战略与国际研究中心-CSIS-Korean-Unification-Conference-Remarks_8页_243kb

KOREA CHAIR PLATFORM Summary

Core Content

The Korea Chair Platform document presents remarks by Daniel R. Russel, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, delivered at the 2014 CSIS-EAI Conference on Korean Unification. The speech outlines the U.S.-South Korea relationship, regional and global cooperation, and the ongoing efforts toward unification of the Korean Peninsula. It emphasizes the importance of the alliance, the progress made in 2014, and the outlook for 2015.

Main Points and Key Information

U.S.-South Korea Relationship in 2014

• The U.S. and South Korea strengthened their alliance, increased trade and investment, and improved coordination on global challenges.
• A new operational control (OPCON) framework was finalized, enhancing the alliance's readiness for wartime scenarios.
• A Special Measures Agreement (SMA) was signed to ensure the continued support and resources for South Korean troops.
• The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) was actively implemented, contributing to shared economic prosperity.

New Leadership and Team Transition

• A new "New Korea Team" was formed at the U.S. State Department, replacing previous leaders.
• The team includes:
  • Ambassador Lippert as the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.
  • Ambassador Sung Kim as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan, and Special Representative for North Korea Policy.
  • Syd Seiler as Special Envoy to the Six-Party Talks.
• The team is described as a strong and capable "A-team" that has taken over from Jim Zumwalt and Glyn Davies.

Global Engagement and South Korea's Role

• South Korea played a significant global role in 2014, including:
  • Hosting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference, resulting in the Busan Consensus.
  • Hosting the UN Green Climate Fund secretariat, pledging $100 million to the initiative.
  • Contributing to Ebola response efforts and participating in discussions on global security.
• South Korea's UN Security Council membership, achieved after 25 years of effort, highlights its growing global influence.

North Korea and the Path to Unification

• North Korea remains a major threat due to its nuclear and missile programs, conventional and cyber-attacks, and other regional and global risks.
• The U.S. and South Korea continue to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea:
  • Supporting Security Council sanctions to curb proliferation and illicit activities.
  • Advocating for diplomatic engagement and a credible negotiation process.
• The concept of "byungjin" (simultaneous economic and nuclear development) is criticized as unrealistic and unsustainable.
• The U.S. and South Korea reject permanent division of the Korean Peninsula and support President Park's unification policy, which includes trust-building and step-by-step reconciliation.

2015 Outlook

• Climate Change: South Korea's role as host of the Green Climate Fund is highlighted, with the Paris Climate Summit expected to be a major event.
• Health Security: South Korea will host the Global Health Security Agenda meeting, emphasizing its contribution to global health initiatives.
• Water Security: South Korea will host the World Water Forum, addressing water challenges across the globe.
• Historical Anniversaries: 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of Korean independence and division, and the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Japan diplomatic relations, both of which are seen as critical for regional stability and unification.

Conclusion

The speech underscores the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance in addressing both regional and global challenges. It emphasizes the need for continued cooperation, modernization of security frameworks, and advocacy for unification through trust-building and diplomatic engagement. The document also highlights South Korea's growing global role and the shared commitment to universal values such as human rights and democracy.

Key Themes

• Alliance Strengthening: Through military, economic, and diplomatic efforts.
• Unification Vision: A long-term goal supported by both the U.S. and South Korea.
• Global Leadership: South Korea's increasing role in international organizations and global initiatives.
• Regional Security: Addressing threats from North Korea, ISIL, and natural disasters.