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Sea of ‘No’ Peace
Diplomacy Needs Very Cautious, Delicate Approach
Unrefined _ and unprepared _ words have been one of the biggest problems of President Roh Moo-hyun throughout his tenure. At first, President Roh’s verbal gaffes amused his critics, while embarrassing his aides and friends. Now, however, not a few Koreans, including journalists and even the general public, have come to watch his lips with nervousness. Even so, Roh’s reported suggestion in November that Korea and Japan rename the East Sea (Sea of Japan) the ``Sea of Peace’’ dumbfounds us.
Chong Wa Dae officials said the remark, made at a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was not an official proposal but one of the alternative names that might end the decades-old dispute. They added the idea did not come out of the blue and had been discussed at the presidential office. True, some academics have also floated neutral names, including ``Blue Sea.’’ Unlike scholars, however, a president cannot remain diplomatically impartial, especially on issues of national interests.
So the problem rests not so much with the proposal’s content or its nature as with the manner and process by which it was made. The topic of East Sea names had not even been discussed with the Foreign Ministry, let alone the Japanese government, ahead of the summit. It seems Roh has made a diplomatic discourtesy _ even if out of goodwill _ although one of his aides said the idea was a negotiating tactic. Abe waste no time rejecting the ``unofficial’’ proposal.
Some are defending the president, saying a neutral name would be in Korea’s interests, as most international maps are still describing it as the Sea of Japan. But the waters had been called either the East Sea or Sea of Korea until the Japanese occupation of Korea a century ago. Besides, the government and civic groups, including the VANK (Voluntary Agency Network Korea), have been going all out to recover the Korean name or at least have maps use both titles. Roh dashed cold waters on their efforts.
It was a tactical mistake, too, by giving up our Maginot line too early. Now, Tokyo can choose between Sea of Japan and Sea of Peace, not East Sea. Tokyo, however, is advised not to capitalize on this diplomatic amateurism, now that its prime minister has turned it down already. It should also have nothing to do with future discussion of bilateral diplomatic issues, such as the Dokdo (Takeshima) islets and exclusive economic zones.
Many people _ ranging from opposition politicians to Roh’s political mentor, former President Kim Young-sam, and even to a union leader _ have advised the president to refrain from shooting from the hip. It’s now the turn of his own aides at Chong Wa Dae to do the same, at least in issues of diplomacy. East Sea has already become not so peaceful even at home.
The Korea Times 2007.1.09
Diplomacy Needs Very Cautious, Delicate Approach
Unrefined _ and unprepared _ words have been one of the biggest problems of President Roh Moo-hyun throughout his tenure. At first, President Roh’s verbal gaffes amused his critics, while embarrassing his aides and friends. Now, however, not a few Koreans, including journalists and even the general public, have come to watch his lips with nervousness. Even so, Roh’s reported suggestion in November that Korea and Japan rename the East Sea (Sea of Japan) the ``Sea of Peace’’ dumbfounds us.
Chong Wa Dae officials said the remark, made at a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was not an official proposal but one of the alternative names that might end the decades-old dispute. They added the idea did not come out of the blue and had been discussed at the presidential office. True, some academics have also floated neutral names, including ``Blue Sea.’’ Unlike scholars, however, a president cannot remain diplomatically impartial, especially on issues of national interests.
So the problem rests not so much with the proposal’s content or its nature as with the manner and process by which it was made. The topic of East Sea names had not even been discussed with the Foreign Ministry, let alone the Japanese government, ahead of the summit. It seems Roh has made a diplomatic discourtesy _ even if out of goodwill _ although one of his aides said the idea was a negotiating tactic. Abe waste no time rejecting the ``unofficial’’ proposal.
Some are defending the president, saying a neutral name would be in Korea’s interests, as most international maps are still describing it as the Sea of Japan. But the waters had been called either the East Sea or Sea of Korea until the Japanese occupation of Korea a century ago. Besides, the government and civic groups, including the VANK (Voluntary Agency Network Korea), have been going all out to recover the Korean name or at least have maps use both titles. Roh dashed cold waters on their efforts.
It was a tactical mistake, too, by giving up our Maginot line too early. Now, Tokyo can choose between Sea of Japan and Sea of Peace, not East Sea. Tokyo, however, is advised not to capitalize on this diplomatic amateurism, now that its prime minister has turned it down already. It should also have nothing to do with future discussion of bilateral diplomatic issues, such as the Dokdo (Takeshima) islets and exclusive economic zones.
Many people _ ranging from opposition politicians to Roh’s political mentor, former President Kim Young-sam, and even to a union leader _ have advised the president to refrain from shooting from the hip. It’s now the turn of his own aides at Chong Wa Dae to do the same, at least in issues of diplomacy. East Sea has already become not so peaceful even at home.
The Korea Times 2007.1.09
