Best Interests

So what are China, Russia, and the United States doing in the Korean peace talks?

Is it that everyone who had an interest in the war nearly sixty years ago still retains the same interest? Or, perhaps, these are the nations that see some significance in Korea remaining divided.

Is it South Korea that is refusing to send the promised rice until the nuclear plants are destroyed? Don't think so. Is it China that is interested in opening the border so that Koreans can move back and forth with their families? Don't think so.

Perhaps the move, recently taken by the South to just go ahead and talk with the North, is a good move.

www.kimsoft.com/korea/4-talks.htm
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/IF02Dg01.html

Senior Fellow, Paul M. Edwards

Treaty To End the War?

Who makes the peace treaty? We are hearing a lot these days about some sort of final treaty to end the Korean War. After more than half-a-century that would be nice. I wonder, however, just who will be involved in such a treaty.

My understanding is that the cease fire, signed in July 1953, was between the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North), and the United Nations Command. The South Korean government did not sign the cease fire.

As far as I know the Chinese People’s Volunteers no longer exist. Can a treaty of peace be signed between the Koreas? Is that enough? Will the United States, or representatives from the 26 other nations involved have to participate, or is there enough United Nations Command left to take part?

Be interesting to see who we think, now 54 years later, was fighting who.

On another note, if you've never checked out the US Army Heritage and Education Center, it's worth a visit to their website.

Senior Fellow, Paul M. Edwards