Chung Dong-young, the Minister of Unification, proposed a comprehensive framework for peace on the Korean Peninsula that encompasses the signing of a peace treaty, normalization of relations between North Korea and the U.S. and Japan, halting North Korea's nuclear advancements, and inter-Korean economic cooperation.
In a keynote speech at the "Three Blueprints for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula: A Journey to Peace" conference held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Chung emphasized the need to consolidate fragmented agendas into a single framework to end the long-standing state of war and hostility on the peninsula.
Chung's proposal consists of four main areas. In the "political" sector, he aims to promote the signing of a peace treaty to replace the armistice agreement. In the "diplomatic" sector, he seeks to complete mutual recognition on the Korean Peninsula through normalization of relations between North Korea and the U.S. and Japan. The "military" sector includes halting North Korea's nuclear advancements, conventional arms control, and building mutual trust. The "humanitarian and economic basket" focuses on humanitarian cooperation, joint economic growth, and collaboration in climate change and artificial intelligence.
Chung stated, "The 'big basket' is not just about gathering various agendas together; it is a negotiation and implementation strategy aimed at broadening areas of cooperation and exchange to enhance the likelihood of reaching an agreement."
He proposed the principles of "parallel, mutual, and gradual" progress as the operational framework. This approach allows discussions in all four areas to proceed simultaneously without making denuclearization a precondition, while ensuring that advancements in one area can lead to compromises in others.
Chung identified the reasons for past failures in peace discussions as the precondition of denuclearization, distrust among parties, and the inability to maintain agreements amid changes in government. He noted that while periods of dialogue and engagement have led to a restraint on North Korea's nuclear and missile development, sanctions and pressure have accelerated nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development.
He emphasized, "It is difficult to initiate any discussions using the past 'pre-conditions for denuclearization' approach. We must discuss all baskets together without postponing any one of them."
Chung described the simultaneous inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration in South Korea and the Donald Trump administration in the U.S. as an opportunity for a transition to a peace system. He also announced plans to continue proactive measures for easing tensions, such as restoring inter-Korean communication channels and promoting peaceful use of border areas. He stated, "We will change the way we engage with our counterparts without first demanding concessions or changes from North Korea, and we must untie the knots of war with peace."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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