A former chair of the South Korean National Assembly has asserted that China will gradually grow to be more and more aware of the fact that cooperation with South Korea is advantageous to it, and that it is not necessary to continuously criticize Beijing.
Lee Man Seop, who headed the National Assembly in 2002, told a PBC radio program this morning, “Even though China seems to side with North Korea, they must be worried since their fundamental policy on the Korean Peninsula is peace and stability.”
He predicted, “While China keeps covering up for North Korea, there will come a time when it betrays China as it becomes arrogant in the future,” adding, “Therefore, we should not push China towards the side of North Korea.”
Instead, he explained, “We have to persuade China well, with a high-degree of diplomatic skill and a humane approach.”
He added, “We should not continuously pester and criticize China without substance, saying ‘China is an unconditional supporter of North Korea’; instead we should reinforce diplomacy with China through intensive diplomatic efforts.”
Regarding the Six-Party Talks, he noted, “The Six-Party Talks are useless. In such an urgent situation, what are the Six-Party Talks for? China knows well the Six-Party Talks are of no use.”
Lee also said that there is a possibility of additional provocations at the end of this year or early next year in the area of the West Sea, East Sea or even on the main land.”
He went on, therefore, “We should not see North Korea’s threats as simple threats. At the time of the Yeonpyeong attack, while we were holding the Hokuk Drill, North Korea threatened openly to attack us through its broadcasts. However, the fact is that we took it easy, thinking, ‘They wouldn’t really attack us, would they?’”
He pointed out, “North Korea thinks nothing of international opinion. Since it is quite an adventurous and belligerent regime, we should not accept its threats as (empty) threats,” and added, “We must set up airtight readiness.”
“If the military is suddenly attacked, they should deal with it strongly, with the sense of duty to preserve the country by exercising the right of self-defense, not even thinking about the rules of engagement.”
