The talks on the DPRK nuclear issue may be over but another
chapter has begun in the story of the issue's resolution. All the
parties have shown their willingness to come to the negotiating
table. They know that a failure to find a peaceful settlement may
endanger the stability of Asia and even the world as a whole.
It's been four months since trilateral talks on the issue
brought together diplomats from China, the DPRK and the United
States. They came back again this week along with representatives
from the ROK, Japan and Russia. The meetings come at a time when
the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula is a highly sensitive
issue, especially in Asia. But few expected the talks would result
in a dramatic breakthrough.
Yu Meihua, director of East Asian Studies, China Reform Forum,
said, "No breakthroughs should be expected from this round of
negotiations. But there will be lengthy give-and-take discussions
between all parties before a final settlement."
The DPRK sits in the heart of northeast Asia and some of the
world's fastest growing economies. Regional security has long been
a key concern for the six nations taking part in the Beijing talks.
Pyongyang vowed to freeze its nuclear program under a 1994
agreement. Then, just last year, the DPRK accused the US of
hostility and announced it was reactivating its nuclear program.
Early this year Pyongyang triggered world concern by saying it was
withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Republic of Korea, or ROK, has always been committed to
finding a negotiated settlement with its northern neighbor. It
worries about the prospect of escalating military tension between
the US and the DPRK, should diplomacy fail. Seoul is more than
willing to work for progress in Beijing.
"The ROK has always been in a dilemma. It has to keep a balance
between pursuing national unity and maintaining its alliance with
the US," said Yu.
Increasingly aware of its role on the world political stage,
Japan has joined the wrangle. It's worried that the DPRK's nuclear
weapons capability could pose a threat to its own security.
Yu said, "To be able to talk in itself is a diplomatic victory
for Japan. However it is also the best time to increase its own
political and military leverage at this moment."
Yu Meihua says Japan is the US's closest ally in Asia and has
stood by America. So the US' policy and approach are still key to
East Asian security.
As host to the Six-way talk, China has worked hard to bring the
parties to the table, even though the efforts have yet to yield
dramatic results.
Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said, "The
stability of the Korean Peninsula is closely related to the
immediate interests of the DPRK and ROK. It also has a direct
impact on the peaceful environment surrounding China, as well as on
peace and stability in Northeast Asia and even the Asia
Pacific."
All six nations agree Beijing has played a critical role in
arranging the six-party talks while upholding its long-term goal of
a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. It's a goal that needs more time
and work to be done.
Without doubt, the six-party talks in Beijing have given all
parties concerned a well-earned chance to deal with the Korean
nuclear crisis. And their active involvement means just one thing:
their over-riding concern for regional stability in Asia.
(CCTV.com August 30, 2003)