Be Wary of America Luring Northeast Asia into a Gang Fight

In the modern history of Northeast Asia, there has been the Cold War, in which Americans, Japanese and South Koreans ganged up together against China, Russia and North Korea. In the wake of Japan’s sudden economic rise, the clash between the American and Japanese economies intensified; only then was there an improvement in relations between the U.S. and China. But recently, it seems that since America has returned to Northeast Asia, they are attempting to band together with Japan and South Korea. They are attempting to put on an old play and resurrect the Cold War. It seems they want to pull Northeast Asia back into the Cold War period’s state of affairs.

Seemingly, Northeast Asia again has started into a period of fighting, from the “Tian An” ship incident to Yanping Island’s bombardment and the recent Japanese-Korean military agreement. Taking all of this together looks like it is by chance — but in fact, it was certainly started by American incitement. Focus on the answer after the recent shelling; every country has a plan.

America and Japan have used the Korean situation to launch a diplomatic war of nerves. The prior Japanese cabinet was caught by the desire to relocate the Futenma American military base and had no way to back down. This time, America’s return to Northeast Asia is a golden opportunity. The right wing politicians will not have success. Recent trends in Japanese politics and military affairs explain this a little.

North Korea continuously pursues a two track political policy trajectory. One is sealed in blood and will lead to war. The second is to wish for an opening to the outside world and is unlikely to result in a smooth political transition of power.

South Korea’s actions, for all concerned parties, are somewhat embarrassing. Lee Myung-bak’s conduct in the democratization of Korea leans toward conservatism. Kim Dae-jung took office to halt the “Sunshine Policy” and only worsened the ethnic hatred for North Korea. North and South relations are this cabinet’s most variable factor. But the government’s conduct certainly got America’s nod of approval before it went into force.

It looks as if America is unanimous on the Korea issue, but it has a deeper design. America has already been on this battlefield and wants to return to others. America’s participation in bilateral and multilateral relations has a deeper plan. America has already begun to quietly change its strategy. America wants to take the Korean island bombardment issue and drown China with it.

Foreign public opinion believes that China has an ambiguous attitude. As a matter of fact, China’s attitude has consistently been to maintain the status quo. Notice that China always has the worst intentions, the best expectations, the hardest efforts, the most powerful endurance and the last victory. No matter how the wind blows, China will not tolerate the destruction of peace in Northeast Asia.

In this day and age, the Cold War framework and barriers are long gone. Japanese-American mutually beneficial relations have long since seeped into politics, culture and economics for both countries. The Japanese people have suffered in the past from war. Therefore, the Japanese people still hold a grudge against the U.S. for having bases in Japan. I wish that America’s professed desire to return to Northeast Asia will be tactful in its approach. It should consider the decision in its entirety and be careful not to cause a fight in Northeast Asia, to avoid creating a new record of grief.

Handling variable and complicated multilateral relations is difficult and troublesome. Moreover, the result often is contrary to one’s wishes. I challenge the United States to think twice before entering a contest it will not win. America must look before they leap.