战略与国际研究中心-Korea-Chair-Monitor-Vol-1-Issue-3_4页_11mb

Korea Chair Monitor Summary (June 27–July 10, 2013)

Core Content Overview

The Korea Chair Monitor provides a biweekly analysis of key events and developments in inter-Korean relations, ROK-China relations, U.S.-ROK relations, South Korean domestic policies, and regional dynamics. The report highlights diplomatic, economic, and security-related activities across the region.

Inter-Korean Relations

• Kaesong Talks: On July 7, North and South Korea agreed "in principle" to normalize Kaesong operations. On July 10, 59 South Korean business owners were allowed to inspect facilities, and ROK firms could retrieve finished products and raw materials. However, the second round of talks concluded without an agreement due to divergent interests, with negotiations set for July 15.
• DPRK Deputy UN Ambassador: Jang Il-hun was appointed as North Korea's deputy UN ambassador on July 3, following the abrupt departure of Han Song-ryol. This signals a shift in diplomatic personnel.
• North Korean Delegations: Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye-gwan visited Beijing and Moscow in July, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement with key regional powers.

ROK-China Relations

• President Park's Visit: Park visited China from June 27–30, meeting with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and other officials. She also gave a speech at Tsinghua University and visited cultural sites in Xian.
• Korea-China FTA Talks: The sixth round of FTA negotiations was held from July 2–4, with progress made on market opening modalities. The agreement will also include competition, transparency, e-commerce, environment, and economic cooperation.
• Panda Purchase Plan: Plans to purchase pandas for Park's visit to Beijing were abandoned due to high costs, but South Korea received two rare ibises from China to support conservation efforts.

U.S.-ROK Relations

• Homeland Security Visit: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano visited Seoul on July 5 to sign an agreement on expanding the Global Supply Chain Security Initiative and discussed the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. The U.S. supports increasing the number of professional visas for South Korea.

South Korean Economics and Politics

• Budget Plan for Science and Technology: The government announced a five-year budget plan with a total of 92.4 trillion won, a 30% increase from the previous administration, focusing on basic science, agriculture, and medical technology.
• Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum hourly wage was set to rise by 7.2% to KRW5,210 in 2014, following a 6.1% increase in 2013. This decision was the result of discussions between labor and business groups.
• National Assembly Session: The June extraordinary session of the National Assembly concluded on July 2, passing nearly 100 bills aimed at achieving economic democratization. Key legislation included revisions to the Antimonopoly and Fair Trade Act and measures to bring companies into the tax net.

ROK Defense Acquisition Program

• Jet Fighters Acquisition: The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) temporarily halted the procurement of 60 new jet fighters due to bids exceeding the KRW8.3 trillion budget. The process may be restarted, but it remains uncertain whether the deal will be finalized by year-end.

Regional Relations

• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): During the July 2013 ARF meeting in Brunei, trilateral U.S.-ROK-Japan talks and bilateral meetings between ROK and Japanese officials took place. North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun also engaged in discussions with Chinese officials.
• Legal Developments: On July 10, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of a collective lawsuit against a Japanese firm for forced labor during the colonial period, overturning a previous decision by the Supreme Court. This marks a significant legal development in South Korea's stance on historical issues.

Looking Ahead

• July 12: Admiral Choi Yun-hee will visit Chinese submarines in Qingdao.
• July 18–28: North Korean women's national football team will participate in the East Asian Cup Tournament in South Korea.
• August 19–23: The third Rason International Trade Exhibition will be held in North Korea, with Chinese companies expected to dominate participation.
• Upcoming: The seventh round of Korea-China FTA negotiations will be held in China, though the exact date is not yet confirmed.

Contributors and Contact

• Contributors: Victor Cha, Marie DuMond, Sang Jun Lee, Andy Lim, Ju Young Lee, J.D. Suh, Youmin Kim
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About Korea Chair Monitor

• Published biweekly by the CSIS Office of the Korea Chair, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research institution based in Washington, D.C.
• Focuses on international public policy issues, particularly those related to Korea.
• Available online for real-time updates and program details.