Koreas Tensions Complicate US-China Talks
“The Cheonan incident, predictably, has pushed North Korea to the top of the agenda for the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue,” says John Delury, Associate Director of Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations. “China’s judgment -- being conveyed, directly or indirectly, to Secretary Clinton -- will determine what Seoul can get at the U.N. level. But South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is not waiting on the U.N.: He announced suspension of virtually all exchanges and economic ties with the North, except the Kaesong Industrial Zone and a small amount of humanitarian aid. The ROK military announced North Korean ships are no longer welcome in South Korean shipping lanes, and that the ROK navy will increase anti-submarine patrols and anti-proliferation monitoring missions. Pyongyang, for its part, continues to deny any involvement in the sinking, and promises to meet Lee’s ‘stern countermeasures’ with even harsher moves of its own. Pressure is increasing on the U.N., and thus the U.S. and China as the principal one-step removed parties on the U.N. Security Council, to find an effective way to mediate and adjudicate.”
John is in New York. To arrange an interview, contact the Asia Society communications department at 212-327-9271 or [email protected].