| ID | 079140 |
| Title Proper | South Korean Security policy in the regional and global contexts: the view from Seoul |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Chang, Pak Ki |
| Publication | 2007. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | One of the highest-priority goals in the foreign policy of the Republic of Korea is to guarantee long-term peace on the Korean Peninsula and achieve mutual prosperity for South and North Korea, thereby laying the foundations for a final peaceful reunification. The Korean government is seeking ways to contribute to the world's common prosperity by consolidating farsighted relations of collaboration with other nations. The Republic of Korea contributes to international efforts aimed at realizing universal values and solving global problems. In addition, the Korean government tries to ensure a high level of trust in the international arena when fulfilling its obligations. The government of the Republic of Korea also plays a genuine role in the activities of various organizations for regional security, in full accordance with the world trends associated with the deepening of regional ties.
What are Korea's main problems in guaranteeing security? The most important of these is the military threat from North Korea1 Around two million troops are arrayed against one another in the Demilitarized Zone. North Korean long-range artillery units are strategically deployed all along the DMZ, and Seoul lies within their zone of fire. The second North Korean nuclear crisis has also become a potential threat that could sharply exacerbate both the situation and the balance of forces on the Korean Peninsula. In addition to the nuclear problem, another potential threat to the security of the Republic of Korea is associated with the various domestic difficulties inside North Korea, and these are also impossible to underestimate.
Not long ago, during general officer-level military talks between North and South Korea, both Koreas made progress in reaching an agreement to prevent accidental conflicts in the Western Sea. A long road must yet be traveled, however, before an atmosphere of mutual trust can be achieved in military matters |
| `In' analytical Note | Far Eastern Affairs Vol. 35, No.3; 2007: p63-72 |
| Journal Source | Far Eastern Affairs Vol. 35, No.3; 2007: p63-72 |
| Key Words | South Korea ; Security Policy ; National Security |