A Roadmap for Peace in Korea in 2023
March 6, 2023
Posted in: Newsletters
Dear friend,
In case you missed last week’s webinar, “Laying Out a Roadmap for Peace in Korea in 2023,” you can watch the video here:
Here’s a recap:
The Current Context
Escalating tensions and heightened risk of war
North Korea shifted strategy from nuclear no first use to first use (if attacked or if war or attack is imminent); ICBMs can deliver nuclear warheads that can reach anywhere in the US
South Korea shifted strategy from deterrence to preemption and first strike; massive increase in military spending
US strategy of “extended deterrence” (tailored deterrence) — threatening to use nuclear weapons against North Korea => North Korea preparing countermeasures
Japan adopted new security policy — pursuing counterstrike capability (prompted by NK’s development of nuclear and missile capabilities); increasing military capabilities and spending; Japan planning to upgrade its missile systems
Korean Peninsula caught in the middle of the US-China great-power competition
US and South Korea ramping up joint military exercises this month
North Korea increased testing of long-range missiles last year; says they will never give up nuclear weapons — but Kim Jong Un said if the situation on the Peninsula changes, then his policy on nuclear weapons can change (leaves open the possibility of engaging North Korea in diplomacy)
The Korean War
US is important party to the Korean War and remains so
All of this is happening because they are entangled in the Korean War => they are preparing for new war
1953 armistice ceased fighting, but lack of formal end to the war
Consequences of unresolved war include never-ending arms race and separation of families
US-North Korea Negotiations
Past US approaches failed to address North Korea’s security concerns
US-North Korea negotiations at a standstill
Congress has never been involved in peace negotiations
Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act
Calls for diplomacy with North Korea to formally end the Korean War, a comprehensive review of travel restrictions to North Korea, and the establishment of liaison offices in the US and North Korea
Reintroduced by Rep. Brad Sherman and 19 original co-sponsors — first time a bill on peace in Korea has been reintroduced. Has bipartisan support
In the last Congress, 46 members of Congress supported the bill (mostly Democrats and a Republican)
Success largely due to the efforts of grassroots Korea peace movement
Congressional support is critical to build support for a long-lasting peace agreement
Important for ending the war, but potential to defuse current crisis and instability and open space for diplomacy for peace and denuclearization
Key Takeaways
Escalation reaching dangerous phase
Current crisis is a manifestation of the unresolved war and symptom of illness; the illness is the Korean War
In order to solve the current crisis, we need to solve the illness => end the Korean War
Unresolved war also has human consequences (separated families)
Diplomacy with North Korea is possible
This is a symbolic year for Korea peace (July 27 marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice)
The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act can help build the political will for peace with North Korea
Grassroots Korea peace movement is shifting the narrative on this issue
What You Can Do
Contact your Representative and ask them to co-sponsor the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act. Take action here.
Join our national mobilization for peace in Korea this July. Sign up here.
Sign up to host a watch party of the documentary Crossings about Women Cross DMZ’s historic journey from North to South Korea in 2015 and our work to end the Korean War. Sign up here.