North Korea’s Refining Stance Towards the West
Lawrence Ntim ‘17
North Korea, a nation constantly discussed for a wide variety of reasons has come into the spotlight once again but for a different reason. Normally when one talks about North Korea the topic can vary from describing their ongoing disputes with the west or the news of another detainment in the nation. Other times, one might hear a more light-hearted story about the ongoing friendship between President Kim Jong Un and eccentric NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. But what is going on today is a little different where Americans have been freed from captivity.
Kenneth Bae and Todd Miller
Both of these Americans have been held by North Korea for a sustained period of time with Mr. Miller being held for 7 months for Unruly Behavior and Kenneth Bae for 2 years for plotting against the state in a religious form. Both are on the way to the west coast following negotiations from director of national intelligence James R Clapper Jr. Following various trials earlier and work in farms and camps while in North Korea it seems as if both men will have the chance to return home to California where they presumably live.
Changing Negotiations
Arguably the most significant aspect of this story is the change in North Korea’s rhetoric towards the west. The tensions seem to be cooling where in recent months North Korea has been significantly more open to discussions with South Korea and the U.S. Additionally, last month North Korea released yet another American, Jeffery Fowle.
The reason as to why North Korea is being more cooperative is unknown. It might possibly be due to China’s new support of South Korea. China, North Korea’s only ally, has become increasingly irritated by its actions regarding Korea’s nuclear program. This was demonstrated in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea instead of North Korea. Traditionally, China has visited its communist ally; however, Xi Jinping chose to negotiate with the South this time. China has had increasing frustration with the north’s more radical actions and rhetoric and has shown willingness to foster a relationship with south. All in all, these recent developments seem to be a major concern for the officials in the north.
North Korea may also be loosening its stance towards the west due to the lack of presence of their leader, Kim Jong Un who has been absent from the public for months with a leg ailment. Without a figurehead present and a disconnect growing between the leader and his people, it is evident that some alterations will need to be made over the next few months to recover from changing tides in the region.
It remains to be seen how far North Korea will go with its slightly warmer approach to the west because as always, we never really know what exactly goes on in North Korea but it is fascinating trying to find out.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/03/world/asia/chinas-president-to-visit-south-korea.html