Finally !! Peace in Korean Peninsula?

INTER-KOREAN SUMMIT 2018

On April 28, 2018 when Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi was on an informal visit to the other Asian Giant China to meet its President Mr. Xi Jinping, few miles away in Korean Peninsula history was in making when the supreme leader of North Korea Mr. Kim Jong-un crossed the world's heavily armed border at DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) at Panmunjom and enters into South Korea. This gesture made him first such Leader of North Korea to pay state visit to its counterpart in nearly 70 years.

Where is Panmunjom and DMZ?

As we can see on the above map, the Red pointer is where Panmunjom is and the border separating both countries is known as DMZ or De-Militarized Zone since August 15, 1945 

Brief History

At the end of World War II when Japan suffered huge losses was forced to surrender its occupation of Korea resulting in the partition of united Korea into North and South Korea. Since then hostilities among both the counterparts were on rise and eventually in 1950, both North and South Korea came into full fledged war in pursuance to occupy each other's land and unify Korea once again with the support of US, China, UK, Canada, Soviet Union etc. This bloodbath continued for more than 3 years and finally ended with the signing on Korean Armistice Agreement between U.S, China and North Korea (interestingly South Korea denied to be signatory in this agreement as they were adamant on their demands of unified Korea). This Armistice Agreement have ended the war as ceasefire was declared but technically it never happened as cross border tensions piled up over the years. Even North Korea denied to obey this truce or Armistice six times in the year 1994,1996,2003,2006,2009 and latest in 2013 even after signing it. The De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) which is a result of this Armistice Agreement is as tensed as Radcliffe Line separating India and Pakistan, over the years ceasefire violations, defection of North Korean citizens into South Korea due to its Authoritarian Regime etc. continued and now Panmunjom Declaration generates a ray of hope among both the nations. 

                                       

"In a perilous standoff that has resisted solutions, it was these images that offered hope, much more than the actual results from the meeting-vague pledges to work toward Nuclear Disarmament and a Peace Treaty"                                 

                                                                                   - The New York Times

Shift in North Korea's approach 

We all are aware from the news globally a verbal tussle between North Korea and the United States of America, where the former constantly deterred the latter one along with its neighbours South Korea and Japan with its long range missile tests (aimed to target US coastline) and nuclear armament.  Suddenly, from being such a rogue state, North Korea is talking about peace now. 

"Kim feels he has developed his nuclear and missile programmes to sufficient degree that they act as a deterrent against any attack and give North Korea significant negotiating power"

                                                                                                   - The Guardian

Well, this could be true as analysts believe even if North Korea agrees for total Nuclear Disarmament today, even then it will take a decade to fully accomplish so which will act as a deterrent for the other nations and will give North Korea a significant say. While some Defence Analysts in India believes that this is the result of United States' sanctions on North Korea which disabled them to trade with other countries. This pressurized North Korea to speak in tone of the United States.

China Factor

Some analysts, journalists and even politicians giving significant courtesy to China and its President Mr. Xi Jinping for this peace treaty and change in North Korea's stance. As reportedly, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un talking about peace after his secret trip to China earlier this month. China has an important role to play as North Korea heavily imports from them, therefore will listen to them and act accordingly in Global Diplomacy.

Peace Treaty

"The South and North Korea have also agreed to "gradually realise arms reduction when their military tension is removed and trust is practically established"

                                                                                                    - The Telegraph UK     

President of the United States of America Mr. Donald Trump will be coming to the Korean Peninsula reportedly in May or June and will meet Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un, this meeting will be historic in nature and it is expected that a final peace treaty will signed between U.S.A, North Korea, South Korea and possibly China too.

To this historic meet between two Korean Leaders, President of the U.S.A tweeted

"After a furious year of missile launches and nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening but only the time will tell"         

So, in a nutshell for now, everything is good in Korean Peninsula and both the Korean countries looking forward for the summit with President Trump. 

   

G.S Pointers to remember

1. President of South Korea - Mr. Moon Jae-in 
2. Supreme Leader of North Korea - Mr. Kim Jong-un
3. Name of Declaration - Panmunjom Declaration
4. Landmark Places - Mt. Kumgang (N.Korea) significant importance for both the Korea
5. Performance Theme of this meet - " A New Spring Enjoyed Together" 

JAI HIND