FROM EIR DAILY ALERT
Surge of Diplomacy Around New Korean Peninsula Situation
June 18, 2018(EIRNS)—In the wake of the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore, “many summits” are being held and planned among Asian nations and at various levels, to ensure the economic development of the Korean Peninsula and its integration into the Belt and Road.
China, Japan, and South Korea plan a second summit this year, according to Yomiuri Shimbun, after not holding such a meeting for three years. The summit after Japan’s September elections would include the Korea developments, the trade conflict with the United States, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), and improved bilateral relations among the three. Russian President Vladimir Putin and South Korean President Moon Jae-in plan to discuss potential joint projects with North Korea during Moon’s visit to Moscow this week, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov June 18.
Between North Korea and South Korea, there will be meetings on road and rail connections on June 22, according to Korea Times today, which said they will also discuss reforestation in the North. Today in Panmunjom, sports representatives determined that North and South Korea will make a joint entrance to the Asia Games in Indonesia in August, under the “unification flag” (with the outline of a united Korea) and with the ancient folk song “Arirang” rather than either national anthem.
There will be Red Cross meetings June 22, to confirm Aug. 15, Korea’s Liberation Day (from Japan)—as the date for family reunions at Mount Geumgang.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency today reported that “South Korea and the United States are expected to announce the suspension of ‘large-scale’ military drills this week, with the provision that they would restart if North Korea failed to keep its promise to denuclearize.” A government source said the suspension would affect major joint exercises, not routine military training.
Yonhap quoted South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha that South Korea wants to sign a formal peace treaty ending the 1950-53 Korean War as soon as possible. “The goal of our government is to strive for [a formal end of the war] this year,” Kang said. She also expected U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to be meeting with North Korean officials “soon” to start concretizing the Singapore summit decisions.
