The Asia-Pacific region has become a geography where worldwide competition and power struggles are intensifying, and therefore it can be considered as one of the main centers of new global competition. Power struggles generally take place through alliances, polarizations, and exercises, and the discourses and alliances established by the countries in the region are important.
The importance of the region is based on the rules-based international order and China’s presence in this geography, which wants to challenge the hegemony of the United States. Another important factor is the nuclear power of North Korea, which is located in the region. The general conjuncture of the region is seen as polarization between the Western alliance led by the United States and the revisionist states formed by North Korea and China.
Considering that critical points in global security are thought to pass through the Asia-Pacific region, the “security” and “defense” focused reports of the regional countries are extremely important. These documents and the statements they contain are of vital importance for the security balance of the Asia-Pacific. Especially the definitions of North Korea as an “enemy”[1] and Japan as a “close neighbor”[2] in the South Korean Defense Report published by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense on February 16, 2023[3], are important points to be taken into account.
When examining the definition of North Korea, it should be noted that South Korea referred to North Korea as an “enemy” in the document six years later. South Korea first referred to Pyongyang as the “main enemy” in 1995, but abandoned the use of the term “enemy” in the early 2000s. However, following an attack in 2010 that resulted in the deaths of 50 South Koreans and was attributed to North Korea, Seoul began using the term “enemy” again.
Due to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s liberal views, the term “enemy” was avoided. During Moon’s administration, the Defense Reports published between 2017-2022 did not include the “enemy” rhetoric.[4]
The document also states that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un referred to South Korea as “without doubt our enemy” in a speech he made during a party meeting in December 2022. The document also notes that North Korea’s nuclear program “seriously threatens” the security of Seoul. South Korea’s fundamental defense principle is to avoid threats and achieve peaceful reunification through means that avoid a war or possible North Korean invasion of the Korean Peninsula.[5]
It is clear that North Korea possesses a significant regional and global nuclear power, which poses a serious threat. In particular, South Korea is one of the countries that feels this threat most acutely, due to its geographical proximity, historical enmities, geopolitical position, and ongoing struggles. The issues between North and South Korea are based on critical problems with a historical background, and they remain unresolved. Ideological differences and geopolitical positions make it difficult to resolve the problems between these two countries. Furthermore, tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul are increasing.
North Korea’s ballistic and nuclear missile tests frequently escalate tensions in the region. Additionally, international organizations such as the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) risk provoking North Korea with their anti-North Korea alliances. These alliances are actually part of the strategy to encircle China, but by targeting North Korea, they serve to “otherize” the country and create a provocative effect. This situation further increases the tension in the region.
On the other hand, the Pyongyang government seeks to establish an independent perspective in security, economic, and political areas within the framework of Juche ideology, the official state ideology of the country. Juche ideology is based on the idea of self-sufficiency of the country. Therefore, it can be argued that North Korea will not give up its nuclear program. According to this understanding, the fundamental principles that governments should pursue are political independence, economic self-sufficiency, and the capacity to defend the nation.[6] It can be said that North Korea’s nuclear program, which has been ongoing since almost its establishment, is an important pillar of the country’s grand strategy within this framework.[7]
Unless North Korea is expected to give up its nuclear program, South Korea’s perception of threat and the West’s influence in the region will not decrease. Therefore, a nuclear disarmament program needs to be implemented for the tension between North Korea and South Korea to come to an end.
[1] “South Korea Defense Report Revives ‘Enemy’ Label For North”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/politics-south-korea-government-north-united-states-aca638944fed301cb4ccbfc6dcd84113, (Date of Accesion: 03.03.2023).
[2] “Korean Defense Paper Describes Japan as Close Neighbor”, The Japan News, https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20230216-91466/, (Date of Acccesion: 03.03.2023).
[3] “‘Surprise Attacks At Any Time’: South Korean Defense Report Outlines North’s Ongoing Threats”, Stars and Stripes, https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-02-17/south-korea-defense-white-paper-9171082.html, (Date of Accesion: 03.03.2023).
[4] “South Korea Defense Report Revives ‘Enemy’ Label For North”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/politics-south-korea-government-north-united-states-aca638944fed301cb4ccbfc6dcd84113, (Date of Accession: 03.03.2023).
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Juche, The State Ideology That Makes North Koreans Revere Kim Jong Un, Explained”, Vox, https://www.vox.com/world/2018/6/18/17441296/north-korea-propaganda-ideology-juche, (Date of Accesion: 03.03.2023).
[7] Kahraman Süvari, “Nükleer Silahların Yayılması Örneği Olarak Kuzey Kore”, Çağdaş Üngör, der., Asya Pasifik Çalışmalarında Yeni Ufuklar, Küre Yayınları, İstanbul 2020, p. 16.
