by Japan, but he re-emphasized the importance of the US troop presence. Japanese Minister of State for Defense Tsutomu Kawara said that Japan would be forced to reduce its support for US troops due to its financial difficulties.
“US Troops in Japan” (Daily Report, US, February 24)
“Japanese Defense Posture” (Daily Report, US, February 24)
“US-Japan Talks” (Daily Report, US, February 22) |
9. Japanese Military Policy
Stratfor argued that Japan’s recent announcement on the possibility of helping to patrol the Strait of Malacca is part of a larger debate over Japan’s military role.
“Japanese Military Policy” (Nuclear Policy Project Flash) |
South Asia
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10. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
Former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto met with Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh to discuss India’s signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Senior US presidential advisor John Holum said that it was unlikely that India would sign the CTBT during US President Bill Clinton’s upcoming visit to India. Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Aseff Ahmed Ali said that it was in Pakistan’s best interest to sign the treaty.
“India’s Policy toward CTBT” (Daily Report, Japan, February 25)
“CTBT” (South Asia Nuclear Dialogue, India)
“CTBT” (South Asia Nuclear Dialogue, Pakistan)
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