[imText1]Professor Kim Youn Chul of Korea University’s Asia Research Center said, “Looking at the progress from the last two rounds of the six-party talks, it seems that China doesn’t have as great an influence on North Korea as we assume.”
He revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ban Ki Moon, met with China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Li Zhaoxing, and discussed issues relating to North Korean missile possession.
Professor Kim appeared on KBS radio’s, ‘Hello, this is Lee Mong Ryong’ on the 26th stating, “It is true that China is also greatly concerned about the North Korean missile launch” and that “Chances are high that North Korea’s missile launch will rapidly incur a response from U.S. and Japanese missile torpedo nets.”
Professor Kim, who held the position of political aide for the minister prior to Jeong Dong Young of the Ministry of National Unification, added “Although there is a possibility that China will act as mediator to spur new negotiations, it looks as if China does not have enough influence to suspend, nor alter, North Korea’s actions.”
He revealed that “The relationship between South Korea, North Korea and the U.S. is a triangular relationship, where if the relationship between North Korea and the U.S. intensifies, it will also have a negative effect on the South and North Korean relationship. Under such circumstances, it is likely that true Korean and U.S opinion regarding North Korean policy will be revealed.”
Furthermore, Kim stated that “At present, it would be good for South Korea to intervene and diffuse some of the mistrust existant between the U.S. and North Korea. It is important that South Korea persuades North Korea to attend the six-party talks and for the U.S. to establish a persuasive foundation in order to encourage North Korean participation”.
Professor Kim also said that “The most important thing is that North Korea doesn’t launch its missiles. Not only in response to foreign diplomatic resolutions, but also due to productive negotiations.”
He asserted that “As the talks are underway, the heightening of tensions can be prevented. It is important that the U.S. adheres to the framework of the six-party talks, and as both North Korea and the U.S. are demanding direct negotiations, it is important that within the framework of the six-party talks, North Korea and the U.S. can offer proposals and negotiate directly”.
