| Publication |
2009.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Shortly after the end of the Korean War, the United Nations Command promulgated the Northern Limit Line (NLL) as a maritime boundary in the West Sea (Yellow Sea). Since that time, the NLL has been a source of contention between North and South Korea culminating in two naval clashes in 1999 and 2002. A solution to the NLL dispute in the near future is unlikely so long as the security situation remains the same. North Korea may have a reasonable complaint, and an international tribunal would likely draw the line farther south, though not as far as Pyongyang desires. So long as North Korea remains a serious security threat, South Korea will be reluctant to make any changes. The most likely solution will be a negotiated settlement, but this will require North Korea to demonstrate its willingness to compromise on its position. Pyongyang should continue to state its opposition to the current NLL, but through diplomatic channels that do not threaten security while also taking steps to improve the overall security situation in the region. The views expressed in this report are the author's alone and do not represent the official position of the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
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