GLOBAL TIMES EDITORIAL
Beijing — The South Korean Ministry of Reunification is going to submit a peninsula reunification plan to President Lee Myung-bak Wednesday, in which 2011 will be set as the first year to start preparing for unifying the two Koreas. South Korean media have interpreted the move as signifying a “reunification by absorption” policy by Seoul toward the North.
Peninsula reunification requires collaboration by both Koreas. This plan, which is proposed by the South while it carries out a military drill and includes a strategy which sets preparations in motion for the collapse of the North Korean regime, will hardly enhance ties between the two sides.
The Korean Peninsula is now plagued by the idea of a violent reunification. South Korea is adopting moves that go against its wider goals. The South hopes to see stability, but fails to patiently address its actions that undermine that very stability. It chooses to provoke the North with frequent military drills, which accrues suspension and hatred across the 38th parallel.
There are no credible reasons for China to instigate turmoil. China would like to help promote both Koreas in working toward peaceful reunification, a process which will help slowly dissipate historical quarrels.
China’s history is filled with bitterness, and the nation deeply understands the pain of the Koreans. To say the least, China will not impede the peninsula’s peaceful reunification. Therefore, it is peculiar that South Korea does not even consider China’s advice.
From the perspective of the Chinese public, South Korea is behaving like a bull in a china shop.
Closely watching dynamics on the peninsula, we are able to see that South Korea’s declarations about its reunification plan have created more tensions in the region.
The two Koreas agreed in 1972 on three principles: independence, peaceful reunification and national unity. The dangerous idea of gaining reunification through violence was directly rejected decades ago.
At the moment, what South Korea needs most is to remain calm. In the Hollywood blockbuster Inception, the main character uses a spinning top to judge whether he is in a dream or in reality. Now the spinning top for South Korea poses a series of question: Will its actions help reduce tensions? Will its policy help address issues with the North? Will its decisions facilitate cooperation among powers like China, Russia and the US? If the answers are yes, then South Korea is in reality. Nevertheless, if the answers are negative, South Korea is dreaming.