Korean Perspectives on the U.S. National Security Policy in North East Asia: Should U.S. Support Reunification of Korea Under So

摘要

Korea's separation partly resulted from U.S. misunderstanding of Korea's strategic value in the region. As long as the confrontation between North Korea and South Korea continues, U.S. interests in the region are at stake. However, U.S. policy on Korean reunification has been unclear whether the U.S. prefers the status quo or reunification. Reunification under South Korea's control would support U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, the U.S. should support South Korea's efforts to accomplish peaceful reunification under its control. For now, the U.S. must first help South Korea develop a healthy democracy, sound economic free market system, and a balanced and small but strong military. Second, the U.S., through South Korea, should encourage North Korea to open and reform the country. Finally, the National Security Strategy must express U.S. support for the ROK's peaceful reunification as a primary goal in the region. A clear statement on the Koreas' peaceful reunification could lead countries in the region to understand that U.S. interests are stability, peace, and regional economic development rather than competition, containment, or confrontation.