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Civilians from South Korea's Yeonpyeong island were ordered to take refuge in bomb shelters today, after artillery shots were heard on the North Korean mainland. The shots rang out early in the morning and later that day the USS George Washington joined South Korean vessels for a few days of drills. With the presence of an American warship in the Yellow Sea, tensions continue to rise and Kim Jong Il felt it necessary to repeat that any "infringement on the sovereignty of North Korea" would be met with force.
I think that these over-dramatized events could lead to an all out conflict if left unattended. Tensions have been escalading between North and South Korea ever since March and for once outside influences could help sway the countries away for an all-out conflict. I do believe that the United States shouldn't be the world's police but to avoid any further crises outside "influence" should be present. Do you guys think that U.S presence in the Yellow Sea is overbearing or rather needed for this situation?
6 comments:
I think that over the past few years, tensions in East Asia has been on the rise. Especially with North Korea setting up nuclear plants and sending missiles toward the Pacific. I feel that it is already a major conflict in East Asia.
I heard from many news sources that South Korea does not want to wage war. And I think North Korea also does not want to go into war because if those two go to war, it is inevitable that China and the US will be involved. Though I feel that the US should not have a part in these conflicts I think it is inevitable.
In the case of the US's presence in the Yellow Sea, I don't like it but it keeps everyone from bombing each other. With the US having so many ties with China, South Korea and Japan, it is hard for any of them to take action against each other and the US. As of right now, I think the US's presence in the Yellow Sea is necessary but not in the long run.
Although leaving North and South Korea to work things out on their own doesn't seem like the best decision, at this point, I don't think that U.S. presence will help. I think U.S. presence will only add to North Korea's anger (because the U.S. is pro-South Korea) and escalate tensions. If the U.S. makes any false move, I think the conflict will inevitably blow up into a major international crisis that involves other countries as well. I don't think the U.S. can afford to add to its list of "Things to Do" when it's so long and complex already.
I do not think that the U.S's presence is necessarily overbearing, but like Sarah said, it most likely is not helping. It seems that the conflict between the two countries needs to be settled out amongst themselves, and, if need be, external help from ally countries could be beneficial, but perhaps only in a time of war (if war were to break out, though I hope that it does not happen). Not only are people on both sides in danger, but it is also very saddening to hear stories about families that have been torn apart due to this existing conflict.
Here are links to articles about the divided families who have recently been reunited after years and years of separation:
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-30/world/nkorea.skorea.reunions_1_mount-kumgang-south-koreans-north-korea?_s=PM:WORLD
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7183201-north-and-south-korea-family-reunions-to-go-ahead-despite-border-problems
I disagree with Sarah and Zoe; I think that it is necessary that the US keeps a presence in the Yellow Sea. As Ayaka said, its not the best solution, but it is necessary. I do not think that the events in Korea have been "over-dramatized" as Bryce claims. I think they are very serious threats to everyone on this planet. While it is true that the Koreas are on the other side of the world, as well as that I (and most of the world) hate to see the US playing world-policeman, a nuclear attack from North Korea is possible, and the result of that would be devastating. If the USS George Washington's presence in the Yellow Sea will prevent that, then I'm willing to put aside my personal preferences against our historic world-policeman role to protect myself, my friends, and every human being.
I have to agree with Sarah Hosokawa on this issue. The U.S. is just a provoker of tension on the Korean Peninsula.
I think that North Korea feels threatened by all of the activities of South Korea and the U.S. so close to its border. Things were relatively quiet until South Korea decided to proceed with a military exercise 50 miles away from the North Korean border; they proceeded even though North Korea objected to it (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/8153000/North-Korea-bombs-South-Koreas-Yeonpyeong-Island.html). I think that this provocation could have easily been avoided. Now, the joint South Korea-United States military exercises are not helping to relieve tensions in the region.
That being said, I don't think that the United States should withdraw completely from Asia--it's a sticky situation because we're responsible for protecting South Korea and Japan against possible threats like North Korea. I just don't think that it's necessary for the United States to engage in arguably aggressive behavior like performing military exercises close to the North Korean border.
The United States and the United Nations are the ones who need to take responsibility for what they did to Korea. Since the Korean Wars, the US and UN have basically forgotten about the Korean peninsulas turning attention towards other more "urgent" needs. I feel that it is our duty to solve the crisis. Since World War II, our aircraft carriers have been a symbol of America in peace and war. It is used for humanitarian missions, such as the recent one involving Carnvial Splendor, but also war including Korea and Vietnam. The aircraft carriers allows America to project her power far and wide, so I feel it is important for us to be there. A training exercise is a peaceful way of displaying our power. In addition, usually a carrier strike force will include one or more guided missile destroyers, which would effectively nullify the nuclear missiles if North Korea was going to fire one. Aircraft carriers also carry very potent power in cleaning up a humanitarian disaster. Since America has dedicated herself to South Korea and Japan, she must protect them. It will also send a powerful message to China that America is still strong and does not listen to everything China wants.
It is also important to continue exercises that increase the cooperation between South Korea and the United States. The two are allies and must learn how to work together. Any nuclear weapon that is set off causes massive destruction. It would be important for someone to be able to defend the peninsula and countries surrounding, but also for humanity. Kim Jong il and his son need to realize that we will act on whatever we say and to stop thinking the United States is always bluffing its way through international politics. In addition, the USS George Washington may be able to lessen the chances of South Korea naval ships getting sunk or even potentially getting the USS Pueblo back(though that's fairly low on the list).
I am sure the people of South Korea are assured that with hundreds of missiles pointing at their capital that at least the Americans are there to stay temporarily at least. I really do not think that this will blow over to an all out conflict as there is just too much at stake for all parties..
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