Rising tensions in the Korean peninsula
- The ongoing developments in the Korean peninsula have raised serious concerns about the deterioration of the international security environment and a deepening of major power rivalry.
Recent Aggravation
- Recently, North Korea abandoned the goal of Korean reunification, and formally categorised South Korea as an enemy state.
- The offices related to reunification were closed, and a landmark monument in Pyongyang portraying the reunification ideal was brought down.
- It has also ramped up the frequency and diversity of its missile tests, expanding its strategic capabilities.
- Including a solid fuelled missile carrying a hypersonic warhead.
- These actions were responded to by South Korea through joint military drills with the US and Japan, escalating tensions.
- A trilateral cooperation meeting occurred in August 2023, signalling a united front against North Korea's aggression.
The Background
- The Korean peninsula's division after World War II led to ideological differences, reflecting the Cold War divide.
- The North went under the ambit of the Soviet Union and the South under the US.
- The Korean war (1950-53) broke out as a result of the North’s attempt to take over the South - the first “hot war” of the Cold War.
- Decades after the cessation of active conflict and the end of the Cold War, the two countries are still divided over ideology and geopolitical leanings.
- However, one of the biggest issues in the contemporary geopolitics of the Korean peninsula has been the question of North Korea’s de-nuclearisation.
- Despite efforts for North Korea's denuclearization, initiatives faltered, and missile tests increased, especially under Kim Jong Un's leadership.
- North Korea’s nuclear ambitions were held up for a brief period during 1994-2002.
- Reason: The US signed an “Agreed Framework” with it for halting its nuclear programme in return for nuclear energy.
International Implications
- The rising tensions coincide with global conflicts like Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, China-Taiwan and India-China.
- The involvement of nuclear powers viz. US, China, Russia - raises concerns.
- Since there are alliances and nuclear weapons involved, a major conflict may be prevented from breaking out.
- North Korea's ties with China and Russia further complicate the geopolitical landscape.
- Russia's engagement includes promises of space assistance in return for arms supplies.
- China remains a consistent supporter, reinforcing ties amid regional tensions.
- North Korea's actions may serve as a distraction for China and Russia in their conflicts, potentially contributing to a "third front" against the US.