11/24/2010

Ruinous US-China relations the big danger from North Korea

Pyongyang's attack has long-term potential to sabotage peace in Asia.

TUESDAY'S deadly barrage by North Korean artillery is more than just another of Pyongyang's grotesque tantrums. It is a critical moment for the US and China, and a test of whether Asia's strategic future will be clouded by war.

How Beijing responds will mark how much - or how little - the US and others can work with it to keep Asia at peace. The biggest danger for Australia and the region from events this week may not be an immediate war in Korea, which seems unlikely, but rather the long term souring of US-China security relations.

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Like so much about North Korea, the precise reason for the attack may always be a mystery. The North's batteries unleashed scores of shells against the island of Yeonpyeong, in the midst of an annual defence exercise by South Korean forces. At least four people were killed, many injured, homes destroyed, and a civilian population terrorised.

The assault probably had multiple purposes. The North wants US and global attention. It wants fresh doses of foreign aid for its decrepit economy and a new round of six-nation talks on nuclear issues.

Those talks are meant to be about bargaining an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program but have instead turned into a stage for Pyongyang to secure new concessions and sow division among its neighbours.

Read more at The Sydney Morning Herald

Nov 24, 2010 2:19:44 PM | Current Affairs, History

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