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Seoul n.d. [OA 7565] [3]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 2004-2265-S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13790
Folder ID Number:
13790-003
Folder Title:
Seoul n.d. [OA 7565] [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
2
1
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, U.S.A.
WASHINGTON DC 20520
A
U.S.MAIL
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300.
STA. 501
Photocopy-Preservation
CONFIDENTIAL
DECL: OADR
DEPARTURE STATEMENT
This has been a very successful visit.
Our discussions have emphasized our strong and broad-based
evolving partnership.
We look forward to a unified Korea in the future as a nation
with which we will cooperating into the 21st century.
We have reaffirmed our intention to work together to not only
defend Korea against aggression, but also to help resolve the
security problems of the peninsula and bring peace and
unification to Korea on terms acceptable to the Korean people.
North-South dialogue is the primary means of resolving Korea's
problems.
Following my September 27 initiative and President Roh's
November 8 non-nuclear policy statement, it is now up to North
Korea to reciprocate fully and completely.
We will cooperate closely with the ROKG and the international
community to assure that North Korea does not have a nuclear
weapons capability and that it takes steps to negotiate
peacefully its differences with the ROK.
Our own contacts with North Korea will be solely designed to
buttress the ROKG's efforts.
Our cooperation on resolving bilateral trade issues will be
strengthened, and we must both take actions to ensure a
successful Uruguay round.
We renewed our Science and Technology Agreement which will
ensure greater cooperation this area, to the benefit of both
our countries.
The U.S. is in Asia to stay, and we have no intention of
becoming isolationist.
It is the kind of excellent, long-term relations we have with
nations like South Korea that make our continuing presence in
Asia not only a matter of policy, but one of warm friendship
between our peoples.
My personal friendship with President Roh is also strong. I
told him that his place in the history books is secure for the
uncountable accomplishments he has made for the benefit of
Korea.
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By It NARA, Date 06/07/23
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
President Roh should take pride in his many achievements in
promoting democracy and a more peaceful and secure Korean
peninsula.
As I leave Korea, I take with me the warm feeling of friendship
extended to me and the people of the United States. I look
forward to a new era of partnership for our mutual benefit.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONF IDENTIAL
THEMES FOR REMARKS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AT THE
KOREAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Praise Korea for the progress it has made, through intense
efforts, in developing sophisticated technological
expertise.
Commemorate our long history of Science and Technology
(S&T) cooperation with Korea, symbolized by U.S. help in
founding KIST, and the renewal of the S&T agreement.
Note the vital importance of technology imports to the
success of the Korean economy, and underline U.S. 's great
role in transferring technology, through government
programs, commercial ventures, and our universities which
have trained thousands of Koreans.
Note that for science and technology to flourish and flow
freely, intellectual property rights must be protected. As
an emerging producer of technology, Korea should see that
it will also benefit from protection regimes.
Focus on the vital importance of worldwide S&T cooperation,
for contributing to greater knowledge, solving common
problems, and stimulating economic growth.
Emphasize the necessity for expanding basic research, not
simply research which has immediate commercial use.
Encorage Korean participation in large-scale cooperative
research which we are promoting, such as the Superconductor
Supercollider and global change research.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By It NARA, Date 06/07/23
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT TO KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KIST)
SCENESETTER
You should use your visit to KIST on January 6 to promote
increased cooperation in science and technology (S&T). Your
visit will highlight the renewal of our Science and Technology
Agreement (STA). You should give some short remarks on U.S.-
Korean S&T cooperation.
KIST was founded in 1966, with a $100 million grant provided by
USAID. It has become a major research center in Korea,
training Korean scientists and engineers, and leading Korea's
transformation into a technology-based economy.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Your remarks should:
1. Praise Korean progress in S&T.
2. Commemorate our long history of S&T cooperation with Korea,
through government, business, and universities.
3. Note the importance of protecting intellectual property
rights to ensure the free flow of science and technology.
3. Encourage Korea to increase its emphasis on basic research,
to help advance knowlege for all, and not simply for
immediate commercial gain.
Drafted: EAP/K: JMcHale
Clearances: EAP/K: JMcHale
SEKEC 929 12/03/91
OES: LStaheli
D: JWarlick Rm. 7220
P: MMcMillion Rm. 7240
E: WWhyman Rm. 7524
C: RWilson Rm. 7250
EB: DJensen Rm. 3329
OSTP: SBowden
CONFIDENTIAL
THEMES AND TOPICS FOR PRESIDENT'S AUSTRALIA SPEECHES
(November 26, 1991)
There will be two opportunities for the President to make
major speeches while in Australia. The first will be in
Canberra on Thursday, January 2, when he addresses a joint
session of parliament. The general focus of this address
should be on the bilateral relationship, although global
regional themes should also be included. A second speaking
engagement will be on Friday, January 3, in Melbourne, where he
is invited to speak on regional/global themes at a luncheon for
business executives and others hosted by Victoria State Premier
Joan Kierner.
Parliament Address on U.S.-Australia Bilateral Relations
Themes to Include: Though largely focused on bilateral issues,
global themes should be included. The address should recognize
the close strategic relationship that has existed bilaterally,
the success of this relationship, and the need to maintain our
partnership in the face of post-Cold War era challenges.
Bilateral, regional and global economic issues should also be
touched upon. Finally, there should be reference to expanding
cooperation in other areas of particular relevance to younger
(post-WW II) Australians such as culture and education, the
environment, economics and narcotics.
Continuing Importance of the Alliance:
Our long-standing strategic alliance has served us well.
Next year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle
of the Coral Sea. It will be a special commemoration of
the close and special defense partnership that had origins
in the Second World War. (The President's personal
involvement in the Pacific theater during that war can lend
special significance to this testimonial.)
However, looking ahead over the next fifty years, the
post-Cold War Era presents new challenges for our
alliance. While East-West tensions have diminished, other
problems such as ethnic rivalries, nationalist aspirations
and territorial or political disputes -- suppressed during
the Cold War period -- are now arising.
THEMES
Page 2
In these endeavors, Australia has and continues to play an
important role:
--
Note contributions to the Gulf War, refugee assistance
and the ongoing naval interdiction effort in the
region. Express appreciation for Australian public
support during the Gulf War for the Coalition and its
policies.
--
Note Australia's active role in developing a framework
for the current peace process which is taking place in
Cambodia, as well as Australia's contribution to the
peace keeping force.
|
Note strong efforts on proliferation issues,
particularly regarding nuclear and chemical weapons
proliferation.
Our partnership on these and other issues has become
increasingly important, especially in the wake of the
tremendous changes that have occurred in the world over the
last two years.
Stress Cooperation on Multilateral Trade Issues:
The New Order that is being shaped encompasses not just the
political realm but the economic. Both our countries have
been at the forefront, pushing hard for free and open
markets in the world. We must avoid the creation of
trading blocs. And we must continue our joint efforts to
shape an international trading system which will foster
rather than obstruct free trade, particularly through a
successful conclusion of the GATT Uruguay Round.
--
Acknowledge Australia's leadership in establishing
APEC and in shaping its development as an important
international economic entity.
Note Australia's bipartisan efforts to press the EC to
end agricultural subsidies and for a successful
conclusion to the Uruguay Round.
Note that what we are pursuing in the NAFTA is not a
bloc. We intend to lower internal barriers, not
create external barriers. NAFTA will be GATT
consistent.
THEMES
Page 3
Reassure on U.S. Engagement in the Region:
o
Our reasons for remaining engaged and active in Asia and
the Pacific are obvious. The Asia-Pacific region is now
America's largest trading partner, with trans-Pacific
commerce totalling more than $300 billion in annual two-way
trade. This is nearly one-third larger than that across
the Atlantic.
We will remain committed to our allies and to fulfilling
our security obligations. The U.S. will remain engaged in
Asia and the Pacific.
Our bilateral and multilateral arrangements in this region
have worked well. These arrangements will continue to be
key to our mutual security in the decades ahead.
The regional partnerships which the U.S. enjoys with
Australia and other countries have provided the foundation
for economic and political stability in the region.
Future Relations Between Australia and the U.S.
o
We have points of differences, but overall our relations
are excellent. We share common histories and similar
values. And we see this relationship strengthening further
in the years ahead. Some trends to point to:
In culture and education:
|
Australian culture increasingly influences American
music, cinema and sports.
:
There is also a solid basis of bilateral academic
interchange, including the 40-year-old Fulbright
program in Australia and numerous private exchanges
involving younger Australians at the secondary level.
|
The U.S. 4-H organization, Future Farmers of America,
and Rotary are among the groups with active exchange
programs with Australian counterparts.
THEMES
Page 4
In bilateral economic relations:
-- The importance of bilateral trade: after Japan, the
U.S. is Australia's largest trade partner. Annual
bilateral trade exceeds US$ 13 billion.
-- U.S. firms have over US$ 15 billion invested in
Australia, the second highest in Asia after Japan,
much of it in leading edge technology in
telecommunications, aviation, and informatics, as well
as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and energy.
-- Tourism remains very big business for both countries.
Nearly one-half million people travel each way each.
year. United Airlines and Northwest both inaugurated
new routes to Australia in 1991.
-- We are broadening economic dialogue, this year
initiating bilateral consultations on agricultural
issues and continuing our consultations and joint
efforts in important international economic fora such
as APEC and the GATT.
In environmental and resource management:
--
Cooperation in conservation and environmental
protection is expanding; we have many shared interests
and similarities in resource endowments (i.e., coal,
oil, gas, hard rock minerals) and topography. There
are many recent examples of cooperation:
-- Our two governments have established a High Level
Group on Energy to exchange information on energy
policy, programs, demand; to review ongoing research
and development; and to engage in joint research
efforts.
-- US Interior Department (DOI) Minerals Management
Service has recently signed a bilateral MOU with
Australia's Department of Primary Industries and
Energy (DPIE) for sharing data on offshore minerals
development, including environmental protection
aspects.
THEMES
Page 5
--
DOI Bureau of Land Management has initiated a dialogue
with DPIE that is focused on the need to balance the
extraction of minerals, oil, gas, and timber with the
growing demands for recreation, and management of
cultural resources, and wildlife and fisheries
habitats. Plans include an exchange of technical
personnel between our countries.
-- USDOC/NOAA officials have recently met with their
Australian counterparts to discuss ways in which our
two nations can strengthen efforts regarding the
important environmental problems of driftnet fishing,
endangered species, and the monitoring/assessment of
the global warming threat.
--
In APEC, where Australia leads the Energy Working
Group, our two governments are cooperating closely to
establish a regional clean coal technology utilization
center.
--
The U.S. and Australia recently co-sponsored the
creation of an International Forestry Research
Institute to focus on issues related to the
conservation of tropical forests and the arrest of
deforestation and environmental degradation.
In fighting illicit narcotics:
--
Australia has done much to assist regional countries
in their counternarcotics efforts and is an active
member of the "Dublin Group" of donor nations that
coordinates counternarcotics aid to producer nations.
-- Our countries are united in the worldwide fight
against drug abuse and trafficking, which is becoming
a security threat of the 1990s.
THEMES
PAGE 6
Other issues:
There are some issues on which we do not meet eye-to-eye
but which should also be mentioned.
--
Encourage continued Australian support for an
ambitious Uruguay Round package including disciplines
on Trade Related Investment Measures (which Australia
continues to oppose) and services, where Australia has
been more forthcoming recently.
--
Australia remains on the Special 301 Priority Watch
list for local content requirements on television
broadcasting. This is barrier to cultural
interchange. We hope to see a phase-out, not a
phase-in, of local content requirements.
--
IPR: On parallel import of books, there have been
slight improvements in this area, but we urge the GOA
to adopt provisions that would completely exempt
foreign textbooks from parallel imports.
--
IPR: We also are concerned by the Australian
Attorney-General's rejection of a proposed amendment
to the copyright law to provide an exclusive rental
right for sound recordings. While Australia works for
stronger standards for IPR in the Round, its actions
at home are not consistent with this.
One particularly difficult issue is Australian continuing
concern over the impact on Australian farmers of the U.S.
Export Enhancement Program for agriculture. This issue
should be confronted sympathetically but directly:
Note the plight of American as well as Australian
farmers, our legitimate stake in world grain markets,
our intention to continue EEP as leverage on the EC,
and our hope that export subsidies will be sharply
reduced in the Uruguay Round.
THEMES
PAGE 7
--
Recognize and regret that EEP is a factor affecting
Australian farmers, but note other factors --
especially EC dumping, higher global production,
Australia's transport/port inefficiencies affecting
competitiveness, the drought, the high cost of
agricultural inputs, and the simultaneous collapse of
the wool market.
--
Stress that we take Australian interests into account
in implementing EEP, including setting up a bilateral
consultative mechanism that met in August for the
first time, and will continue.
Melbourne Luncheon Speech on Global/Regional Issues
Alsomphosize
business
Overall themes: Begin with the changes in Europe and move on
to the latest initiatives in the Middle East and Southeast
Asia. While addressing the changing political winds in the
world, the President should also assure continued U.S.
commitment to regional stability in Asia and the Pacific.
Finally, focus should be placed upon international economic
issues of mutual concern.
Recognize Australia's Growing International Role:
Express appreciation for the leadership role Australia has
assumed in the world.
-- Australia's contribution to the Gulf War
-- Active role in working toward a settlement in Cambodia
-- Leadership in forming APEC
--
Strong efforts on proliferation issues, particularly
regarding nuclear and chemical weapons
Our partnership has become increasingly important,
especially in the wake of the tremendous changes that have
occurred in the world over the last two years.
THEMES
PAGE 8
U.S. Regional Role to Remain Strong:
The regional partnership which the U.S. has enjoyed with
Australia and other countries has been the foundation for
economic and political stability in the region.
o
Despite the changes elsewhere in the world, the U.S. will
remain engaged, concerned and active in Asia and the
Pacific, both in strategic and economic terms.
Facing Challenges Ahead:
o
This is not to say that there are no challenges ahead:
:
The proliferation of chemical, nuclear and biological
weapons of mass destruction remains a problem;
Australia's role in achieving international safeguards
to reverse the proliferation trend has been critical
to this effort.
:
We share a common view that the formation of
protective trading blocs must be avoided, and support
for cooperative frameworks such as APEC must be
vigorously continued.
--
We should do all we can to open markets and foster
free trade in order to strengthen international
economic cooperation, confidence and recovery.
SEANZ 1668
POSSIBLE LANGUAGE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S AUSTRALIA SPEECHES
(NOVEMBER 26, 1991)
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
-- This is only my second visit to Australia, but my
impressions of your vast and beautiful country will always be
very special ones.
-- (Insert complimentary remarks on Canberra, Sydney and
Melbourne -- depending on itinerary. Could also make reference
to Australia's size by noting that several states the size of
Texas would fit in Western Australia.)
THE ALLIANCE
-- It isn't just Australia's natural beauty that draws
Americans "down under." We share a long-standing friendship
established by the special alliance that has served our two
countries so well.
-- I was deeply moved by my visit to the Australian War
Memorial. It evoked memories of the sacrifices that both our
countries have made, often side by side.
-- Yanks and Aussies fought together in World War I, helping to
liberate France. The first U.S.-Australian military
cooperation took place when elements of the U.S. 33rd Division
joined Australian troops in the capture of Le Hamel, France.
-- And in World War II, our troops again fought side by side,
and half a million U.S. military men and women served in
Australia through that war.
-- Together, U.S. and Australian forces fought throughout the
Pacific, in tough land, sea, and air combat. Our alliance and
partnership has been solid ever since -- in Korea, Vietnam, and
most recently in the Persian Gulf.
RECOGNIZING AUSTRALIA'S INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL ROLE
-- While our close and important strategic relationship will
continue to be of great mutual benefit, Australia has matured
to become a positive force of its own in world affairs. We
welcome this; your views are valued and while we may not see
eye-to-eye on every issue, the direction of your policies are
complementary to our own. Let me cite some examples:
-- In the post-Cold War era, we are witnessing a reinvigorated
role for the United Nations. Much credit goes to Australia for
facilitating this.
2/2/2
-- Your initiative and persistance was key to shaping the
framework for the Cambodia peace settlement finally agreed to
by all warring factions last October. And Australia continues
to ensure that the process toward democracy and lasting peace
in Cambodia does not falter.
-- You were among the first to dispatch aid and technical
support under the United Nations Transitional Authority in
Cambodia (UNTAC), to which an Australian was appointed by the
UN Secretary General to command.
-- Australians also serve under the UN banner in the Western
Sahara and are a vital part of the Multinational Interdiction
Force, ensuring that UN sanctions against Iraq are enforced
under international law. In the Middle East, as in Cambodia,
you have been quick to provide humanitarian relief. Last May
your defence force provided medical teams and water
purification equipment and services to Kurds and Iraqis fleeing
Saddam's oppression.
-- But even long before the Gulf War, Australia had the
foresight to focus world attention on the problems which are
now emerging as key concerns for the world community. Thanks
to your efforts, the "Australia Group" was established in 1984,
and is currently comprised of 22 nations dedicated to
preventing the use and spread of chemical and biological
weapons throughout the world.
-- Australia also plays a lead role in international
economics. It was Prime Minister Hawke who pushed the idea of
a regional effort to promote freer trade by eliminating trade
barriers and establishing common policies. Through his vision
and efforts was born the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a
key economic forum we know as APEC. And since its first
ministerial in Canberra two years ago, APEC has succeeded in
mobilizing the support of all fifteen participants to push for
substantive progress in this key GATT Uruguay Round.
-- Clearly, Australia has established itself as a strong
promoter of multilateral solutions to important international
problems, be they military, social, political or social in
nature. And in large measure, your goals are shared by the
United States.
ASSURING CONTINUED U.S. ENGAGEMENT IN THE REGION
-- Let me take this opportunity to assure you that we, too, are
committed to remaining engaged throughout the world. There are
some naysayers who wrongly predict that recent events in Europe
and Asia will lead to a more isolationist America. This could
not be farther from the truth.
3/3/3
-- America tried to politically isolate itself from the world
in the past, and we ended up fighting two bloody world wars.
We also tried economic isolation that only helped to set off a
devastating world depression.
-- Current trends point to our strengthened engagement in Asia
and the Pacific in the decades ahead. This region has become
our largest and fastest growing trade partner. Two-way trade
between the region and the U.S. now amounts to more than $300
billion, nearly one-third larger than that across the
Atlantic.
-- American firms have invested more than $61 billion in the
region, and that will certainly grow. On the other hand,
investors from the Asia-Pacific have invested more than $95
billion in the U.S.
-- Our bilateral trade relationship with Australia is strong
and growing. Total bilateral trade exceeds US$ 13 billion,
having grown over 20 percent in the last five years. After
Japan, the U.S. is Australia's most important trading partner,
taking 12 percent of her exports, and providing 23 percent of
her imports. At US$ 14 billion, Australia is the largest
recipient of total U.S. direct investment in the Asia-Pacific
region, again next to Japan.
-- In everything from automobiles to microchips, from baseball
to Australian rules football, we grow closer -- not isolated --
with each day.
-- Cooperation and dialogue on economic issues can only benefit
our respective economies. We must continue this openness in
our relationship, and indeed work for greater openess in our
trade relations, particularly as we both continue to face
economic difficulties on the domestic front.
REMARKS ON THE EXPORT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
-- But while we generally agree on the goals, we sometimes
differ on the means. Our use of the Export Enhancement Program
to counter the agricultural subsidies of the European Community
is one point of difference.
-- Let me be clear in stating that I don't favor subsidy
programs. They are a burden to the taxpayer. They weaken the
mechanism and reduce the benefits of a free trading system.
And subsidies take the competitive edge out of industry.
-- But let me be equally clear in pointing out that we did not
start the wheat war. Talks with the EC on this issue had
previously led nowhere. And it is our farmers in the U.S. and
Australia who have been badly hurt by continued EC subsidies of
wheat.
4/4/4
-- We must both remember that the root cause of depressed
international agricultural prices, which have been hurting both
our farm sectors, lies with the European Community.
-- We are now seeing glimmers of hope. And I believe it is
because we have countered EC subsidies with the EEP.
-- The U.S. will be unwavering in its efforts to counter EC
subsidies with our EEP. I believe it is in the long-term
interest of all non-subsidizing nations that this pressure on
the EC be maintained.
-- At the same time, I have promised to do my utmost to limit
the harm that our EEP does to non-subsidizers like Australia.
I have also agreed to greater bilateral dialogue on this and
other economic issues of bilateral concern. On both points, I
have kept my word and will continue to do so.
--- Any mature relationship, even between close allies, cannot
be without differences. We must continue to seek understanding
and work to iron out our differences.
THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS
The Environment
-- We can be proud as we look back over the accomplishments of
the last five decades. But we can and must do more to expand
our bilateral relationship in ways which will be beneficial to
future generations of Australians and Americans. A key area is
the environment.
-- We share common energy interests which are derived from our
large domestic energy resource bases. Together, we are the the
world's largest coal exporters. Ministerial meetings were held
here last year to discuss upgrading our cooperative research
and development efforts in the area of energy.
-- At the ensuing high level group meeting held in Washington
last April, Australia and the U.S. agreed on the importance of
pursuing energy policies that will help promote our energy
exports while addressing environmental issues.
-- Together, U.S. Energy Department officials are working with
their Australian counterparts to develop clean coal technology,
energy efficient technologies, and other programs of importance
to the environment.
5/5/5
-- Our governments also have agreed to share information on
offshore minerals development, which include environmental
protection aspects. And there is an increase in our sharing of
experiences in balancing the extraction of minerals, oil, gas,
and timber with the growing demands for recreation, better
management of cultural resources, and environmental
preservation.
-- Our scientists also are working alongside your scientists to
better understand the global climate system. The U.S. National
Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, collaborates with
Flinders University of South Australia in tidal research. NOAA
and the University of Tasmania also have a cooperative
arrangement for climate and global change research.
-- We are collaborating on providing regional governments much
needed information and training in preserving endangered
forests. Toward this end, the Australian and U.S. Governments
are co-sponsoring an International Forestry Research Institute
to address conservation, deforestation, and environmental
degradation.
-- And in managing the delicate balance of our ocean fisheries,
Australia and the United States have shared concerns over
driftnet fisheries for albacore and other tuna in the South
Pacific. We have joined other nations in remedying this
serious conservation threat to tuna stocks in the Pacific.
Cultural and Educational Interchange
-- I began my remarks today noting that Australia is a country
graced with much natural beauty. But it is really the spirit
of your people which has made it a country so admired by
Americans and others throughout the world.
We see this in the arts, with the creative works of
Australians in all media, including painting, sculpture, dance
and, of course, film making. And we hear it in your music,
where Australian artists remain extremely popular in the United
States.
We must continue to facilitate this rich interchange between
our people. Let me give you one recent example. Our Consul
General in Perth last November invited American musical artist
Paul Simon, who was in Australia then on tour, to meet with a
number of West Australian Aboriginal musicians in his
residence. After the guests had arrived, it was the
Australians who made the first move, setting up their
6/6/6
traditional instruments on the coffee table. Soon, Mr. Simon
and his fellow American musicians were receiving didgeridoo
lessons. And by the end of the evening, he was sharing a few
of his own skills with the guitar, completing an evening of
musical fellowship.
-- In Sydney, at a more institutional level, we have recently
initiated a Fulbright-supported American studies lecture series
at the University of Sydney American Studies Center. The
lecture series is a program which developed from Prime Minister
Hawke's initiative to begin a similar program at the Edward A.
Clark Center for Australian Studies at the University of Texas,
Austin, in 1989.
-- While we may have our differences over the EEP program, our
young people look beyond the present. In preparing for this
trip I was very pleased to learn that our 4-H program and our
Future Farmers of America have active exchange programs with
young people in your farm communities.
Easing Travel Access
-- Nearly one-half million Australians visit the U.S. each
year, and an equal number of Americans come here.
-- To facilitate freer travel between our countries, which
should be of help to both our tourism industries, my government
has offered to extend the privilege of waiving the issuance of
visitor visas to Australian nationals if the Australian
government agrees to allow reciprocal treatment for U.S.
nationals. Our offer stands, and I hope we will be able to
provide this benefit to our respective publics in the near
future.
-- And to help Australian investors who seek to do business in
the U.S., we are prepared to extend "E" visa privileges to your
citizens provided U.S. nationals are accorded reciprocal
nonimmigrant treatment.
-- These examples are real indications of the cooperative
spirit that exists between our two nations as we seek to
strengthen our economic, cultural and educational ties. They
are positive signs of the shape which our bilateral
relationship will take over the next five decades.
-- Let us continue to work closely together to ensure that the
future of our relationship will be as productive a partnership
as it has been over the last fifty years.
POSSIBLE THEMES FOR SPEECH IN SINGAPORE
Security/New World Order
-- My generation fought a world war -- in Asia and the Pacific,
in Europe, in North Africa. Those of us who experienced that
war vowed that it would be the last world war, that the forces
of totalitarianism must be resisted and their aggressive
designs frustrated. As visionaries, we founded the United
Nations; as prudent men and women, we also established a
structure of alliances to contain totalitarianism.
-- In the largest sense, we have achieved our goals. Despite
-- and perhaps in some ways because of -- the advent of weapons
of mass destruction, the threat of global war today is smaller
than at any time since 1945; indeed, it has almost vanished.
The specter of world communism has disappeared; state-
controlled economies are discredited; the democractic tide is
higher than it has ever been, with elected governments in many
nations on all continents; the advantages of the free-market
system are evident worldwide.
-- For many years the United States, by its military presence
and its influence, has fostered stability in several parts of
the world. Nowhere have the benefits of that stability been
greater than here in East Asia, where many nations have
prospered to a degree beyond anything that might have been
imagined 20 years ago: first Japan; then the Dynamic Asian
Economies of Singapore, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea and
Taiwan; and now Malaysia and Thailand. Others such as
Indonesia are following rapidly. Economic growth in East Asia
today far outstrips growth anywhere else in the world.
-- The alliance structure succeeded in containing
totalitarianism and preventing global conflict, but it did not
preclude smaller wars or other kinds of regional or local
conflict. We are still dealing with some of those situations,
but the end of superpower rivalry has made the search for
solutionsd more productive. We have reached a stage at which
we can realistically discuss what I have called the New World
Order, under which nations will resolve their disputes without
resort to the use of force.
-- We have already seen the United Nations take on new vitality
and begin to exercise the role its founders intended for it,
most notably in rolling back the invasion of a small state,
Kuwait, by a much larger one, Iraq. We have enjoyed good
cooperation from the Soviet Union in convening a historic
Middle East peace conference.
-- Here in Southeast Asia multilateral diplomacy has achieved
what we trust will be a notable and lasting success: the case
of Cambodia. I will not try to trace here the history of that
-2-
unhappy country -- a history in which the United States itself
is of course involved. But I want to record my appreciation
for the solidarity of Singapore and four other ASEAN members
with Thailand, the nation immediately threatened in the 1970s
and 1980s by the potential spillover of combat. More recently,
another ASEAN member, Indonesia, together with France, has led
the search for a settlement, in which the four other Permanent
Members of the Security Council have joined, together with the
United Nations, Australia, Japan and other governments. That
long search reached a milestone six weeks ago in Paris with the
signing of the settlement documents.
-- A settlement in Cambodia truly means the start of a new
era. For virtually the first time since World War II,
Southeast Asia is without serious conflict. For the United
States, that settlement makes possible a process of healing in
our relations with the states of Indochina: representation in
Cambodia for the first time since 1975, accredited to the
Supreme National Council headed by Prince Norodom Sihanouk; a
restoration of our diplomatic relations with Laos -- never
broken -- to the pre-1975 level; and the start of the process
of normalization with Vietnam. Just how far and how fast we
move in that process with Vietnam will depend on progress in
resolving the cases of our military personnel missing in action
-- but the trend in recent months has been decidedly positive.
-- For the people and the governments of Indochina, the
settlement in Cambodia holds great promise. The embargos on
trade and investment which many governments imposed can now be
lifted; travel and communications can be opened up; the
international financial institutions will be able to lend
freely for worthwhile projects. Most important, perhaps,
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia will be able to emerge from their
isolation and, if they chose, free themselves of the policy
constraints that have hindered their development. In fact,
Laos and Vietnam in recent times have both shown a
receptiveness to foreign private investment. The United States
looks forward to this new era, as, I am sure, do the peoples
of Singapore and the other five ASEAN nations.
-- Clearly, then, the situation in East Asia has improved in
recent months, as has the world situation generally. But we
remain in a transitional phase; we cannot wish away continuing
threats to peace and stability in such areas as the Korean
peninsula, and we cannot rule out sudden threats to world peace
and the rule of law such as the one that arose in the Persian
Gulf only sixteen months ago.
-- For those reasons, the United States will remain engaged
militarily in East Asia and the Pacific for the foreseeable
future. Here, as in Europe, we will take advantage of reduced
-3-
levels of threat and of increases in the speed, range and lift
capability of our ships and aircraft to slim down our
forward-deployed forces and the number of our bases. The
character of our presence will change; we will place more
reliance on access to a larger number of facilities owned and
controlled by others. Our total numbers may be reduced, but
our presence in the region could be more widespread and more
frequent.
-- The agreement signed in Tokyo a year ago by then-Prime
Minister Lee Kwan Yew and Vice President Dan Quayle exemplifies
this new type of arrangment. Under its terms, our ships and
aircraft -- based elsewhere -- are making increased use of
Singaporean military facilities. They exercise jointly with
Singapore's forces as well as on their own. They are gaining
familiarity with the geography and the operating conditions of
this part of Asia. We are open to the possibility of similar
arrangements with other nations of the region.
-- The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in June
settled the fate of Clark Air Base there. If we are able to
remain at Subic Bay, we shall do so, but if not we shall
continue to honor our treaty commitments. We have already
relocated headquarters, troops and equipment to Guam.
Meanwhile, United States forces will remain in Japan and
Korea. Our treaty relationship with Australia, the country I
shall visit next, is stronger than it has ever been. We hope
the day will come when New Zealand allows us to resume defense
cooperation under the historic ANZUS alliance.
-- In short, we will stay on the scene in East Asia. The test
of our security policy, or of any nation's, is not the size or
location of our forces; rather, it is the ability to deal with
any and all likely threats to the peace, and to deal quickly
and decisively with unpredictable crises, and that is precisely
how the United States and its partners in the multinational
coalition -- acting through the United Nations -- dealt with
the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
Economic Cooperation
-- Interdependence and cooperation are equally important in the
world economy. That lesson is fully understood here in
Singapore, where total trade is three (??) times the value of
your gross domestic product. If the prosperity that so much of
East Asia already enjoys is to continue and spread, we must
have an open global trading system. To reach that goal, we
need a framework for economic integration, and we must avoid
regional fragmentation.
-4-
-- Trade across the Pacific has expanded dramatically in recent
years, in step with dramatic economic growth in many East Asian
countries. Some ten years ago America's trade with the Pacific
surpassed our trade across the Atlantic; today, it is nearly
one-third larger. The ASEAN countries, taken together,
constitute America's fifth-largest trading partner. Singapore
alone is a bigger export market for U.S. goods than Italy,
Spain or the USSR. Nations on the eastern rim of the Pacific,
from Mexico to Chile, are eager to join in this booming
trans-Pacific commerce. I urge U.S. firms take advantage of
these dynamic markets and to redouble their efforts to export
to and invest in the ASEAN countries.
-- The Pacific Basin is a natural trading region, and it is
logical that the governments of the region concert to promote
that trade by eliminating barriers and establishing common
policies. An excellent forum for doing so already exists: the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, grouping. The
concept had occurred to a number of people in several
countries, but it was Prime Minister Bob Hawke of Australia who
developed the idea and convoked the first APEC ministerial
meeting in Canberra two years ago.
-- APEC has since met twice more, here in Singapore last year
and again last month in Seoul. Its original group of twelve
participants has grown substantially with the simultaneous
addition of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and APEC can look
forward to further growth in the years ahead.
-- APEC is performing many useful functions, but none is more
important than mobilizing the support of all fifteen
participants for a successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round
of multilateral trade negotiations to update and extend the
system known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
The nations of APEC are convinced that the GATT system must
cover world trade in agricultural products, as it has long
covered manufactured goods, and that it must be extended to new
realms such as intellectual property rights, services, and
investment.
-- The alternative is a likely failure of the global trading
system, a reversion to exclusionary trading blocs, and,
eventually, the constriction of world trade. It is incumbent
on all of us -- in North America, in Asia, in Europe -- to
overcome parochial interests, abandon protectinist rules and
tactics, and expose our economies to the rigors of competition.
-- Even while we pursue reform of the global system in the
Uruguay Round, we can reduce and eliminate barriers to trade
with our immediate neighbors. That is what the United States
and Canada are doing right now, and what we and Canada propose
-5-
to do with Mexico, thereby creating a North American Free Trade
Area, or NAFTA, which will have few internal barriers and will
be more accessible than at present to other world traders such
as Singapore.
-- Thailand has proposed that ASEAN establish a free-trade area
of its own over the next fifteen years, and the other five
governments have agreed. Such action is the direct parallel of
what we in North America are doing in NAFTA, and the United
States applauds this decision by the ASEAN nations.
The Spread of Democracy
-- The most inspiring single event of the last few years was
the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. The Wall symbolized the
worst of totalitarianism, and its destruction stands for the
desire of people everywhere to control their destinies and to
be governed only by their own consent.
-- To a gratifying degree, that is happening. The democratic
impulse is alive, whether fed by relative proposerity, as
seemed to be the case in China, or by economic failure, as in
the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. And in many places the
impulse is flourishing. In recent years elected governments
have come to office everywhere from the Philippines to Poland
and from Nicaragua to Mongolia.
-- There are basic human rights, universally recognized though
not universally observed, but there is no copyright on
democracy and no one form of government or set of practices to
which every nation must adhere. The United States recognizes
the legitimacy of diversity.
What the United States cannot condone, however, is the
suppression of the popular will -- and that is what has
occurred in Burma, where the military leadership permitted
elections last year but, when the results proved not to the
military's liking, refused to allow the winners to take their
rightful seats and organize a government. So long as this
situation continues, the people of Burma will remain victims,
subject to torture and intimidation and deprived of the chance
to share in the general properity and well-being which so many
of their neighbors already enjoy.
(NEEDS CONCLUSION)
MORE
SOUTHEAST ASIA SPEECH IDEAS
31 years ago this month, on a cold, snowy day in
Washington, newly elected American President John Kennedy
articulated Americas commitment to our friends and allies
throughout the world. That we would stand with them in
their efforts to resist Communism, embrace freedom and
support efforts to develop economically and thus improve
the lives of their people.
-- It was a commitment that was to bear a heavy price,
over 58,000 dead in Indochina and billions of dollars
spent on assistance and maintaining a military presence in
the region.
-- But it was a commitment that has been shared by
Republican and Democratic presidents alike.
-- It is appropriate that standing here now in a country
which represents one of the most remarkable economic
success stories in the world, we can look back and see
that the outcome we all worked and sacrificed for has
indeed become a reality.
-- It is with great pride that I say that history will
record that America did indeed keep its commitment to its
friends in SE Asia and that together we have built a
region which is at once free, at peace, and experiencing
unprecedented prosperity, part of the new world order
which offers the promise of enduring global stability.
-- To judge just how far we have come and to see what we
have accomplished, it is instructive to look back 25 years
and recall the situation in SE Asia at the time Singapore
was first charting its independent course.
-- In January 1967, the concern was about the rapid spread
of Communist ideology. Almost every country in SE Asia
had or was about to have an active Communist insurgency.
-- As the war in Vietnam raged, from Jakarta to Rangoon
and from Bangkok to Manila, the worry was about falling
dominoes. The nightmare vision was of a radical ideology
being imposed throughout the region.
-- It is important to keep in mind that while there was a
large U.S. military presence in the region in the mid
60's, U.S. economic interaction with Southeast Asia was
still rather small.
-- On the eve of the Tet offensive, the U.S. had a higher
trade turnover with Latin America than with East Asia.
-- Today, the situation is dramatically reversed. The
steadfastness of our military commitments and the
stability which they promoted, gave the countries of the
region time to grow economically and deal effectively with
the political challenge. Having collapsed in Europe and
the Soviet Union, Communist is no longer a viable threat,
and is acknowledged as a failed and bankrupt economic and
political philosophy.
-- Democracy, personal freedom and free market economies
are demonstrably the keys to real improvement in the
quality of people's lives.
-- And this has been accompanied by an explosion in trade
between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, particularly the six
ASEAN countries.
U.S. two way trade with Singapore grew from 2
billion dollars to 20 billion dollars since the
end of the Vietnam War.
In the same period, Thailand went from 700
million dollars to 9 billion dollars.
-- This has made the U.S. ASEAN's number one customer. We
take one fifth of all of ASEAN's exports, while ASEAN
imports from the U.S. have increased 1600 percent since
1975.
-- As a result, today U.S. two way trade with ASEAN stands
at over 46 billion dollars - just about equal to our
commerce with Germany - and exceeded by only three other
U.S. trading partners.
-- To put it in better perspective, in 1990 the U.S.
exported:
More to Singapore than to Italy or Spain
More to Thailand than to India
More to Malaysia than the Soviet Union
More to Indonesia than all the rest of Eastern Europe
put together.
-- But it is not just trade that has brought us closer
together.
-- Satellites and the expansion of telecommunication
technology mean that more messages and images are going
back and forth between our people than ever before.
In 1975 there were about 300,000 T.V. sets in
Indonesia, today there are 7 million (and it seems at
least that many more for sale in all of Singapore
shopping malls.)
Direct dial long distance phones and FAX machines
means someone in Manila, the Philippines can place an
order in Manila, Iowa in less than a minute.
-- We understand each other because of the flow of people
between us.
In 1975 there was only slightly more than a million
Americans of Southeast Asian origin.
Today that figure has quadrupled to over 4 million,
including one senior member of my White House staff
Sicwan Siv who survived the horrors of the Khmer Rouge
run Cambodia.
Based on this population of SE Asian origin, the U.S.
would rank as the fifth largest ASEAN country.
There are more Lao in the U.S. than in Vientiane
There are more Filipinos in California than in Cebu.
-- All of these developments - people telecommunications,
jet aircraft, trade, investment, security commitments, and
common belief in economics and freedom have created a web
of interaction, knitting us together as never before.
-- Our challenge is to use this structure to promote
continued peace, stability and increased economic
progress. And common efforts to deal with the challenges
we face in terms of the environment, narcotics, human
rights and other scientific and technical areas such as
public health.
-- There are two mechanisms which promote and enhance this
new reality:
The ASEAN-Post Ministerial Dialogue in which our
foreign ministers and those of ASEAN's other
dialogue partners meet to discuss issues and
coordinate approaches to dealing with problems;
and
APEC, which offers the increasingly real promise
of cooperation on the full range of economic
issues across the entire Asian-Pacific region.
Having invested so much in this region in terms of
American lives and national treasure and having attained,
together with you, so many of our policy goals, the U.S.
is not now going to turn its back on South East Asia.
-- The U.S. is committed to meeting its obligations in SE
Asia and will continue to play the positive role by
maintaining our military presence, even with our three
year phase out from Subic Bay.
Our new Access Agreement with Singapore contributes
importantly to this goal.
-- The U.S. is committed to a successful transition to a
freely elected government in Cambodia. In that regard, I
am today announcing that the U.S. has lifted its trade
embargo and all other economic restrictions against
Cambodia. This should permit increased economic activity
which will help solidify and maintain the process.
--
The U.S. is prepared to move forward in our
relationship with Vietnam, provided that progress
continues to be made in Cambodia and on our POW/MIA issue.
The countries of Indochina have real promise for
economic growth if there can finally be an end to violence
and they join the rest of the region in emphasizing
development.
The U.S. is committed to working productively with our
friends in addressing global problems and so therefore I
am today announcing a new environmental initiative aimed
at enhancing our work together in preserving our planet
and natural resources.
-- We are truly embarking on a new era - one in which the
last remnants of the Cold War are being put behind us
-- For America, our Vietnam syndrome is a thing of the
past.
Konos
National Assembly-Speech themes (DRAFT)
O
Thank you -for providing me with this opportunity to speak
to you again. Since I last spoke here in February 1989 the
world has changed immensely. We have in fact entered a new
era in world history.
We are very pleased with the triumph of freedom and free
enterprise economics throughout most of the world, and with
the continued progress, economically and politically, of
the Republic of Korea. However, we remain saddened by the
persistent conflicts in many parts of the world, and by the
continued division of the Korean peninsula, a situation
that is anachronistic in the post-Cold War world.
o
As we have stated on numerous occasions, the United States
supports the peaceful unification of Korea on terms
agreeable to all Koreans. We believe that North/South
dialogue offers the best path toward eventual discussion O
unification and related issues. Consequently, we support
strongly the Prime Ministerial dialogue that has been in
progress for more than a year, and stand ready to
facilitate in any appropriate way.
Our support for the process of peace does not, however,
blind us to reality and to the threat from the North that
still remains. Therefore, our commitment to the security
of South Korea remains as strong as ever, and we will
continue to consult on matters that affect our mutual
interest. To further strengthen security in the region,
both of us should also consult and cooperate with our
friends the Japanese, who have the economic power to play a
vital role in promoting regional stability.
We continue to regard the unsafeguarded nuclear program of
North Korea as the greatest threat to security in region,
and call upon the leaders of that country to meet the
international obligations it accepted when it acceded to
the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1985.
North Korea should know that neither the United States nor
the Republic of Korea poses a threat to its society or way
of government. However, we cannot ignore the situation as
North Korea builds nuclear weapons, and will use all
diplomatic means to assure that it meets its international
obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA).
As we begin this new era in international relations,
S.-Republic of Korea relations are growing in many
areas. With the Cold War behind us, we are transforming
our relations from a security relationship to a
broader-based security, economic, and political partnership.
Of crucial importance in this transformation is your own
progress toward democracy, well illustrated by the enhanced
prestige and power of this body. The ROK's movement to a
democratic government, with the military clearly
subordinate to civilian government, has been crucial in
winning for you the respect of the international community
and the stability and credibility necessary for an
influential world role.
The challenge now is to continue down the road toward full
democratization. You have won the political contest with
the North and should consider amending your National
Security Law, which provides a propaganda advantage to the
North, to take account of your strength and confidence.
Further steps in democratic development might include
greater accountability for public officials and greater
transparency in both your political and economic systems.
Initiatives in these areas would be consistent with your
overall economic and political modernization, and would
further strengthen your position vis-a-vis the North.
The ROK's democratization is but one of the features that
distinguishes it from North Korea, but it is one of the
most important, and it is an achievement which should make
all Koreans proud.
Another of the ROK's greatest accomplishments has been
membership in the United Nations. Your entry in the United
Nations was long overdue, and your ultimately success is
due in large part to wise leadership and persistent
effort. However, South Korea's emergence as a full member
of international political and economic institutions,
carries with it added responsibilities.
Over the years, the Korean people have gained tremendously
from the open international trading system. Indeed open
markets for exports have been a major contributor to your
new prosperity. Korea has now become an economic power in
the region and the world.
Now it is time for the ROK to lend its support to the open
international trading system from which it has prospered by
actively supporting the Uruguay Round of negotiations,
opening its own domestic market to foreign products, and
liberalizing its financial system. Your support is vital
to assure that the international trade system remains open
and that countries like Korea can continue to prosper.
The U.S.-ROK friendship has now endured more than four
decades of dramatic world events. Yet in the beginning,
our close relationship was not one that either of us
sought, but rather one into which we were both thrust as a
result of World War II.
In those years the U.S. entered into its relations with
Korea with a keen sense of responsibility, and with
determination to preserve the benefits of freedom for the
Korean people. It demonstrated its commitment during the
Korean War, when more than 33,000 American soldiers and
thousands more Koreans, both military and civilian, died to
keep freedom alive.
Clearly, over the past forty years the American role in
Korea has not always been a easy one, and the political
environment in East Asia has frequently been one of
crisis. Consequently, in carrying out what we perceived to
be our responsibilities we have made mistakes.
Yet we entered the relationship with the Republic of Korea
with the highest ideals, and we have, I believe, pursued
the correct path in the long run. Therefore, we too are
enourmously proud when we see the great nation you have
built from the ruins of war.
Today, we again approach the future in the aftermath of a
war--a Cold War, and together we have the opportunity to
shape and influence a new era as much as we did nearly 50
years ago. We can also define for the next generation a
new relationship, a partnership that encompasses much more
than merely security cooperation.
Our new partnership should be political, economic, nad
cultural, as well as security. I urge the people of both
countries to look toward the future rather than the past,
and to seize the moment to build on our excellent
relations, to expand cooperation so we all benefit, and to
march into the future as friends and neighbors working
together to build a safer and more prosperous world
community.
Sensitive issues which the Embassy thinks should be addressed
explicitly:
1. Make clear our willingness to continue consulting with the
ROK on security issues.
2. Describe how we see the Japanese role in the region
complementing ours and that of the ROK.
3. Make it clear that transparency and accountability are
important to Korea's economic relations with the rest of
the world.
4. State clearly what the DPRK must do for improved relations
with the U.S.
5. Make it clear that the National Security Law plays into
Pyongyang's hands and can be counterproductive to the ROK's
North-South goals.
Remarks to American Chamber of Commerce
Themes could include:
-- Strong support for the work of the U.S Chamber of
Commerce, which has been vital to U.S. business
interests in the ROK.
-- Korean economic maturity and U.S. /Korean
economic/trade interdependence have brought the two
nations to a new era of partnership.
-- Mutual interest in further development of open,
liberal international trade and financial regimes, in
particular, successful conclusion of UR.
-- Responsibility on both countries to ensure that their
domestic trade and financial markets are open and
liberal for the other; that domestic markets are
fully integrated into international trade and
financial regimes; and that their producers and
consumers understand the benefits of two-way open,
liberal markets.
At a science/education/technology event themes could include:
-- The long history of U.S. support for Korean science
and technology; nuclear energy is a good example.
-- Our admiration for the great strides Korea has made
in developing its technological base;
-- Recognition that scientific and technological
development can only flourish where the economic
value of the intellectual property associated with
discovery is protected for the benefit of the
discoverer.
-- Our willingness to continue and enhance cooperation
with Korea, symbolized by the U.S.-ROK Science and
Technology Agreement;
-- Our confidence that Korea will be able to make
significant contributions to world scientific
research and technological development.
-- Recognition that Korea can now assume rights and
responsibilities shared by other industrialized
countries in world scientific research and
technological development through;
a. Greater contributions to the world scientific
knowledge by increased basic research funding and
b. Cooperation with U.S. and other countries through
participation in basic megaprojects such as the
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC)
Themes/Phrases for Presidential Speeches
Camp Casey
Thirty years ago, in 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke
within sight of the Berlin Wall and lamented the divisions
between people there at the front line of the Cold War.
As he spoke, the barrier a few miles from here, the DMZ, stood
as a parallel tragic division between peoples.
As we celebrate the end of the Cold War and the overcoming of
barriers between peoples throughout the world, it is tragic
that that barrier remains, the last remnant of the Cold War.
It also stands as a visible reminder of the ideological battles
which once divided the world, and now continue sadly to divide
the Korean people from one another.
For over forty years the United States has been proud to have
played a role in assuring that that barrier against renewed
aggression was strong and steadfast.
All Korean war veterans and the men and women who have
participated in this important and vigilant effort to protect
freedom should be proud of their contribution to Korea's
security.
Throughout that effort, the United States has consistently
looked forward to the day when that barrier would no longer be
necessary, when the very real threat of North Korean aggression
would be no more.
As I stand here today within sight of the Berlin Wall of Asia,
I renew that hope and that appeal, that someday soon there will
no longer be barriers between peoples striving for unification
and reconciliation.
The atmosphere for leaving behind the fears and hatreds of the
Cold War has never been better. The support of the
international community for a peaceful unification of the
Korean peninsula has never been stronger.
I can look forward to the day when it is no longer necessary
for U.S. troops to be stationed in Korea to defend against the
threat of North Korea, when that threat is relegated to the
history books, when North Korea becomes fully committed to
resolving its differences with our good friend and ally in the
South.
Until that time, I assure the North that our commitment to the
security of the South remains rock-solid and unwavering.
Nothing will ever change that commitment or the equal
commitment to have available the means to protect our ally, the
Republic of Korea against aggression.
But there remains a parallel commitment to move toward improved
relátions with North Korea, as long as it remains an
independent state, and to cooperate in ways which can enhance
the security of this region and the welfare of its people. The
North knows what it will take to achieve that objective, and I
hope to see significatn movement in that direction in the near
future.
I know that the people of South Korea and North Korea both are
committed to unification, and I assure them that the people of
the United States are in full and complete support of that
objective.
Earlier today I endorsed President Roh's call for a
multilateral approach to resolving the security problems of
this region. The United States will do all in its power to
make this endeavor a success. We can do no less to enhance the
security of our Korean brothers, both South and North.
Thus I call on North Korea to come out from behind those
barriers, from the bastions of military strength, to present to
your countrymen the hand of peace and reconciliation.
I for my part offer my hand to North Korea across the divide.
Come, work with us for peace and security on the Korean
peninsula, in the Northeast Asia Region, and in the world.
Key Elements for the Presidential Speech in Japan
Historical Setting
-- Friendship between the two nations has deep roots.
Even before Commodore Perry sailed into Shimoda with his
black ships in 1853, a young man from Kyushu named John
Monjiro had found his way to Boston and begun the process
of cross-cultural communication. It is important to
remember that except for the dark period of the 1930s and
early forties, productive relations between the two
countries have been the norm.
-- It is in this context that the American people
approached the commemoration in Hawaii of the fiftieth
anniversary of Pearl Harbor. We see this event and the
war that followed as an aberration in the long positive
history of our relationship. As we pay tribute to those
who died in the conflict, we will take pride in the strong
US-Japan alliance relationship that both countries have
built since the end of the war which has made a major
contribution to the prosperity of both countries and is
the foundation of peace and stability in Asia today.
The enduring importance of cooperation
-- Rarely in history have two nations with such different
geographic and cultural roots formed such an enduring
relationship. This relationship is based on shared
interests and values and an appreciation of the mutual
strategic, economic, and political benefits both countries
derive from close cooperation.
-- The basis for cooperation is stronger today than it has
ever been.
- The US-Japan Security Treaty remains the cornerstone
of stability in East Asia, a region that still has a
range of unresolved conflicts. This treaty allows the
US to maintain forward deployed forces in East Asia
which serve American, regional, and we believe,
Japanese interests. Close cooperation between our
military forces and the two-way flow of defense
technology makes the most efficient use of our defense
resources and helps maintain a strong political link
between the two countries.
-- Our economies are increasingly interdependent;
Japan will sell about $90 billion worth of goods and
services to the US this year and the US will sell more
than $40 billion to Japan, making each country the
others' largest overseas trading partner; Japanese
investment in the US creates more than
jobs
and is an important source of technology and
management innovation for the American economy.
-- The US and Japan are the world's two largest donors
of foreign economic assistance and are destined to
play key roles in addressing regional and global
issues by virtue of their economic strength and
political interests. These roles can best be
performed by working together rather than
independently.
-- The human connections between us are growing.
There are more Americans working and studying in Japan
than ever before and there are more Japanese residing
in the US.
America as a Pacific player
-- The US has been a major player in the Pacific
throughout the twentieth century but it is only recently
that Americans have become aware that their country's
future orientation will be as much toward the Asia-Pacific
region as toward Europe. America's trade with Asia
exceeds our trade with Europe. Asian-Americans are the
most rapidly increasing ethnic group in America and are
becoming political active. And American security
continues to be vitally linked to the security and
stability of the Asia-pacific region.
America's View of Japan
-- For America, Japan is the center of Asia, and US
relations with Japan are the heart of our policy toward
the Asia-Pacific region.
-- As seen from Japan, there may be the impression that
most Americans see Japan in negative terms. Polls show
the "Japan challenge" ranking ahead of the "Soviet
challenge"; and various books and articles predict a
crisis in US-Japan relations.
-- These opinions are present in the US, but the vast
majority of Americans admire Japan's economic performance,
have warm feelings toward the Japanese people, and regard
Japan as an indispensable partner for the post-Cold War
era.
-- Let me say a word about the impact of the Gulf crisis
on American views of Japan. There was considerable
criticism in the US press and in the Congress of what was
seen by some as Japan's slow and reluctant support of the
coalition effort, but this negative impression has all but
disappeared. In fact there is now widespread appreciation
of Japan's extremely generous $13 billion contribution to
the effort, $10 billion of which went to the United
States, and to the strong political support of your
government. We know the Gulf crisis raised many
fundamental questions in Japan about your country's
appropriate role in such coalition efforts and that
reaching a consensus takes time. This is an issue for the
Japanese people and the Japanese political process to
decide, but we welcome efforts Japan has made to
participate more directly in peace keeping operations.
Managing US-Japan Relations for the Future
Global Partnership
-- We see a "global partnership" between Japan and the
United States in which the two countries will work in
close collaboration to bring their political,
technical, and economic resources to bear to address
regional and global issues.
-- Global Partnership will be an "equal partnership"
-- we will work together to define common objectives
and our respective approaches to these objectives.
-- Global Partnership will not be exclusive, nor will
it represent a US-Japan condominium. We will welcome
the participation of other like-minded countries and
international organizations.
Addressing Economic Issues
-- Global partnership can only succeed if we manage
the competitive aspects of our relationship, notably
in the economic area.
-- We have made great progress in the last few years
in addressing various sectoral problems and the
Structural Impediments Initiative (SII) talks have
broken new ground in addressing the sources of tension
in our trading relationship, but more needs to be
done. We welcome the agreement of your government to
reinvigorate efforts in these areas.
-- Nothing is more important to sustaining the free
trade system that the success of the Uruguay Round.
Japan and the United States benefit greatly from free
trade and we bear a special responsibility for the
successful conclusion of the round. We look to Japan
-- Fifty years ago we fought a tragic war. Today we are
each others' indispensable partners in trade, investment,
defense, and regional and global affairs.
-- The Cold War helped create this partnership, but
cooperation between the US and Japan does not depend on
the external pressure of the communist challenge. Rather
our alliance is based on fundamental shared interests in
virtually all fields, and the reasons for cooperation are
stronger today than ever before.
-- It is up to the leadership in both countries to ensure
that the competitive aspects in our relationship are
managed effectively so that this cooperation can go
forward. If we fail, we will have missed an historic
opportunity; if we succeed, our citizens, and the citizens
of the world can look forward to a more prosperous and
stable future. I welcome the commitment of Prime Minister
Miyazawa to this joint enterprise and I make the same
commitment.
to play a leadership role as we tackle the last
remaining, and the most difficult, issues, including
agricultural liberalization.
The US Domestic Agenda
-- We recognize that our bilateral trade imbalance
reflects far more than the impact of remaining market
barriers in Japan. Japan's products are competitive
around the world because Japan has saved and invested
at a rate double that of the US, focused on applied
research and development and new manufacturing
technologies, established the world's best quality
control systems, developed a highly educated labor and
managerial force, and taken a long term view to
developing markets abroad. There is much that America
should emulate in Japan's example. We are taking
steps to improve our competitiveness -- reducing our
budget deficit, improving education, and enhancing our
productivity.
-- The United States is going through a difficult
economic period, but we have tremendous fundamental
strengths to draw on. American basic research is
still the best in the world; our best universities are
the world's best; American technology in such advanced
fields as computers and biotechnology is at the
leading edge; and we have a diverse, energetic,
creative, and talented population.
-- But we need make more productive uses of these
basic strengths to prepare our economy and society for
the competitive challenge of the 21st century.
The Human Connection
-- For all of our interaction and interdependence, the
US and Japan need to know a great deal more about each
other. Much is already being done in this area.
There are more than 1000 young Americans teaching in
Japanese schools under the JET program, and thousands
of Japanese are studying in the US. We welcome the
Abe fund to support greater exchanges between the US
and Japan and we are committed to supporting this and
other initiatives. Thanks to these programs, by the
end of this century both Japan and the United States
will have a much larger group of people who have lived
in each other's country, speak each other's language,
and understand more fully the great importance of our
bilateral relationship.
Concluding Flourish
KOREA -- FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, AUGUST 1988
kimchi - incendiary pickled cabbage that no Korean is without
status-conscious country
WWII Korea freed from 35 years of Japanese occupation
Ruled in succession by three dictators: a civilian, Syngman Rhee,
and two army officers, Park Chung Hee and Chun Doo Hwan.
Following Park's assassination in 1979, Gen. Chun's coup agaisnt
the military command succeeded because his close friend, Gen. Rho
Tae Woo, supported him by bringing troops into Seoul. On June
10, 1987, Pres. Chun picked Roh (no) as his successor, touching
off mass demonstrations and abated only when Roh made a surpise
capitulaion to opposition demands for direct presidential
elections, the first in 16 years, which he won -- with 37 percent
of the ballots -- over a divided opposition.
Co-ops are essentially governmental and the only elected
officials in the country are the president and members of the
National Assembly. All other officals are appointed by the
central government in Seoul.
Koreans are preoccupied with appearances, especially for
foreigners, and they are not comfortable with saying precisely
what they think or how they feel.
Centuries of Confucian culture -- authoritarian hierarchy on
Korean Society (ruler over subject; parents-childred, husband-
wife, old-young)
1953 entire penninsula devastated by Korean War, millions dead,
60s still could see bullcarts on streets of Seoul, south bank of
Han River (runs through Seoul) was mud flats--today is
matasticizing with office and apartment buildings on the horizon
26 years ago, 70 percent of Koreans were farmers. Today there
are an impressive number of Ph.D.'s among the bright technocrats,
and 65% of the population is urban -- a vast sudden uprooting. 1
of 4 South Koreans lives in Seoul.
Traffic jams like Hollywood Freeway -- Seoul is where rthe money,
prestige, influence, power, and smog are
ECONOMY
South Korea claims the world's highest annual growth rate -- 12
percent - in GNP.
Now runs a $10 billion trade surplus with the U.S. and a deficit
with Japan
Koreans have a national savings rate of 33% -- they have no
unemployment or retirement benefits and virtually no bank
financing for consumers.
SK econ dominated by big conglomerates (Daewoo, Hyundai, Samsung,
Lucky-Goldstar)
87 Hyundai Excel hottest import in U.S., Pontiac LeMans roll form
Daewoo's plant in Puchon. SK manufactures fuselage sections for
the F-16 and wing parts for the 747. SK is the world's 12th
largest trading nation.
the Shrimp among whales;
two modern armies - 840,000 troops in NK and 650,000 in SK
including 45,000 US soldiers. U.S. soldiers face each other
across a no-man's ;and that is dangerous even for browsing deer.
As soldiers say - "There ain't no D in DMZ".
Korea freed of hated Japanese only to be occupied by and divided
by the armies of the cold war.
ideology divided by the 38th parallel
Seoul 25 miles from DMZ; billboards on the buildings and
mountains around Seoul screen guns, rockets, and radar, and the
sidewalk flower planters are revetments for mortars and machine
guns. There are tank traps on the way to the DMZ and boulders
stacked over the rail and road cuts, primed with set charges.
Buildings have thicker north walls, with tank drive-downs into
basements windowed for guns. A wire fence along much of the
coast is studded with painted stones arranged in coded patterns.
Patrols check for rocks that have been jarred loose or
incorrectly replced and for footprints in the swept sand. Cables
are stretched across the golf fairways to clothesline Pyonyang's
gliders. three Noth Korean tunnels have been discovered beneath
the DMZ and US military experts believe there are more.
tae kwon do - Korean martial art
three is a good number in Korea
for years the Korean government has kept wages low to compete in
world markets -- in 25 years, per capita income had made a
phenonmenal leap from $90 to $2,800
SK had one of the world's highest percentages of citizens
attending college. More than a million do, half of them in
Seoul
students have held a niche in Korean society as the "national
conscience"
almost 70 percent of Koreans were born after the korean war
powerful nationalism, proud of their culture and history, proud
of being Korean
background
notes
[South]
Korea
United States Department of State
April 1987
Bureau of Public Affairs
mortality rate (1983)-29/1,000. Life
Agriculture (including forestry and
SOVIET
expectancy-men 64 yrs., women 71 yrs.
fisheries, 16.4% of 1985 GNP): Products-
UNION
Work force (15.4 million, 1985):
rice, barley, vegetables. Arable land-22% of
Agriculture-24.9%. Industry-30.5%.
land area.
CHINA
Services-44.6%.
NORTH
Sea of
Mining and manufacturing (42.0% of
KOREA
Japan
1985 GNP): Textiles, footwear, electronics,
Government
shipbuilding, motor vehicles, petrochemicals,
Seoul
SOUTH
industrial machinery.
KOREA
JAPAN
Yellow
Type: Republic with power centralized in a
Social overhead capital and other serv-
Sea
strong executive. Independence: August 15,
ices: 41.6% of 1985 GNP.
1948. Constitution: July 17, 1948; revised
Trade (1986): Exports-$33.9 billion:
1962, 1972, 1980.
East
manufactures; textiles; ships; electrical
Branches: Executive-president (chief of
China
products; footwear; steel. Major markets-
state). Legislative-unicameral National
Sea
US, Japan, European Community, Middle
Assembly. Judicial-Supreme Court and
East. Imports-$31.5 billion: crude oil; food;
appellate courts, Constitutional Court.
machinery and transportation equipment;
Official Name:
Subdivisions: Nine provinces, four
chemicals and chemical products; base metals
administratively separate cities (Seoul, Pusan,
and articles. Major suppliers-Middle East,
Republic of Korea
Inchon, Taegu).
Japan, US.
Political parties: Government party-
Official exchange rate (March 1987): 852
Democratic Justice Party (DJP). Opposition
won=US$1.
parties-New Korea Democratic Party
PROFILE
Fiscal year: Calendar year.
(NKDP), Korean National Party (KNP). Suf-
frage: Universal over 20.
Geography
Central government budget (1985):
Membership in International
Expenditures-$17.4 billion.
Organizations
Area: 98,500 sq. km. (38,000 sq. mi.); about
Defense (1986 est.): $47 billion, approx.
the size of Indiana. Cities: Capital-Seoul
Official observer status at UN; active in many
5.1% of GNP and 31.2% of government
(over 10 million). Other major cities-Pusan
UN specialized agencies (FAO, GATT, IAEA,
budget. About 600,000 active in armed forces.
(3.4 million). Taegu (2.0 million), Inchon (1.2
IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO,
Flag: Centered on a white field is the
million). Terrain: Partially forested mountain
ITU, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF,
ancient Chinese symbol of yin and yang, a
UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO)
ranges, separated by deep, narrow valleys;
divided circle of interpenetrating blue (top)
cultivated plains along the coasts, particularly
and other international organizations (Asian-
and red (bottom), representing the union of
in the west and south. Climate: Temperate.
African Legal Consultative Committee,
opposites. At each corner of the white field is
ASPAC, Asian People's Anti-Communist
a different trigram of black bars, symbols of
League, World Anti-Communist League,
People
the elements from the ancient pan-East Asian
Colombo Plan, Economic and Social Commis-
I Ching or "Book of Changes." Together, the
Nationality: Noun and adjective-Korean(s).
sion for Asia and the Pacific, Geneva Conven-
yin-yang and the four trigrams represent
Population (1986): 43.3 million. Annual
tions of 1949 for the Protection of War Vic-
eternal unity.
growth rate: 1.5%. Ethnic groups: Korean;
tims, Asian Development Bank, INTELSAT.
small Chinese minority. Religions: Buddhism,
International Whaling Commission, Inter-
Christianity, Shamanism. Confucianism.
Economy
parliamentary Union, INTERPOL); official
Language: Korean. Education: Years
GNP (1986 est.): $91.750 billion. Annual
observer status in African Development Bank
compulsory-h Number of students-
(member of Africa Development Fund), Inter-
growth rate (1961-81): 8%. Per capita GNP
11.121.000. Attendance (1984)-of those
(1985): $2,032. Consumer price index (1985
national Labor Organization, and Organiza-
eligible. 98.8% attended middle school. 89.7%
tion of American States.
avg. increase): 3.2%.
attended high school. Literacy-over 90%.
Natural resources: Limited coal,
Health (1983) doctor 1,509 persons. Infant
tungsten, iron ore, limestone. kaolinite. and
graphite.
28
128
130
Wonsan
South Korea
yongyann
*
National capital
BUGB
Railroad
Imjin
Expressway
North Korea
Demarcation
Road
Line
Sariwon
+
International airport
Pyonggang
0
25
50 Kilometers
Changyon-Up
Ch'orwon
Sokch'o
0
25
50 Miles
38
Haeju
Ongjin
-38
Keesong
Munsah
Ch'unch' on
Kangnung
Uijongbu
Mukhojin-ni
inch on
Shoul
Samch'ok
Ullüng-do
Wonju
Suwon
Yoju
Ansong
Ulchin
Ch'ungju
SEA
Ch önan
Yongju
OF
YELLOW
Ch öngju
JAPAN
Hamch'ang
SEA
Kim 11999
Andong
Yongdok
Taejon
Kimch'bn
liueb GUOTEN
36
Pohang
36
Kunsan
Taegu
Chönju
Kyongju
Ulsan
Chinju
Masan
Chintras
Kwangju
Pusan
V
Sunch on
Samch oop's
Mokp
Kōje-da
Yongdang
Changhung
Yasu
STRAIT
Chin-do
0
CS.
0
8
34
00
KOREA
Kitakyushu
Cheju
Cheju-do
Sogwi-ri
Sasebo
Japan
0
Names and boundary representation
Nagasaki
are not necessarily authoritative
126
128
130
0
2
GEOGRAPHY
south following the division of the penin-
divided into the kingdoms of Silla,
sula into U.S. and Soviet military zones
Koguryo, and Paekche. In A.D. 668, the
The Republic of Korea (South Korea)
of administration. This southward migra-
peninsula was unified under the Silla
occupies the southern portion of a moun-
tion continued after the Republic of
kingdom, rulership of which was taken
tainous peninsula, about 966 kilometers
Korea was established in 1948 and dur-
over in 918 by the Koryo dynasty (from
(600 ml.) long and 217 kilometers (135
ing the Korean war (1950-53). About
which is taken the name "Korea"). The
mi.) wide, projecting southeast from
10% of the people in the Republic of
Yi dynasty, which supplanted Koryo in
China and separating the Sea of Japan
Korea are of northern origin. With over
1392, lasted until the Japanese annexed
from the Yellow Sea. Japan lies about
40 million people, South Koren has one
Korea in 1910.
193 kilometers (120 mi.) east of Pusan
of the world's highest population
Throughout most of its history,
across the Sea of Japan (called the East
densities-much higher, for example,
Korea has been invaded, influenced, and
Sea by Koreans). The most rugged areas
than India or Japan-while the ter-
are the mountainous east coast and cen-
fought over by its larger neighbors.
ritorially larger North has about 20
Major Japanese invasions occurred in
tral interior. Good natural harbors are
million people. Expatriate Koreans live
1592 and 1597, and the Chinese attacked
found only on the western and southern
mostly in China (1.2 million). Japan
coasts.
in 1627. To protect themselves from
(600,000), the United States (500,000),
South Korea's only land boundary is
such foreign buffeting, the Yi kings
and the Soviet Union.
with North Korea, formed by the
finally adopted a closed-door policy,
which earned Korea the title of "Hermit
Military Demarcation Line (MDL) mark-
ing the line of separation between the
Language
Kingdom." Though the Yis showed
belligerent sides at the close of the
nominal fealty to the Chinese throne,
Korean war. The Demilitarized Zone
Korean is a Uralic language, remotely
Korea was in fact independent until the
related to Japanese, Hungarian, Finnish,
(DMZ) extends for 2,000 meters (1.2 mi.)
late 19th century, when Japanese
on either side of the MDL. The North
and Mongolian. Although dialects exist,
influence became predominant.
and South Korean Governments hold
the Korean spoken throughout. the
In the late 19th and early 20th cen-
that the MDL is not a permanent border
peninsula is mutually comprehensible.
turies, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian
Chinese characters were used to write
but a temporary administrative line.
competition in Northeast Asia led to
Korean before the Korean Hangul
Seoul, the capital, is less than 48
armed conflict. Having defeated its two
alphabet was invented in the 15th cen-
kilometers (30 mi.) from the DMZ, near
competitors, Japan established
tury. These characters are still in limited
the west coast. Seoul's climate is hot and
dominance in Korea, annexing it in 1910.
use in South Korea, but the North uses
rainy in summer; winters are cold, dry,
The Japanese colonial era was
Hangul exclusively. Many older people
and windy, with generally light snowfall,
characterized by almost total control
and mean January temperature is -5 °C
retain some knowledge of Japanese from
from Tokyo and by ruthless efforts to
the colonial period (1910-45). and most
(23 °F). Fall is traditionally the Koreans'
replace the Korean language and culture
educated Koreans can read English,
favorite season, with warm days, cool
with those of the colonial power.
which is taught in all secondary schools.
nights, and clear skies; such weather
As World War II ended, the United
often lasts into mid-December.
States and the Soviet Union agreed at
Religion
Yalta that Japanese forces in Korea
would surrender to the United States
PEOPLE
Korea's traditional religions are
south of the 38th parallel and to the
Shamanism and Buddhism. Although
Soviet Union north of that line. This
Buddhism has lost some influence since
Korea was first populated by a Tungusic
division of Korea was intended as a tem-
the Koryo dynasty (A.D. 935-1392), it
branch of the Ural-Altaic family, which
porary administrative measure only.
migrated to the peninsula from the
still commands the greatest number of
However, in 1946-47, the Soviet
adherents of any faith-about. 18.9% of
northwestern regions of Asia. Some of
administration in the North refused to
the population. Shamanism, the tradi-
these people also settled parts of north-
allow free consultations with represent-
tional spirit worship, is still practiced in
east China (Manchuria), and Koreans
atives of all groups of the Korean people
some rural areas. Confucianism remains
and Manchurians still show physical
for the purpose of establishing a national
the dominant cultural influence; however,
similarities-in their height, for example.
government, and the United States and
its religious adherents are few and
Koreans are racially and linguistically
the Soviet Union subsequently were
mostly elderly. Christian missionaries
homogeneous, with no indigenous
unable to reach agreement on a unifica-
minorities.
arrived in Korea in the 19th century and
tion formula.
South Korea's major population
founded schools, hospitals, and other
modern institutions throughout the
centers are mostly in the northwest area
country. Today, nearly 7 million Koreans,
Korean War
of Seoul-Inchon and in the southern fer-
tile plains. The mountainous central and
or 16% of the population, are Christian
In the face of communist refusal to com-
eastern areas are sparsely inhabited.
(about 75% Protestant)-the largest
ply with the UN General Assembly
Between 1925 and 1940, the Japanese
figure for any East Asian country except
resolution of November 1947, calling for
colonial administration in Korea concen-
the Philippines.
UN-supervised elections throughout
trated its industrial development efforts
Korea, elections were carried out under
in the comparatively underpopulated and
UN observation in the U.S. zone of
HISTORY
resource-rich north, resulting in con-
occupation, and on August 15, 1948, the
siderable migration of people to the
Republic of Korea (ROK) was established
north from the southern agrarian prov-
According to legend, the god-king
there. The Republic's first president was
inces, This trend was reversed after
Tangun founded the Korean nation in
a prominent Korean nationalist,
World War II, when more than 2 million
2333 B.C., after which his descendants
Syngman Rhee. In September 1948, the
Koreans moved from the north to the
reigned over a peaceful kingdom for
more than a millennium. By the first
century A.D., the Korean Peninsula,
known as Chosun ("morning calm"), was
Soviet Union established the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in
of that year, forced him to step down. A
strong executive and indirect election of
the North under Kim Il Sung, a former
caretaker government was established,
the president but limited the chief exec-
Soviet Army major, who claimed
the constitution was amended and, in
utive to one 7-year term. Elections were
authority over the entire peninsula. On
June, national elections were held. The
held in early 1981 for a National
December 12, 1948, the UN General
opposition Democratic Party easily
Assembly and an electoral college; the
Assembly declared the ROK the only
defeated Rhee's Liberals, and, in
latter elected President Chun to a 7-year
lawful government in Korea.
August, the new National Assembly
term beginning in March of that year.
The United States withdrew its
named Chang Myon prime minister.
Although martial law ended in
military forces from Korea in 1949. On
Chang's democratic but administratively
January 1981, the government, under
June 25, 1950, North Korean forces
ineffectual government-the Second
laws enacted during the martial law
invaded the Republic of Korea. The
Republic-lasted until May 1961, when it
period, retains broad legal powers to
United Nations, in response and in
was overthrown in an army coup led by
control dissent. An active and articulate
accordance with the terms of its
Maj. Gen. Park Chung Hee.
minority of students, intellectuals,
Charter, engaged in its first collective
After 2 years of military government
clergy, and others have remained critical
under Gen. Park, civilian rule was
action through the establishment of the
of the Chun government and from time
UN Command (UNC), to which 16
restored with the advent of the Third
to time have organized demonstrations
member nations sent troops and
Republic in 1963. Park, who had retired.
against it. Some of these demonstra-
assistance. At the request of the UN
from the army, was elected president
(and was reelected in 1967, 4971) and
tions, such as those in Inchon in May
Secretary General, this international
1978). In 1972, a popular referendum
1986 and at Konkuk University in the
effort was led by the United States,
fall of 1986, have been marked by con-
which contributed the largest con-
approved the Yushin (revitalizing) con-
siderable violence.
tingent. UN forces initially succeeded in
stitution, which greatly strengthened the
President Chun, who is barred from
advancing almost to the Yalu River,
executive branch's powers. Key provi-
which divides the Korean Peninsula from
sions included indirect election of the
succeeding himself, has pledged to step
down when his term ends in 1988. In
China, but large numbers of "people's
president, presidential appointment of
April 1986, the President responded to a
volunteers" from the army of the Peo-
one-third of the National Assembly, and
signature campaign by the opposition
ple's Republic of China joined the North
presidential authority to issue decrees to
New Korea Democratic Party (NKDP),
Korean forces. In December 1950, a
restrict civil liberties in times of national
calling for direct election of the next
major Chinese attack forced UN troops
emergency. Park subsequently issued
several such decrees; the best-known of
president by proposing that the assembly
to withdraw southward. The battle line
try to reach agreement on a constitu-
fluctuated up and down the peninsula
these, EM-9, banned discussion of false
tional amendment. The government
until the late spring of 1951, when it
rumors, criticism of the constitution or
advocacy of its reform, and political
party, the Democratic Justice Party,
finally stabilized north of Seoul near the
demonstrations by students.
supported a parliamentary system with a
38th parallel.
weakened president and a greatly
Armistice negotiations began in July
The Park era, marked by rapid
strengthened prime minister, both
1951, but hostilities continued until July
industrialization and extraordinary
elected by the assembly. The NKDP car-
27, 1953, when, at the village of Pan-
economic growth and modernization,
ended with his assassination in October
ried forward its earlier call for a directly
munjom, the military commanders of the
elected president. Neither side has
DPRK forces, the Chinese people's
1979. Prime Minister Choi Kyu Ha
shown a willingness to compromise, and
volunteers, and the UNC signed an
assumed office briefly (the Fourth
armistice agreement. Neither the United
Republic), promising a new constitution
the outcome of the process to create
States nor the ROK is a signatory of the
and presidential elections. In December
what is hoped will be a more open
1979, Maj. Gen. Chun Doo Hwan and his
political system with broad support from
armistice per se, though both adhere to
the Korean people was uncertain as of
it through the UNC. No comprehensive
close colleagues removed the army chief
early 1987.
peace agreement has been signed in
of staff and soon controlled the govern-
Korea, and the 1953 armistice agree-
ment. By September, President Choi had
ment remains in force. A Military
been forced to resign, and General Chun,
Armistice Commission, composed of 10
by then retired from the army, was
Principal Government Officials
named president.
President-Chun Doo Hwan
members, 5 appointed by each side, is
empowered to supervise implementation
During this process and in opposition
Prime Minister-Lho Shin Yong
of the terms of the armistice.
to it, demonstrations by campus activists
Deputy Prime Minister; Chairman,
The armistice called for an interna-
and others increased through the spring
Economic Planning Board-
tional conference to find a political solu-
of 1980. In mid-May, the government
Kim Mahn Je
tion to the problem of Korea's division.
declared martial law, banned all demon-
Minister of Foreign Affairs-Choi
This conference met at Geneva in April
strations, and arrested many political
Kwang-soo
1954, but, after 7 weeks of futile debate,
leaders and dissidents. In Kwangju City,
Minister of National Defense-Lee Ki
ended inconclusively.
Special Forces units reacted harshly to
Baek
demonstrators who ignored the ban, set-
ting off a confrontation which left an
Ambassador to the United States-Kim
Postwar Developments
official estimate of 170 dead. Unofficial
Kyong Won
Ambassador to the United Nations-
Syngman Rhee served as president of
sources claim a higher figure. This inci-
Park Kun
the Republic of Korea until April 1960,
dent left a wound that has proven slow
to heal.
Speaker of the National Assembly-Lee
when university students and others,
demonstrating in protest against ir-
In October, a referendum approved a
Chai Hyung
regularities in the presidential election
new constitution, beginning the Fifth
Korea maintains an embassy in the
Republic. This document retained key
United States at 2320 Massachusetts
features of earlier ones, including a
Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20008
(tel. 202-939-5600).
4
ECONOMY
Over the past 25 years, the Republic of
Further Information
Korea's economic growth has been spec-
tacular. The nation has advanced in a
single generation from one of the
Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.
These titles are provided as a general indication of material published on this country. The
world's poorest countries to the
Baldwin, Frank. Without Parallel: The
threshold of full industrialization, despite
American-Korean Relationship Since
Studies, University of Hawaii, 1979.
the need to maintain one of the world's
1945. Pantheon, 1974.
McCune, Shannon. Korea, Land of Broken
largest military establishments. Lacking
Bartz, Patricia. South Korea, a Descriptive
Calm. Princeton: Van Nostrand, 1966.
Noble, Harold. Embassy at War. Seattle:
natural resources, Korea's greatest asset
Geography. Clarendon Press, 1972.
Brandt, Vincent S. A Korean Village Between
University of Washington Press, 1974.
is its industrious, literate people.
Paige, Glenn D. The Korean Decision. New
The division of the Korean Peninsula
Farm and Sea. Cambridge: Harvard,
York: St. Martin, 1974.
in 1945 created two distorted economic
1971.
Chung, Kyung Cho. Korea: The Third
Pihl, Marshall R. Listening to Korea: A
units. North Korea inherited most of the
Republic. Macmillan, 1971.
Korean Anthology. New York: Praeger.
mineral and hydroelectric resources and
1973.
Cole, David. Korean Development: The
most of the existing heavy industrial
Reese, David. Korea: The Limited War. New
Interplay of Politics and Economics.
base built by the Japanese. South Korea
York: St. Martin, 1964.
Cambridge: Harvard, 1971.
was left with a large, unskilled labor pool
Crane, Paul. Korean Patterns. Seoul: Hollym
Rutt, Richard. Korean Works and Days.
Tokyo: Charles R. Tuttle, 1966.
and most of the peninsula's limited
Corporation, 1968.
agricultural resources. Although both
Harrington, Fred H. God, Mammon and the
Wickman, Michael. Living in Korea. Seoul:
The American Chamber of Commerce in
the North and South suffered from the
Japanese. Madison: University of
Korea, 1978.
widespread destruction caused by the
Wisconsin Press, 1962.
Korean war, an influx of refugees added
Henderson, Gregory. Korea: The Politics of
Available from the Superintendent of
the Vortex. Cambridge: Harvard Uni-
Documents, US Government Printing Office,
to the South's economic woes. For these
versity Press, 1968.
Washington, DC 20402:
reasons, South Korea began the postwar
Henthorn, William. History of Korea. New
period with a per capita gross national
York: The Free Press, 1968.
American University. South Korea-A
product (GNP) far below that of the
Lee, Chong-Sik. The Politics of Korean
Country Study. 1982.
North.
Nationalism. Berkeley: University of
U.S. Department of State. Key Officers of
South Korea's meager mineral
California Press, 1963.
Foreign Service Posts. Triennial.
resources include tungsten, anthracite
Lee, O. Young. In This Earth and In That
. Korea Post Report. March 1986.
coal, iron ore, limestone, kaolinite, and
Wind. Seoul, 1968.
The Record on Korean Unifica-
tion, 1943-1960. 1961.
graphite. There is no oil, and energy is a
McCann, David R., ed. Studies on Korea in
Transition. Honolulu: Center for Korean
Major English-language newspapers: Korea
concern for ROK's economic planners.
Herald and Korea Times.
The country's ambitious program to
build nuclear power plants is well under-
For information on economic trends, commercial development, production, trade regulations,
way; this year their sixth plant went into
and tariff rates, contact the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce,
Washington, DC 20230.
operation, and five more are under con-
struction or on order.
The ROK was self-sufficient in rice
production in 1977, but rising demand
national production was rising
and several disappointing harvests have
in 1985, low by Korean standards, the
throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the
since made it a net importer. In 1985,
Korean economy rebounded impres-
annual population growth rate declined
Korea purchased about $1 billion in U.S.
sively. Nineteen eighty-six is widely
to the current 1.5%, resulting in a
agricultural products. Korea is the
viewed as the Korean economy's most
20-fold increase in per capita GNP in
United States' seventh largest source of
successful year ever, as booming exports
those two decades. Per capita GNP,
imports and its eighth largest market for
led once again to double-digit growth of
which reached $100 for the first time in
exports. The resulting trade imbalance
12%. Korea achieved surpluses in both
1963, now exceeds $2,000, far above
its current account balance and the trade
was about $5 billion in 1985. Korea's
that of North Korea.
economy is rapidly approaching full
balance in 1986. Long-term growth pros-
Internal economic distortions, the
pects remain extremely bright, and
maturity-a marked change from the
political and social unrest that followed
1960s and 1970s, when it was a major
Korea continues to successfully manage
the 1979 assassination of President
recipient of U.S. foreign assistance (U.S.
its large external debt (about $45 billion,
Park, and the effect of world economic
including short-term).
direct-aid programs in Korea ended in
developments, such as the drastic
1980).
The continuing military threat from
increase in world oil prices in 1979, trig-
the North and the lack of foreign
The nation's successful industrial
gered a severe recession in Korea in
economic assistance require Korea to
growth program began in the early
1980. The economy recovered somewhat
devote a third of its national budget to
1960s, when the Park government
in the following 2 years, but it was not
defense. In light of this, Korea must con-
instituted sweeping economic reforms
until the spring of 1983 and the
tinue large defense expenditures while
emphasizing exports and labor-intensive
strengthening of economic recovery in
maintaining economic growth.
light industries. The government also
the United States that Korean economic
carried out a currency reform,
performance began to take on the
strengthened financial institutions, and
buoyancy of earlier days. Korea's
FOREIGN RELATIONS
introduced flexible economic planning.
economic planners have shifted their
From 1963 to 1978, real GNP rose at
emphasis from high to stable growth.
South Korea is committed to peaceful
an annual rate of nearly 10%, with
After registering 5% real GNP growth
settlement of international differences, a
average real growth of more than 11%
for the years 1973-78. While Korea's
commitment best illustrated by its
restrained response to a number of
armed provocations over the past 15
years. These include the 1968 Blue
So
"House raid, the shooting down in
Korea keeps an observer mission,
Pe
the
September 1983 of a Korean Air Lines
headed by an ambassador, at the UN
means and to end the atmosphere of
airliner by Soviet fighters, and the
General Assembly and is active in many
hostility that had formerly prevailed.
So
October 1983 terrorist bombing in
of the UN's specialized agencies.
Although official visits were exchanged
au
De
Rangoon, Burma, which killed six of the
Following the ratification in 1965 of
and regular communication was
ROK's most valued leaders.
a treaty normalizing relations between
established through a North-South Coor-
As
South Korea has cast its lot with the
Japan and Korea, the two nations have
dinating Committee and the Red Cross,
lav
West and the noncommunist world. It is
developed an extensive relationship
no substantive progress was made. The
active in international affairs and seeks
centering on mutually beneficial
contacts quickly broke down and were
mi
Ju
to enhance its already impressive stature
economic activity. Although both coun-
finally terminated by the North. This
in the world community. Although not a
tries' historic antipathy has at times
breakdown reflected basic differences in
in
member of the United Nations, South
impeded cooperation, relations at the
approach, with Pyongyang insisting that
U:
government level have improved steadily
immediate steps toward reunification be
ac
and significantly in the past several
taken before discussion of specific issues
CI
years.
and Seoul maintaining that, given the
ac
Korea's economic growth, energy
two sides' history of violence, any
U
Travel Notes
requirements, and need for basic raw
realistic approach to reunification must
m
Climate and clothing: Korea's temperate,
materials and for markets have given
be a gradual, step-by-step process.
as
four-season climate is like that of the eastern
economic considerations high priority in
President Chun has repeatedly sug-
S
US. Dress is more conservative than in the US.
the country's foreign policy. In light of
gested a summit meeting with President
ef
these concerns, Korean diplomacy in
Kim of North Korea to discuss any and
W
Customs: All travelers entering the ROK
recent years has concentrated on
all proposals, an agreement to normalize
ti
must have a visa, which may be obtained from
broadening its international base of sup-
inter-Korean relations pending reunifica-
a
a Korean Consulate. Tourist visas are good
for 60 days. No immunizations are required of
port with Third World nations, the
tion, and other specific measures to
W
travelers from the US.
Association of South East Asian Nations
reduce tensions and promote
C
(ASEAN), and the Middle East.
humanitarian and cultural exchanges. In
V.
Health: Health services are fair to good in
A recurrent theme in all phases of
January 1982, President Chun, for the
p
most major cities. Many Korean physicians
Korea's foreign relations is its perennial
first time, addressed the central political
K
have been trained in Western medicine, and
competition with the DPRK for world
issue, proposing that the North and
hospital services are adequate. Outside of the
n
stature and recognition. In this effort,
South organize a conference to draft a
to
major hotels, water generally is not potable.
constitution for a unified democratic
Transportation: International airports serve
the ROK has been highly successful:
f)
while most of the world's nations
republic of Korea. The ROK intends to
u
Seoul (Kimpo), Pusan (Kimhae), and Cheju
Island. Extensive intercity air, rail, and bus
recognize the reality of two Koreas,
present its draft constitution and urges
f
more maintain diplomatic relations with
the North to do SO. The ROK maintains
3
service is available, as is an excellent network
services. of local bus, taxi, and (in Seoul) subway
the ROK than the DPRK (122 versus
that a dialogue should be based on de
103, with 67 countries having relations
facto recognition of each other's existing
1
with both). The South's network of inter-
political, social, and economic systems.
2
Telecommunications: Seoul is 14 time zones
national trading relationships is far
Seoul supports the recognition of both
r
ahead of eastern standard time (13 hrs. dur-
ing daylight-saving time). International
broader than the North's, and South
Koreas by the major powers in the
direct-dial service is available to Korea's
Korea has been selected to host a series
region (the United States, U.S.S.R.,
major cities. Internal telephone and telegraph
of prestigious international events,
China, and Japan), and the admission of
services are available.
including the 1985 International
both Koreas to the United Nations pend-
Tourist attractions: The Yi dynasty palaces
Monetary Fund and World Bank annual
ing peaceful reunification. North Korea
in Seoul-Kyongbok, Changdok, and Toksu-
conference, the 1986 Asian Games, and
rejects these ideas on the grounds that
are recommended, as are the National
Seoul). the 1988 Summer Olympics (to be held in
division. they would perpetuate the peninsula's
Museum of Korea and the Korean Folk
Museum. The folk village at Suwon, located
Tension between North and South
less than an hour's drive from Seoul, is a fine
Korea increased dramatically in the
example of a "living museum." Sorok Moun-
Negotiating Efforts With North Korea
aftermath of the October 9, 1983, North
tain and Cheju Island are popular scenic
attractions, while Pusan and Masan are
Throughout the postwar period, both
Korean assassination attempt on Presi-
examples of a modern Korean port and
Korean governments have repeatedly
dent Chun in Burma. North-South sports
industrial site. The southeastern city of
affirmed their desire for reunification of
talks the following spring became
Kyongju has many fine antiquities. English is
the Korean Peninsula, but until 1971 no
acrimonious after the Rangoon bombing.
widely spoken at major tourist sites and
direct communications or any other con-
South Korea's suspicions of the North's
facilities in the principal cities; in other areas,
tacts took place between the two govern-
motives were not diminished by Pyong-
English speakers may be less readily found.
ments or their citizens except through
yang's proposal for "tripartite" talks on
the Military Armistice Commission.
the future of the Korean Peninsula. This
National holidays: Businesses and the US
Embassy may be closed on the following
In August 1971, the DPRK and the
initiative, made public on January 10,
holidays-National Day (Independence Day),
ROK agreed to hold talks through their
1984, called for talks with the United
August 15; New Year. January 1-3; Founda-
respective Red Cross societies with the
States, in which "South Korean
tion Day (commemorating the founding of the
stated aim of reuniting the many Korean
authorities" would be permitted to par-
nation by the god-king Tangun), October 3;
families separated during the Korean
ticipate. The tripartitie talks would
Hangul Day (commemorating the creation of
the Korean alphabet in 1446). October 9;
war. Following a secret meeting on July
replace the armistice agreement with a
4, 1972, North and South Korea
peace treaty, which would provide for
Chusok (harvest moon festival), date varies,
usually in August or September.
announced an agreement to work toward
withdrawal of all U.S. troops and issue a
national reunification through peaceful
declaration of nonaggression between
North and South.
6
North Korea's offer to provide relief
the Korean people's ongoing and suc-
goods to victims of severe flooding in
Korean-American diplomatic relations
cessful effort to deter aggression.
South Korea in September 1984-and
and President Reagan's subsequent vi
On Korean reunification, the United
to Korea in the fall of 1983 underscore
South Korean acceptance-signaled the
States believes that direct, government-
beginning of renewed dialogue between
the special quality of U.S.-Korean rela
to-government talks between the
tions and the determination of both
the two parties. Both sides began discus-
authorities of South and North Korea
sions on a variety of fronts-Red Cross
governments to further develop that
are necessary and that steps to promote
relationship.
talks that address the plight of family
greater understanding and reduce ten-
members separated by the division of
sion are needed to pave the way for
Korea, economic/trade talks, and
reunifying the nation. Because the
Principal U.S. Officials
parliamentary talks. However, citing the
United States believes that the fun-
Ambassador-James R. Lilley
U.S.-ROK Team Spirit joint military
damental decisions on the future of the
Commander in Chief, UNC-
exercise, the North suspended these
Korean Peninsula must be taken by the
Gen. William J. Livsey
talks in January 1986. In addition, both
Korean people themselves, it has refused
Deputy Chief of Mission-Thomas S.
sides have met under International
to be drawn into separate negotiations
Brooks
Olympic Committee auspices to discuss
with North Korea, as Pyongyang has
Counselor for Political Affairs-Thoma
cooperative ways of approaching the
suggested. The United States stands
P.H. Dunlop
1988 Summer Olympics to be held in
prepared to participate in any discus-
Counselor for Economic Affairs-Donal
Seoul.
sions between the representatives of
F. McConville
North and South Korea, if so desired by
Counselor for Administrative Affairs-
both Korean governments and provided
Robert G. Deason
U.S.-KOREAN RELATIONS
that both are full and equal participants
Counselor for Public Affairs-John M.
in such talks.
Reid
The United States remains committed,
Perhaps the most rapidly developing
Consul General-Andrew F. Antippas
as it has for the past 30 years, to main-
area in Korean-U.S. relations is that of
Counselor for Commercial Affairs-
taining peace on the Korean Peninsula-
economics and trade. Korea has become
George Mu
a commitment vital to the peace and
the United States' seventh largest com-
Chief, Joint U.S. Military Advisory
stability of the entire Northeast Asian
mercial partner. The United States seeks
Group, Korea-Mg. Todd P. Graham
region. The United States agreed in the
to improve its trade imbalance through
1954 Mutual Security Treaty to help the
greater access to Korea's expanding
The U.S. Embassy is located at 82
Republic of Korea defend itself from
market and improved investment oppor-
Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul (tel.
external aggression. In support of that
tunities for U.S. business. Korea has
732-2601; telex AMEMB 23108).
commitment, the United States main-
embarked on an investment liberaliza-
tains about 39,000 troops in Korea,
tion policy designed to open 90% of all
Published by the United States Department
including the Second Infantry Division
industries to foreign investment by 1988.
of State
Bureau of Public Affairs
Office
and several Air Force tactical squadrons.
Korean leaders seem determined to
of Public Communication
Editorial Divi-
To coordinate operations between these
sion
Washington, D.C.
manage successfully the complex
April 1987
units and the 600,000-strong Korean
Editor: Juanita Adams
Armed Forces, a Combined Forces Com-
economic relationship, and there appears
to be widespread recognition in Korea of
Department of State Publication 7782
mand (CFC) has been established,
the benefits to be gained from greater
Background Notes Series
This material is
headed by a U.S. four-star general who
U.S. private sector involvement in the
in the public domain and may be reproduced
serves concurrently as Commander in
country's development process.
without permission; citation of this source
Chief of the UN Command (CINCUNC).
Since the 1950s, the U.S.-Korean
would be appreciated.
These U.S. forces effectively supplement
relationship has developed into one of
For sale by the Superintendent of Docu-
the most important in Asia. The celebra-
ments, U.S. Government Printing Office,
tion in May 1982 of the centennial of
Washington, D.C. 20402
background
notes
[North] Korea
United States Department of State
July 1989
Bureau of Public Affairs
spouses of Korean returnees from Japan. Re-
Economy*
SOVIET
ligion: Buddhism, Shamanism, Chongdogyo,
CHINA
UNION
Christian: religious activities have been vir-
GNP (1986 est.): $17-$25 billion. Per capita
tually nonexistent since 1945. Language: Ko-
(1986): $860-$1.200.
NORTH
rean. Education: Years compulsory-11.
Agriculture (including forestry and fish-
Sea of
KOREA
Japan
Attendance-3 million (primary, 1. 5 million,
ing. 1982-25% of GNP): Products-rice,
P'yangyeng
secondary, 1. 2 million, tertiary, 0. 3 million).
corn. potatoes. fruits. vegetables, tobacco.
Literacy (est. )-99%. Health: Medical treat-
Industry (including mining and manufac-
SOUTH
KOREA
JAPAN
Yellow
ment is free: 1 doctor for every 700 inhabi-
turing. 1982-70% of GNP): Types-steel. ce-
See
tants: 1 hospital bed for every 350. Infant
ment, textiles, petrochemicals, machines.
mortality rate-30/1,000. Life expectancy-
Trade (1986): Exports-$1. 5 billion: ma-
65. 5 yrs.
chinery and equipment, military hardware,
iron, steel, metal ores, nonferrous metals,
East
China Sea
nonmetallic minerals. textile fibers, chemi-
Government
cals, foodstuffs. Imports-$2. 1 billion: ma-
Type: Communist state, one-leader rule. In-
chinery and equipment, petroleum,
Official Name:
dependence: September 9, 1948. Constitu-
foodstuffs, coking coal. Major partners-
tion: 1972.
U.S.S.R., P.R.C., Middle East. East Euro-
Democratic People's Republic
Branches: Executive-president (chief of
pean countries, Japan. F.R.G., France.
of Korea
state); premier (head of government).
(About 70% is with communist countries.)
Legislative-Supreme People's Assembly.
Official exchange rate: 2 won= = U.S.$1.
Judicial- Supreme Court, Provincial, city,
county, and military courts (subordinate to
Membership in International
Supreme People's Assembly).
Organizations
PROFILE
Subdivisions: 9 provinces, 4 province-
level municipalities-Pyongyang, Kaesong,
UN (official observer status). UN-related
Geography
Chongjin, Nampo.
agencies, including the Food and Agriculture
Political parties: Korean Workers' (com-
Organization (FAO), International Atomic En-
Area: 121,730 sq. km. (47,000 sq. mi.), about
munist) Party. Suffrage: Universal at age 17.
ergy Agency (IAEA), International Civil
the size of Mississippi. Cities: Capital-
Defense (1987 est.): Approx. 24% of GNP,
Aviation Organization (ICAO), International
Pyongyang. Other cities-Chongjin, Wonsan,
with about 12% of men ages 17-49 in the regu-
Postal Union (IPU), UN Conference on Trade
Nampo, and Kaesong. Terrain: Numerous
lar armed forces.
and Development (UNCTAD), International
ranges of moderately high and partially for-
Holidays: National Day, Independence
Telecommunications Union (ITU), UN Devel-
ested mountains and hills separated by deep,
Day, September 9; Kim Il Sung's birthday,
opment Program (UNDP), UN Educational,
narrow valleys. and small cultivated plains.
April 15; other holidays.
Scientific and Cultural Organization
Climate: Temperate.
Flag: Two blue horizontal stripes at the
(UNESCO), World Health Organization
top and bottom; two white narrow stripes;
(WHO), World Intellectual Property Organi-
People
and a wide center band on which appears a
zation (WIPO), World Meteorological Organi-
red star in a white circle.
zation (WMO), International Maritime
Nationality: Noun and adjective-Korean(s).
Organization (IMO); International Committee
Population (1988 est.): 21 million. Annual
of the Red Cross (ICRC), Nonaligned
growth rate: 2.3%. Ethnic groups: Korean;
Movement.
approx. 50,000 Chinese; some 1,800 Japanese
"In most cases, the figures used here
are estimates based upon incomplete data
and projections.
8
124
126
128
130
Songhua Hu
North Korea
Wangqing
International boundary
Tumen
+
National capital
Unsong
Railroad
U.S.S.R
Road
Helong
Jiang
Hoeryong
0
Tumen
25
50
75 Kilometers
0
25
50
China
Musan
Najin
75 Miles
Komysen-nodongjagu
42
42
Linjiang
Tonghua
Nanam, Ch'ongjin
Hyesan
Ji'an
Manp'o
Yongbah-
nit
Kanggye
Och'onjang
Honggun-ni
M
Kimch aek
Toan
Fengcheng
nex
Sakchu
Changjin-up
Tanch'on
Pukch'ong
Dandong
40
Sinuiju
-
Hongwon
40
Kusöng
Yomju
Kujang-up
gang
Hamhung
Tedong
Chongp'yong
Chongiu
5
Kunun
SEA
Sinanju
Yonghung
Sunch'on
OF
Kowon
KOREA
Sain-ni
BAY
Sunan
Wonsan
JAPAN
Samdung
YONGYANG
X
Onch'on
Nam-gang
Namp
Songnim
gang
Kuum-ni
Chiha-ri
Imjin
Sep'o
Demarcation line
Sariwon
Chaeryong
P'yonggang
P'yongsan
Changyön-up
Ch'orwon
38
Haeju
Ongjin
Kaesong
Ch'unch'on
Munsan
Kangnung
South
SEOUL
Korea
YELLOW SEA
Inch on
Suwon
Coundary representation is
124
not necessarily authoritative
126
128
130
2
GEOGRAPHY
Beginning in the mid-1920s, the Ja-
divided into the kingdoms of Silla, Ko-
panese colonial administration concen-
The Democratic People's Republic of Ko-
guryo, and Paekche. In A.D. 668, the
trated its industrial development efforts
rea (D.P.R.K., North Korea) occupies
Silla kingdom unified the peninsula. The
in the comparatively underpopulated and
the northern portion of a mountainous
Koryo dynasty (from which is derived
resource-rich north, resulting in a con-
peninsula about 966 kilometers (600 mi.)
the Western name "Korea") succeeded
siderable movement of people northward
long and 217 kilometers (135 mi.) wide,
the Silla kingdom in 918. The Yi dynasty,
from the agrarian southern provinces.
projecting southeast from China, be-
which supplanted Koryo in 1392, lasted
This trend reversed after the end of
tween the Sea of Japan and the Yellow
until the Japanese annexed Korea in
World War II, when more than 2 million
1910.
Sea. Japan lies about 193 kilometers
Koreans moved from the north to the
(120 mi.) east of the peninsula, across the
Throughout most of its history, Ko-
south following the division of the penin-
Sea of Japan. North Korea shares bor-
rea has been invaded, influenced, and
sula into Soviet and American military
ders with the People's Republic of China
fought over by its larger neighbors. Ko-
zones of administration. This southward
along the Yalu and Tumen Rivers-and,
rea was under Mongolian occupation
exodus continued after the establish-
with the Soviet Union-along the Tumen
from 1231 until the early 14th century
ment of the Republic of Korea (South Ko-
River. The military demarcation line
and was devastated by a large number of
rea) in 1948 and during the Korean war
(MDL), marking the line of separation
Chinese rebel armies in 1359 and 1361:
(1950-53). Korea's population is now un-
between the belligerent sides at the
Hideyoshi launched major Japanese inva-
evenly divided, with 42 million people in
close of the Korean war, forms the
sions in 1592 and 1597. To protect them-
the geographically smaller south (38,000
boundary with the Republic of Korea
selves from such frequent buffeting, the
sq. mi.) and 21 million in the north
(R.O.K., South Korea). A demilitarized
Yi kings finally adopted a closed-door
(47,000 sq. mi.).
zone (DMZ) extends for 2,000 meters
policy, earning Korea the title of "Her-
(just over 1 mile) on either side of the
mit Kingdom." Although the Yi dynasty
MDL. Both the North and South Korean
Language
paid nominal fealty to the Chinese
Governments hold that the MDL is only a
Korean is a Uralic language, remotely
throne, Korea was, in fact, independent
temporary administrative line, not a
until the late 19th century. At that time,
related to Japanese, Mongolian. Hun-
permanent border.
Japanese, Chinese, and Russian compe-
garian, and Finnish. Although there are
North Korea's terrain consists of nu-
tition in Northeast Asia led to armed
dialects, the Korean spoken throughout
merous ranges of moderately high and
conflict. Having defeated its two com-
the peninsula is mutually comprehen-
partially forested mountains and hills
petitors, Japan established dominance in
sible. Chinese characters were used to
separated by deep, narrow valleys and
Korea. The Japanese colonial era was
write Korean before the invention of the
small cultivated plains. The most rugged
characterized by tight control by Tokyo
Korean Hangul alphabet in the 15th cen-
areas are the north and east coasts.
and by ruthless efforts to replace the Ko-
tury. Unlike in the south where these
Good harbors are found on the eastern
rean language and culture with those of
characters are still in limited use, the
coast. Pyongyang, the capital, near the
the colonial power. Japan formally an-
north uses Hangul exclusively. A num-
country's west coast, is located on the
nexed Korea in 1910.
ber of specialized terms have been intro-
Taedong River.
At the April 1945 Yalta Conference,
duced in the north, especially in written
The climate is temperate. July and
the United States and the Soviet Union
usage, creating a distinctive vocabulary
August are normally the warmest
becoming increasingly difficult to under-
agreed to establish a joint trusteeship
months, with temperatures averaging
stand in the south.
for Korea. The trusteeship was intended
30 °C (85 °F) at Pyongyang. January is
as a temporary administrative measure,
the coldest; temperatures often drop be-
pending democratic elections of a Korean
low - 20 °C (-4 °F). Rainfall is concen-
Religion
Government. To effect the Japanese sur-
trated in the summer months, usually
render after the war the United States
Korea's traditional religions are Bud-
occurring in June and July. Snowfall
proposed-and the Soviet Union
dhism, Shamanism, and Chongdogyo.
is generally light, but the ground is
Christian missionaries arrived in the
agreed-that Japanese forces surrender
covered for long periods.
to U.S. forces south of the 38th parallel
19th century and founded schools, hos-
and to Soviet forces north of that line.
pitals, and other modern institutions
In the North, the Soviets initially
throughout Korea. Major centers of mis-
PEOPLE
transferred the administrative powers of
sionary activity included Seoul and
the former Japanese colonial government
Pyongyang. Although religious groups
Korea was first populated by a Tungusic
to "people's committees," and later to a
nominally exist in North Korea, most
branch of the Ural-Altaic family, which
five-province administrative bureau. un-
available evidence suggests that the gov-
migrated to the peninsula from the
der the nationalist, Cho Man-Sik. Cho
ernment severely restricts religious ac-
northwestern regions of Asia. Some of
was later purged for opposing the deci-
tivity, allowing these groups to exist
these peoples also populated parts of
sion of allied foreign ministers at the
only for the sake of its international
northeast China (Manchuria), and Ko-
Moscow Conference for a 5-year trustee-
image.
reans and Manchurians still show physi-
ship, during which a Korean provincial
cal similarities. Koreans are racially and
government would prepare for full inde-
linguistically homogeneous. Although
pendence. The joint Soviet-American
HISTORY
there are no indigenous minorities,
commission provided for by the Moscow
there is a small Chinese community
Conference met intermittently in Seoul
According to legend, the god-king Tan-
(about 50,000) and an estimated 1,800
but deadlocked over the issue of free con-
gun founded the Korean nation in 2333
Japanese wives who accompanied the
B.C., after which his descendants
sultations with representatives of all
approximately 93,000 Korean return-
reigned over a peaceful kingdom for
ees from Japan around 1959-62.
more than a millennium. By the first
century A.D., the Korean Peninsula,
known as Chosun ("morning calm"), was
3
Korean political groups for establish-
Armistice negotiations began in
South. North Korean forces are well
ment of a national government. In Sep-
July 1951, but hostilities continued until
equipped and have a substantial advan-
tember 1947, the United States
July 27, 1953. On that date, at Panmun-
tage (approximately 2 or 3 to 1) in sever-
submitted the Korean question to the
jom, the military commanders of the
al key categories of offensive weapons-
UN General Assembly.
North Korean People's Army, the Chi-
tanks, long-range artillery, and armored
nese people's volunteers, and the UNC
personnel carriers. The North has per-
Korean Conflict
signed an armistice agreement. Neither
haps the world's second (after the Soviet
the United States nor South Korea is a
Union) largest commando force (55,000)
The Soviet Union and the Korean au-
signatory of the armistice per se, al-
designed for insertion behind the lines in
thorities in the North refused to comply
though both adhere to it through the
wartime. North Korea now has the fifth
with the UN General Assembly resolu-
UNC. No comprehensive peace agree-
largest army in the world. It also has
tion of November 1947, which called for
ment has replaced the 1953 armistice
more than twice as many combat air-
UN-supervised elections throughout Ko-
pact. which remains in force. Thus a con-
craft as the South, although South
rea. Elections, nonetheless, were car-
dition of belligerency still exists on the
Korean-U.S. forces have a slight qualita-
ried out under UN observation in the
divided peninsula. A Military Armistice
tive edge. North Korean exercises sug-
south, and on August 15, 1948, the Re-
Commission composed of 10 members,
gest an impressive sophistication in
public of Korea was established. A Ko-
five appointed by each side, supervises
terms of joint and combined forces
rean nationalist leader, Syngman Rhee,
implementation of the armistice.
operations.
became the Republic's first president.
The armistice called for an interna-
In addition to their size and capa-
On September 9, 1948, the Soviet Union
tional conference to find a political solu-
bilities, factors of time and distance
established the Democratic People's Re-
tion to the problem of Korea's division.
compound the challenge posed by North
public of Korea in the north under Kim Il
This conference met at Geneva in April
Korean forces. The North (and the
Sung, a former guerrilla who, after
1954 but, after 7 weeks of futile debate,
South) deploys the bulk of its forces well
fighting against the Japanese in Man-
ended without agreement or progress.
forward, along the DMZ. Over the last
churia during the 1930s, served with the
several years, North Korea has moved
Soviet Army in the Far East during
Reunification Policy
even more of its rear echelon troops to
World War II. Although Kim claimed au-
hardened bunkers closer to the DMZ.
thority over the entire peninsula, the
North Korea has pursued its goal of re-
Given the proximity of Seoul to the DMZ
UN General Assembly, on December 12,
unification by regular and irregular mil-
(some 25 miles), South Korean and U.S.
1948, declared the Republic of Korea the
itary measures, by terrorism, and by
forces are likely to have little warning of
only lawful government in Korea.
negotiations.
any attack. Consequently, a high state of
Sporadic guerrilla fighting between
Military Measures. North Korea
readiness is required at all times. The
South and North Korea intensified dur-
United States and R.O.K. continue to
took no military action during the politi-
ing the spring of 1948. After the United
cal turmoil in the South in the early
believe that the U.S. troop presence re-
States withdrew its military forces from
1960s, but subsequently perpetrated a
mains an important deterrent against
Korea in the spring of 1949, border
number of violent acts directed both at
North Korean aggression. Recent North
clashes commenced.
Korean infiltration efforts include con-
U.S. and South Korean forces and South
On June 25, 1950, North Korean
Korean Government officials. These ef-
struction of several military tunnels un-
forces invaded South Korea. In re-
forts included the 1968 infiltration into
der the DMZ. This tunneling effort
sponse, the United Nations, in accor-
continues.
Seoul by a 31-agent team, which at-
dance with the terms of its Charter,
Terrorism. North Korea also is be-
tempted to assassinate President Park
engaged in its first collective action, es-
Chung Hee; the seizure 2 days later of
lieved to have dispatched the assassin
tablishing the UN Command (UNC), to
the U.S.S. Pueblo in international wa-
who. while attempting to kill President
which 16 member nations sent troops and
Park in 1974. killed Mrs. Park. In Octo-
ters and the subsequent imprisonment
assistance. At the request of the UN
ber 1983, North Korean Army officers
and torture of its crew; and the shooting
Secretary General, the United States,
down in 1969 of an unarmed U.S. EC-121
set off a bomb in Rangoon. Burma. kill-
which contributed the largest contin-
reconnaissance aircraft in international
ing 17 members of an official South Ko-
gent, led this international effort.
airspace. In 1976, North Korean troops,
rean delegation and four Burmese.
UN forces initially fell back to the
wielding axes wrested from an UNC
Although former President Chun Doo
Pusan perimeter but. after a successful
work party, killed two U.S. Army offi-
Hwan escaped harm, four South Korean
surprise landing at Inchon. rapidly ad-
cabinet ministers and several senior ad-
cers in the DMZ.
vanced up the peninsula. As the main
In the early 1970s, as the North
visers were among those slain. Most re-
UN force approached the Yalu, large
cently, on November 29, 1987, two North
scaled back its sabotage and infiltration
numbers of Chinese "people's volunteers"
efforts against the South, it began a ma-
Korean agents sabotaged a Korean air-
intervened. forcing UN troops to with-
jor long-term conventional military
liner (KA-858) causing the death of all
draw south of Seoul. The battle line flue-
buildup. The extent of this buildup went
115 persons on board.
tuated back and forth until the late
undetected until the late 1970s. The dis-
Negotiating efforts. Throughout
spring of 1951. when a successful UNC
parity between the North and South Ko-
the postwar period, both Korean Govern-
offensive was halted to enhance cease-
rean forces, which resulted from this
ments have repeatedly affirmed their
fire negotiation prospects. The battle
military expansion. led the U.S. Gov-
desire to reunify the Korean Peninsula.
line thereafter stabilized north of Seoul
ernment in mid-1979 to cancel further
but until 1971 the two governments had
near the 38th parallel.
no direct. official communications or
planned withdrawals of U.S. ground
combat forces from South Korea.
other contact.
The comparative military balance
In August 1971. North and South
continues to favor the North. The North
Korea agreed to hold talks through their
has more than 1 million armed person-
nel, compared to about 630,000 in the
4
respective Red Cross societies with the
goods to victims of severe flooding in
aim of reuniting the many Korean fami-
normalize inter-Korean relations as a
South Korea in September 1984, and
lies separated following the division of
step toward reunification, and other spe-
South Korean acceptance, led to revived
Korea and the Korean war. Following a
cific measures to reduce tensions and
dialogue on several fronts-Red Cross
series of secret meetings, both sides an-
promote humanitarian and cultural ex-
talks to address the plight of separated
nounced, on July 4, 1972, an agreement
changes. President Roh, in a speech to
families, economic and trade talks, and
to work toward peaceful reunification
the UN General Assembly in October
parliamentary talks. In January 1986,
and an end to the hostile atmosphere
1988. offered to go to Pyongyang at any
the North unilaterally suspended all
prevailing on the peninsula. Officials ex-
time to discuss any issue, including
talks, arguing the annual R.O.K./U.S.
changed visits, and regular communica-
North Korea's call for a mutual declara-
Team Spirit military exercise was incon-
tions were established through a North-
tion of nonaggression. In turn, Kim Il
sistent with dialogue. The North also an-
South Coordinating Committee and the
Sung has periodically reiterated pro-
nounced a unilateral moratorium on
Red Cross; however, the two sides made
posals for a North-South confederation,
large-scale military exercises and called
no substantive progress. These initial
first proposed in 1960. In his September
upon the United States and R.O.K. to do
contacts broke down and ended on Au-
9, 1988 National Day address, Kim Il
the same, which responded by reiterat-
gust 13, 1973. The breakdown reflected
Sung repeated that a summit must first
ing their longstanding offer to allow
basic differences in approach, with
take up the confederation plan and with-
Pyongyang insisting on immediate steps
D.P.R.K. officials to observe Team Spir-
drawal of U.S. forces. In his 1989 New
it and by proposing prenotification of
toward reunification before discussing
Year's address, Kim suggested that Roh
military exercises. These proposals were
specific concrete issues and Seoul main-
come to Pyongyang as a party head in a
rejected by the North, and, in 1987, the
taining that, given the long history of
group with southern opposition and dis-
North resumed large-scale exercises.
sident leaders.
mutual distrust, reunification must be a
In a major new initiative on July 7,
gradual, step-by-step process.
In early 1989. as other dialogue pro-
1988, South Korean President Roh Tae
South Korea maintains that a
posals made little progress, both sides
Woo called for new efforts to promote
meaningful dialogue should be based
expressed hopes for high-level talks
South-North exchanges, family re-
on de facto recognition of each other's
headed by the respective prime minis-
unification, inter-Korean trade, and con-
existing political. social, and economic
ters. Two preliminary meetings to
tact in international forums. He also said
systems. South Korea supports the
discuss arrangements were held in
recognition of both Koreas by the major
South Korea was willing to cooperate
February. In other forums, the two Na-
with the North to promote relations with
powers in the region (United States,
tional Olympic Committees met to dis-
U.S.S.R., P.R.C., and Japan) and the
the United States and Japan and that the
cuss forming a joint team for the 1990
South would seek better relations with
admission of both Koreas to the United
the U.S.S.R. and China. North Korea
Asian Games in Beijing. But in April.
Nations, pending peaceful reunification.
North Korea suspended both sets of
North Korea rejects these ideas, al-
initially responded negatively, calling it
talks, blaming South Korea's arrest of a
though it applied for UN membership in
a "splitist" proposal designed to legalize
dissident clergyman who visited North
a two-Koreas policy.
1949 (following the lead of the R.O.K.)
Korea without government approval.
and supported a Soviet Union draft in
President Roh's initiative provided
Following the R.O.K. Government's
renewed momentum to South-North dia-
1957, resubmitted in 1958, which called
1988 decision to allow trade with the
logue. Later in July 1988, the National
for "simultaneous UN admission." The
D.P.R.K., South Korean firms have
North now argues that this proposal
Assemblies of each side exchanged let-
begun to import North Korean goods.
would perpetuate the peninsula's
ters over the South's request to discuss
all via third-country contracts. The
division.
participation in the 1988 Summer Olym-
D.P.R.K. has denounced and denied this
pics. (North Korea, which had demanded
Tension between North and South
trade. By contrast, the North publicized
Korea increased dramatically in the af-
to cohost the games and had rejected
a late January 1989 visit by Hyundai
Seoul's offer to host five events, declined
termath of the October 9. 1983 Rangoon
founder Chong Chu Yong as well as the
bombing. North-South sports talks the
to participate and asked fellow socialist
protocol he signed to develop tourism
following spring broke down in acrimony
countries to join a boycott. Only seven
obliged.) Small parliamentary delega-
and other projects in the North. In April
over Rangoon; Pyongyang ultimately
1989. these projects were put on hold
boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics in
tions met at Panmunjom several times
from August to December in an incon-
amidst the acrimony following the dis-
a show of support for the Soviet Union.
sident clergyman's visit.
South Korea's suspicions of the
clusive attempt to arrange a joint meet-
ing of the two assemblies, to which each
North's motives were undiminished by
Pyongyang's proposal for "tripartite"
had agreed in principle. The North in-
GOVERNMENT
talks on the future of the Korean Penin-
sisted the assemblies adopt a mutual
sula. This initiative. made public on Jan-
nonaggression declaration; the South ar-
North Korea has a centralized govern-
uary 10, 1984, called for negotiations
gued that this was properly the role of
ment under the rigid control of the Ko-
with the United States. in which "South
the executive branch. At year's end,
rean Worker's (communist) Party (KWP).
Korean authorities" would be permitted
when the two sides were nearing agree-
It is dominated by one man, Kim Il
to participate. The North's tripartite
ment on an agenda and arrangements for
Sung. who, in addition to his titles of
agenda would include replacing the armi-
a joint session, the North introduced a
general secretary of the KWP and presi-
stice agreement with a peace treaty,
new demand to discuss the annual U.S.-
ident of North Korea. is generally re-
providing for withdrawal of all U.S.
R.O.K. Team Spirit military exercise. In
ferred to as "Great Leader." A few
troops. and drafting a declaration of non-
early February 1989, North Korea re-
minor parties are allowed to exist in
aggression between North and South.
fused to attend further preparatory
name only. presumably to present a
North Korea's offer to provide relief
meetings until Team Spirit ended.
facade of representative government to
The Roh and Chun administrations
the outside world.
have repeatedly suggested a summit
meeting with President Kim to discuss
any and all proposals. an agreement to
5
In December 1972, the Fifth Su-
Principal Party and
During the early 1970s, North Ko-
preme People's Assembly (SPA) ratified
Government Officials
rea, probably noting the more rapid eco-
a new constitution replacing that of 1948.
The 1972 document created the position
President, KWP Politburo Standing
nomic development of the South,
Committee (1 of 3), KWP General
attempted a large-scale modernization
of president and a super-cabinet called
the Central People's Committee (CPC).
Secretary, Supreme Commander of
program through the importation of
In theory, the SPA is the highest organ
the People's Armed Forces-Kim Il
Western technology, principally in the
of state power. Its members are elected
Sung
heavy industrial sectors of the economy.
KWP Politburo Standing Committee,
By the end of 1986, the North's hard-
every 4 years. Usually only two meet-
KWP Secretary (1 of 10), son of Kim
currency debt had reached more than
ings are held annually, each lasting a few
Il Sung and de facto heir apparent-
$4 billion. It also owed nearly $2 billion
days. A standing committee of 19 mem-
to communist creditors. Unable to fi-
bers elected by the SPA performs legis-
Kim Chong Il
lative functions when the assembly is not
KWP Politburo Standing Committee,
nance its debt through exports, it be-
in session. In reality, the assembly
Minister of the People's Armed
came the first communist country to
serves only to ratify decisions made by
Forces-0 Chin U
default on its loans from free market
the ruling KWP. The constitution desig-
Premier, Politburo Full Member (1 of
countries. In 1979, North Korea was able
12)-Yun Hyong Mok
to renegotiate much of its international
nates the Central People's Committee
(CPC) as the government's top policy-
Vice President (1 of 3), Politburo-Pak
debt, but in 1980 it defaulted on all of its
Song-ch'ol
loans except those from Japan. In 1986,
making body. Headed by Kim Il Sung,
who also nominates the other 24 commit-
Vice President, Politburo-Yi Chong-ok
however, the Japanese also declared the
Politburo, Chairman KWP Inspection
North in default of more than $200
tee members, the CPC makes policy de-
cisions and supervises the cabinet (State
Comm-So Ch'ol
million.
Administration Council). The council is
Politburo, KWP Secretary-Kye
Largely because of these debt prob-
headed by a premier and is the dominant
Ung-t'ae
lems but also because of a prolonged
Vice Premier, Foreign Minister,
drought and governmental mismanage-
administrative and executive agency.
Politburo-Kim Yong-nam
ment, North Korea's industrial growth
The judiciary is subordinate to the Su-
KWP Politburo, KWP Secretary, Chair-
slowed in 1976. In that same year, for the
preme People's Assembly. The SPA's
Standing Committee appoints judges to
man of Comm. for Peaceful Re-
first time, the North's per capita GNP
the highest court for 4-year terms con-
unification of the Fatherland-Ho
fell below that of the South, and by the
current with that of the assembly.
Tam
end of 1979, per capita GNP in the North
Politically, North Korea is divided
Politburo, KWP Secretary-Chon
was about one-third of that in the South.
into nine provinces and four provincial-
Pyong-ho
The causes for this relatively poor per-
Chairman, Supreme People's Assembly
formance are complex, but a major fac-
level municipalities-Pyongyang, Chong-
jin, Nampo, and Kaesong. It also ap-
Standing Committee-Yang
tor is the disproportionately large
Hyong-sop
percentage of GNP (more than 20%) that
pears to be divided into nine military
the North devotes to the military.
districts.
In April 1982, Kim Il Sung an-
Little is known about the actual
ECONOMY
nounced a new economic policy giving
lines of power and authority in the
priority to increased agricultural pro-
North Korean Government despite the
The division of the Korean Peninsula in
duction through land reclamation, devel-
formal structure set forth in the consti-
1945 resulted in imbalances of natural
opment of the country's infrastructure-
tution. It is clear, however, that 77-year-
and human resources, with disadvan-
especially power plants and transporta-
old Kim Il Sung, who has ruled North
tion facilities-and reliance on domes-
Korea continuously since 1948, wields
tages for both the North and the South.
By most economic measures, after parti-
tically produced equipment. Recently,
dictatorial power. Kim and a dwindling
number of long-time loyalists, all rank-
tion the North was left better off in
there have been signs of a shift in policy
ing members of the Korean Workers'
terms of industry and natural resources.
emphasis toward expanding trade. In
Party, dominate the political system and
The South, however, had two-thirds of
September 1984, North Korea promul-
the economy through an elaborate party
the work force. In 1945, about 65% of Ko-
gated a joint venture law to attract for-
structure and through the civilian and
rean heavy industry was in the North
eign capital and technology. Currently,
but only 31% of light industry, 37% of ag-
North Korea's default on its foreign debt
military bureaucracies. At the inner-
most circle are the three members of the
riculture, and 18% of the peninsula's to-
is largely responsible for scant foreign
tal commerce.
interest in joint ventures. The new ver-
Standing Committee of the KWP Politi-
cal Bureau: Kim Il Sung, his son Kim
North and South both suffered from
bal emphasis on expanding trade and ac-
the massive destruction caused by the
quiring technology, however, has not
Chong II, and Armed Forces Minister O
Chin U. Kim Il Sung is the object of an
Korean war. Since that time, North Ko-
shifted internal economic priorities away
intensive and far reaching personality
rea's command economy has concen-
from support of military industry.
cult. A similar cult is developing around
trated its labor force (estimated at 8.4
Kim Chong Il, 47, who has been groomed
million in 1986) and natural resources in
an effort to achieve rapid economic de-
FOREIGN RELATIONS
to succeed his father. Many observers
now credit the younger Kim with day-to-
velopment. Large amounts of aid from
other communist countries, notably the
After 1945, the Soviet Union supplied
day management of domestic affairs.
Should this father-to-son transition suc-
Soviet Union and China, assisted the
the economic and military aid that en-
ceed, North Korea would become the
regime. In the years immediately after
abled North Korea to mount its invasion
first country ruled by a Marxist heredi-
the end of the Korean war the North's
of the South in 1950. Soviet aid and influ-
tary dynasty.
economy experienced a high growth
ence continued at a high level during the
rate.
war; the Soviet Union was, in large
part, responsible for rebuilding North
Korea's economy after the cessation of
6
-hostilities. However, the assistance of
Chinese "volunteers" during the war and
the presence of these troops until 1958
Further Information
gave Beijing considerable influence in
Pyongyang. In 1961, North Korea con-
These titles are provided as a general indication of the material published on this country. The
Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.
cluded formal mutual security treaties
with the Soviet Union and China, which
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Press, 1984.
Asian Studies, 1983.
parroting of Soviet positions, North Ko-
Kim, Hak-joon. The Unification Policy of
Suh, Dae-sook. The Korean Communist
South and North Korea, 1948-1976: A
rea proclaims a militantly independent
Movement, 1918-1948. Princeton: Prince-
Comparative Study. Seoul: Seoul Nation-
stance in its foreign policy in accordance
ton University Press, 1966.
al University Press, 1977.
with President Kim's continued empha-
Suh, Dae-sook and Lee, Chong-sik. Political
Kim, Ilpyong J. Communist Politics in North
sis on the doctrine of self-reliance
Leadership in Korea. Seattle: University
Korea. New York: Praeger, 1975.
of Washington Press, 1976.
("Juche"). Pyongyang seeks to enlarge
Kim, Joungwon Alexander. Divided Korea:
its representation abroad wherever
The Politics of Development 1945-1972.
Available from the Superintendent of Docu-
possible and has had some success.
Cambridge: Harvard University Press,
ments, U.S. Government Printing Office,
However, following the October 1983
1976.
Washington, D.C. 20402:
assassination attempt on the South
Kim, Young C. and Abraham M. Halpern. The
American University. North Korea: a Coun-
Korean President in Rangoon. Burma
Future of the Korean Peninsula. New
try study. 1981.
York: Praeger, 1976.
broke relations with North Korea, and
Department of State. The Record on Korean
Koh, Byung Chul. The Foreign Policy of
several other countries followed suit.
Unification 1943-1960. 1961.
North Korea. New York: Praeger, 1969.
Similarly, after KA-858. two other gov-
Department of the Army. Communist North
Koh, Byung Chul. The Foreign Policy Sys-
ernments broke ties with the D.P.R.K.,
Korea: A Bibliographic Survey. 1971.
tems of North and South Korea. Berke-
and several more took other diplomatic
measures against the North. Moreover,
various incidents, mostly smuggling and
blackmarketing offenses by North Ko-
U.S. POLICY TOWARD
rean diplomats, have caused some
NORTH KOREA
To advance this goal and in support
of President Roh's 1988 reunification ini-
countries to be reluctant to open rela-
tions with North Korea and others to ex-
tiatives, the U.S. Government on Octo-
The U.S. Government supports the
pel or decline to admit North Korean
ber 31, 1988, announced the following
peaceful reunification of Korea on terms
missions. North Korea has increasingly
steps regarding relations with the
acceptable to the Korean people. Recog-
D.P.R.K.
emphasized its relations with Third
nizing that the North's isolation is an in-
World nations and aspires to a leadership
herently destabilizing factor in the
Authorize U.S. diplomats to hold
role in the Nonaligned Movement. As of
Northeast Asia region, and an impedi-
substantive discussions with D.P.R.K.
May 1989, North Korea had diplomatic
ment to the peaceful reunification of Ko-
officials in neutral settings;
relations with 103 countries, South Ko-
rea, the United States is committed to
Encourage unofficial, nongovern-
rea with 131, and 72 nations had diplo-
drawing the D.P.R.K. out of its isolation
mental visits from the D.P.R.K. in aca-
matic relations with both Koreas.
and bringing it more fully into the world
demics, sports, culture, and other areas;
community.
7
ECONOMIC THEMES FOR THE PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO ASIA
Both the U.S. and Asia benefit from free trade and open markets:
Our economic relationship is not a zero-sum game for either
partner.
The American economy and American jobs increasingly depend
on free trade and open markets.
-
In the United States, nearly half (49%) of our GNP
growth between 1985 and 1990 was attributable to
exports.
-
In 1991, U.S. will export close to $700 billion worth
of merchandise and services.
-
Record 7.2 million jobs were supported directly and
indirectly by U.S. merchandise exports alone in 1990.
-
More than 19,000 jobs are supported per billion
dollars of U.S. exports.
Asia's stake in the trading system is greater than ours.
The export strength and economic growth of Asian economies
will continue to be dependent upon open international
markets for goods, services, and investment.
-
Asian economies are relatively more dependent than the
U.S. economy on exports and imports.
-
In 1990, exports amounted to 32% of GNP in Korea and
15% of GNP in Japan; by comparison, U.S. figure is 10%.
O
If the open trading system cannot be preserved and expanded
in the Uruguay Round, Asia's prosperity could be jeopardized
by stagnant world trade.
Asia is increasingly important to the U.S. economy:
The United States is a Pacific power, with vital economic,
as well as political, interests in the region.
Asia is an important and growing market for U.S. exports and
a source of U.S. job creation.
-
Japan (#2), Korea (#6), and Taiwan (#9) were among top
10 markets for U.S. exports in 1990.
-
In 1990, U.S. manufacturers sold $115 billion of goods
in the Asia-Pacific region (29% of total U.S. exports);
by comparison, $113 billion in goods were sold in
Western Europe.
- 2 -
-
Exports to Japan and the four Asian NIE's alone support
an estimated 1.7 million U.S. jobs.
Trade with Asia accounts for large and growing proportion of
total U.S. trade.
-
In 1980, U.S.-Asia trade accounted for 24% of total
U.S. trade (imports and exports). By 1990, Asia
accounted for 34% of total trade.
Asia is also a large consumer of U.S. services, including
financial services, an area in which the United States has
special expertise.
-
In 1990, U.S. sold $22.9 billion in services to Japan
and Australia alone.
The westward shift of U.S. population, immigration patterns,
and increased cultural diversity in the United States point
to ever closer economic relations with Asia and the Pacific.
-
The U.S. population is increasingly concentrated in the
Western states (21.2% of total U.S. population in
1990).
-
A large and increasing share of U.S. GNP is produced in
the Western states.
-
Asians represent growing share of U.S. population (6.9
million in 1990 or 2.8% of total VS. 1.6% in 1980) and
growing share of U.S. immigration.
Asia needs our exports:
Asia's demand for imports -- our exports -- will increase as
Asian economies grow wealthier.
Asian consumers need access to foreign goods and services if
they are to raise their standard of living and enjoy the
fruits of their labors.
-
Japanese Prime Minister Miyazawa, for example, recently
stated that Japan should become a "lifestyle
superpower". This will benefit our economy by
increasing opportunities for U.S. exporters.
Asian countries have cooperated with the U.S.:
The U.S. -Asia relationship helps reinforce global
cooperation for the benefit of citizens of all nations.
Several Asian nations helped shoulder the economic burden of
- 3 -
the international effort to counter Iraq's aggression.
-
$10.4 billion was committed by Japan ($10.0 billion)
and Korea ($355 million) to offset U.S. military costs
of Operation Desert Storm.
-
$2.8 billion in economic assistance was committed by
Australia ($14 million), Japan ($2.7 billion), and
Korea ($115 million) to ease impact of Gulf Crisis on
the frontline states in the Middle East (Egupt, Turkey,
and Jordan).
In the G-7 and Economic Summit fora, Japan has helped foster
sustainable world growth with low inflation.
Japan has also supported U.S. initiatives to resolve the
international debt problems of the developing nations. For
example:
-
It pledged $500 million for the Multilateral Investment
Fund (MIF) for Latin America, one third of total MIF
funding.
-
Japan contributed almost $500 million to international
efforts to clear the arrears owed by Panama, Nicaragua,
and Panama to the international financial institutions.
Asian countries have helped the U.S. in efforts to
strengthen market forces in Eastern Europe and in developing
countries. This will help open up these economies for U.S.
trade and investment.
Treasury Department
December 10, 1991
KOREA
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Korean financial system is antiquated, over-regulated,
and ill-suited to the needs of Korea's dynamic economy.
U.S. banks and securities firms face numerous barriers to
entering and operating in the Korean market.
In addition, elimination of Korea's pervasive controls over
interest rates, credit allocation, and capital flows is
essential if U.S. financial institutions are to enjoy long-
term competitiveness in Korea, and U.S. businesses are to
find adequate funding sources.
The Treasury Department and Korean Ministry of Finance have
made some progress in bilateral talks in addressing both
specific national treatment issues and broader financial
liberalization. However, much work remains to be done.
The USG has also sought Korean cooperation in bringing about
a strong financial services agreement in the Uruguay Round;
Korea's support thus far has been very disappointing.
Our specific objectives for the President's trip include:
-
A public statement by the ROKG of its commitment to
financial liberalization, including support for a
strong Uruguay Round financial services agreement.
-
Issuance of a comprehensive blueprint for financial
market liberalization, with a clear timetable for
implementation.
-
Implementation of a commitment last spring to ease
restrictions on deferred payment terms for imports by
the end of 1991.
Treasury Department
December 10, 1991
JAPAN
ECONOMIC THEMES
The U.S. and Japan have the single most important
bilateral economic relationship in the world.
-
With the world's two largest economies, their
actions impact many other nations, as well.
Despite disputes over trade issues, Japan has
cooperated closely with the U.S. (e.g. in the Economic
Summit and G-7 framework) to foster sustainable world
growth with low inflation, and has been very supportive
of a number of U.S. initiatives, including resolving
the debt crisis in developing countries.
However, a number of contentious economic issues in the
area of trade, financial services, and investment
plague the bilateral relationship, despite continuous
bilateral consultations.
Uruguay Round:
Agriculture is the key to compromise; Japanese need to
show leadership and contribute to a successful
conclusion.
Also need liberalization in financial services area.
Japan's External Surpluses:
We are concerned about Japan's rising current account
surplus
-
Surplus is expected to rise from $36 billion in 1990 to
$68 billion in 1991, according to the IMF). This
imbalance can disturb financial markets and feed
protectionism.
Although the U.S. trade deficit with Japan fell from a
peak of $57 billion in 1987 to about $42 billion last
year, it is beginning to increase again and still
accounted for two-thirds of the overall U.S. trade
deficit through September, 1991.
This highlights need for Japanese to maintain economic
growth and open markets.
Export Dependency and Bilateral Trade:
Although both the U.S. and Japan have major stakes in
preserving the open trading system, Japan is somewhat
more dependent on exports than the U.S.
- 2 -
-
Japan's exports of goods and services accounted
for 15 percent of GNP in 1990. For the U.S., the
figure was 10 percent.
-
The U.S. is Japan's most important market,
accounting for almost 32% of Japan's exports and
almost 22% of Japan's imports in 1990.
-
Japan is the U.S.' second most important market,
accounting for 12% of U.S. exports and 18% of U.S.
imports in 1990.
-
In finance-related service transactions (royalties
and license fees, financial services and
insurance) the U.S. has a surplus with Japan.
U.S. receipts amounted to $4.0 billion in 1990,
compared to payments of $1.4 billion.
Foreign Investment:
The U.S. market is far more open to foreign direct
investment than Japan's. This has fed Congressional
and popular concern in the U.S.
Cumulative direct investment inflows into the U.S. during
the period 1981-90 amounted to $355 billion ($80 billion
from Japan alone), compared with only $6 billion in the same
ten year period into Japan from all sources.
-
During the period 1981-90, cumulative foreign
direct investment in the U.S. represented about
5.7% of total U.S. fixed investment. In Japan,
the equivalent number was 0.1%, a difference of
more than 50:1.
Exchange Rate:
Yen/dollar rate has been quite stable since October
1991 G-7 Ministers meeting.
U.S. believes rates in G-7 countries are consistent
with balance of payments adjustment needs and
underlying economic fundamentals.
Japanese Financial Markets:
Despite U.S. efforts to open up Japan's financial
markets, Japanese banks are far more important in the
U.S. than U.S. banks in Japan. Japanese banks in the
U.S. hold 11% of U.S. banking assets; U.S. banks in
Japan hold less than 1% of Japanese bank assets.
- 3 -
O
We have been negotiating with the Japanese since 1984
to liberalize financial markets. Significant progess
has been achieved, but more needs to be done.
O
Recent financial scandals are symptomatic of the continued
lack of transparency and competition in the Japanese market.
Japan needs to take steps to reform its system and restore
international confidence.
Structural Impediments Initiative (SII)
O
SII represents an important initiative to reduce
impediments to competition and adjustment of external
imbalances. SII success can help to head off
protectionism.
-
For example, U.S. has urged Japan to: increase
public infrastructure investment to improve
economic well being; reduce monopolistic effects
of keiretsu business practices; and open up
distribution system to imports,
o
Some progress has been achieved, but it is essential
that we re-energize the SII process by introducing new
commitments on both sides.
Treasury Department
December 10, 1991
AUSTRALIA
ECONOMIC THEMES
Australia has been an invaluable negotiating partner in the
Uruguay Round, especially on agricultural issues like the
CAP.
Facing its fourth year of declining agricultural income,
Australia has pressed the U.S. on farm issues:
-
It has complained about U.S. subsidized wheat sales, is
unhappy with having to negotiate with the U.S. a
voluntary restraint agreement on beef, and is concerned
about a 34% cut in its sugar import quota due to
increased U.S. production.
Australia's financial markets have been relatively closed to
foreign entry. However, under reforms recommended to
Parliament in November, foreign banks would be allowed
easier entry and operation.
Treasury Department
December 10, 1991
SINGAPORE
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Singapore is an important offshore financial center, and
maintains a relatively open market for foreign firms.
However, U.S. firms face discrimination in the significantly
smaller domestic market.
The U.S. seeks Singapore's support for a strong financial
services agreement in the Uruguay Round. At a minimum, the
U.S. would like to see Singapore stop blocking progress and
play a more constructive leadership role.
-
The lack of support from Singapore and the other ASEAN
countries for a strong financial services agreement in
the Uruguay Round has been very disappointing.
In the bilateral financial services negotiations, the U.S.
seeks a commitment from Singapore for a level local playing
field in both the banking and securities sectors.
Treasury Department
December 10, 1991
SII - U.S. Commitments
Issue:
GOJ officials have criticized the USG for not following
through on as many of its commitments as the GOJ has done. By
their count, Japan has completed 80 percent of its commitments,
while the USG has completed 20 percent, at best.
Suggested Talking Points:
:
What matters most in SII is the significance of the
undertakings, not the quantity.
The U.S. deserves credit for making substantial progress on
its commitments, which, in many respects, have been more
difficult politically than those that Japan has undertaken.
There is an asymmetry to U.S. and Japanese undertakings. In
many cases, Japan is being asked to open up its economy and
improve the lifestyle of its people, while the U.S. is
trying to cut public expenditures to reduce its budget
deficit and stave off protectionist pressure to close the
U.S. market.
--
The GOJ may have passed a larger number of pieces of SII
legislation than in the U.S., but the U.S. has resisted a
larger number of protectionist and budget-busting bills than
Japan.
--
In both countries, we are trying to deal with ingrained
structural problems in a way which will have a lasting
effect, even if it takes some time for their effects to be
felt.
The two most important efforts by the United States include:
o
undertaking major budget reforms, which are holding the
line on deficit spending, even in a difficult recession
year;
-
This package included tax increases that were
undertaken at great political cost, and an even
tighter rein on discretionary spending.
-
We haven't seen a sustained reduction in the
deficit numbers yet; nor has Japan in its trade
numbers. The U.S. budget deficit will come down,
though, and the reduction will be lasting.
-
In comparison, the parallel Japanese commitment to
increase public infrastructure spending benefits
numerous Japanese constituencies and is
politically popular.
2
vigorously defending open investment policy;
-
Administration has maintained its open investment
policy in the face of numerous protectionist
proposals and growing mood of isolationism.
-
In contrast, Japan's commitments are aimed at
opening its markets, with benefits for the
consumer.
[May wish to note Presidential Statement
strongly reaffirming open investment policy,
if released.]
--
In addition, U.S. has taken a number of other measures:
intensified export promotion efforts, with a particular
focus on Japan;
embarked on an ambitious program to improve workforce
education and training;
-
In April 1991, President Bush outlined strategy to
achieve national education goals, called "America
2000, If which involves major reforms to primary and
secondary education system.
increased Federal support for research and development
efforts;
--
The FY 1992 budget proposed to allocate about $76
billion for R&D in 1992, an increase of over $8
billion, or 13 percent over 1991 levels. This is
the highest level ever.
and
continued to work toward strengthening incentives for
private saving and long-term investment (e.g.,
reduction of capital gains tax; enhanced IRAs; Family
Savings Accounts), despite strong political resistance.
-- U.S. intends to intensify these efforts.
12/9/91
Treasury