Korean Unification: Political Considerations (Part 2)

In continuation of the considerations on Korean Unification policy in the research study conducted by the Korean Studies program at the Institute of International Studies at Universidad de Chile, entitled: "Korean Unification: Historical Outline of Presumptions, Perceptions and Policies", a major theme that emerged in the interviews conducted in Seoul in July 2006, was the role played by countries in regional environment.

The most important roles are played by China and the United States, mainly because China borders North Korea and the US has troops stationed in South Korea. According to our interviewees, unification requires two-phase consensus: on in Washington, D.C. and the other in Beijing. However, no one thought that these two actors want to change the status quo. Rather, they are only after North Korea’s dismantling of its nuclear facilities. In general, this is the role that interviewees ascribe to the six-party talks, and not necessarily eventual unification, at least at this stage.

With regard to other actors, such as Japan or Russia, they ascribe a lesser role. There is also a perception that none of the nations involved backs a change in the status quo; especially Japan. They felt it would not want a unified Korea, whereas this would imply increased competition in international markets and another potential regional power.

The arrival of a new, more conservative government elected December 19, 2007, was another element that was mentioned. All agreed that the South Korea policy towards North Korea would be change.  The new government takes over in February and there will obviously be a review of inter-Korean relations which could change the scenario in the region.

North Korea, in search of an escape from its decades-long international isolation, is trying to reach out to other nations, including those of Latin America. South Korea is following this issue closely, because many countries have diplomatic relations with both Korean nations, including Chile.

The Chilean foreign policy, so closely tied to the Pacific, must take into account all factors affecting the region. While commercial factors are priorities, political factors, such as the eventual unification of Korea and its consequences, are issues that must be borne in mind and constantly reviewed. In general, an academic perspective helps in developing these assessments.  Chile’s deepening knowledge of the Asia-Pacific will continue help in its efforts to maintain optimal bilateral relations not only with the two Koreas, but also with the unified Koreas that the two aspire to become.