About Conflict in Korean Peninsula: UPSC Current Affairs

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.fairobserver.com/region/north_america/korean-peninsula-conflict-horizon/

Context:

North Korea announced that over 1.4 million citizens have applied to join the army. This announcement came after North Korea blew up parts of roads and railway lines along its southern border as a response to South Korea allegedly sending drones into North Korean territory.

About the Korean Peninsula Conflict

Background

Until World War II, the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese rule. After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided based on the 38th parallel, the Soviet Union occupied the north, and the United States occupied the south.

The North-South division was planned to be temporary, but it led to the establishment of two separate governments; the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

Korean War

In 1950, North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, leading to the Korean War. The United Nations, with the United States, came to South Korea’s aid.

Around 2.5 million people were killed in the Korean War. In 1953, the war ended with a ceasefire agreement, but no formal peace treaty was signed; technically North and South Korea are still at war.

After the ceasefire, the Korean Peninsula remained divided by the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a heavily fortified border. Both Korean nations were engaged in periodic fights and military provocations, maintaining a tense standoff.

Conflict in recent times

North Korea started developing nuclear weapons in the late 20th century, conducting its first nuclear test in 2006. This has increased the tension in the region. International efforts to denuclearize North Korea were largely unsuccessful.

There were many high-profile diplomatic efforts to minimize the tensions, including, the 2018 summits between the leader of North Korea and the South Korean President, and between the North Korean leader and the U.S. President. These efforts led to some de-escalation and promises of denuclearization, but concrete results have been limited.

The conflict remains unresolved, as North Korea is still developing its missile and nuclear capabilities, while South Korea backed by the U.S., maintains a strong military presence in the region.

Under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India tried to mediate between the conflicting parties. India proposed several resolutions at the UN to de-escalate the conflict and facilitate a ceasefire.

Possible Regional and Global instability

The Korean Peninsula conflict fuels uncertainties between major regional and global powers; the United States, China, Russia, and South Korea. Nuclear weapons in North Korea raise fears of potential nuclear conflict.

The continuing tensions resulting in regional instability in East Asia encourage countries like Japan and South Korea to remain vigilant and invest heavily in defense, which can lead to an arms race in the region.

The conflict has caused significant humanitarian crises, access to food, healthcare, and basic rights is limited in North Korea.

The militarization of the Korean Peninsula resulted in economic stress. Resources are diverted from essential services to military spending, affecting both North and South Korea's economic growth.

Challenges

North Korea's nuclear program poses a global threat. Efforts to curb its development through sanctions have had limited success, and dialogue has often stalled.

Finding common ground among the involved parties is challenging due to different interests and ideologies, which restrict expressive negotiations.

Both Korean nations use propaganda to maintain their positions, which can lead to misunderstandings and escalations.

Korean Peninsula conflict and India

As a rising global power, India has a special interest in the stability of East Asia. A conflict in Korea could affect regional trade routes and economic partnerships.

India must guide its relationships with both South Korea and North Korea. While it has strong ties with Seoul, it also advocates for peace and stability, while promoting dialogue with Pyongyang.

A conflict could spill over into broader regional tensions, affecting India’s security landscape. Increased military activity in East Asia might require India to reassess its defence strategies.

South Korea is an important economic partner for India, and any kind of conflict could disrupt trade and investment opportunities, which will affect India's economic growth.

Way Forward

There is a need to promote communication channels between all parties to negotiate peaceful resolutions.

India can play a mediating role by encouraging North Korea to engage with the international community and building trust that can lead to gradual disarmament.

Global powers need to work together by aligning their strategies to increase diplomatic pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

The international community needs to address the humanitarian crisis in North Korea, and provide aid to generate goodwill and create a more constructive environment for dialogue.

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Source:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Critically analyze how the Korean Peninsula conflict influenced the development of military alliances and defence strategies in East Asia. (150 words)

CONFLICT IN KOREAN PENINSULA