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ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
Impact of Corean Unification
t's been over a decade since the Iron Curtain came crashing down in Europe. The Bamboo Curtain is little more than a quaint phrase. Yet the Cold War remains very much alive on the Corean peninsula.
Across a 186-mile DMZ glare opposing armies collectively totaling 1.7 million. By all reckoning the Pyongyang regime should have become ideological roadkill following the collapse of communism. Instead, it remains an impregnable roadblock to the economic integration of East Asia, the world's fastest-growing region.
How can an economic nonentity be such a roadblock?
Consider its location at what should have been the crossroads of East Asia. With 56% of the peninsula's land mass, North Corea separates on one side the world's greatest market and labor pool (China) and the biggest reserve of natural resources (Sibera) from, on the other, two of the world's leading technological and manufacturing nations (Japan and South Corea).
But for Pyongyang's intransigence Seoul would already be linked by railroads and superhighways to Beijing, Moscow, Berlin, Paris and London. All those cities would also be linked to Tokyo via a bridge across the 126-mile strait dividing Shimonoseki from Pusan. The savings in shipping cost and time alone could amount to tens of billions of dollars a year. Such a trans-Eurasian land link would accelerate the cultural and economic integration of not only East Asia, but the world. In the process, the Corean peninsula would shed the burden of financing the world's most heavily fortified frontier and become the center of the global economy.
That's the vision dancing before the eyes of farsighted statesmen and business leaders pushing for the political leaps of faith needed to keep Pyongyang taking its unsteady baby steps toward opening North Corea.
But skeptics and pessimists abound. Even a loose confederation with the North would only burden and destabilize South Corea's economy and political system, they argue. For decades to come the impact on the global economy would be entirely negative as investors and customers begin shunning the uncertainties, denying capital and trading partners to hundreds of world-class Corean manufacturers. The ultimate result, argue the naysayers, would be to throw a monkey wrench into an alignment that has allowed three decades of strong growth for East Asia.
What is the likely impact of Corean unification?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025, 06:38:55 AM)
ka,
If you represent the average view of the average South Korean, unification will never occur.
Even at the peak of the cold war in the 1980's many overseas Chinese began openning unregistered factories in China through family members (family is one of the keys to effecting change in an asian society). This unity (or common drive to make money) transcended politics. In fact, it contributed to changing politics on the mainland. Through bribes, grafts, and other things deemed immoral by the west. I'm just suggesting that the South should consider this approach to effecting N. Korea. But it is kind of difficult with the DMZ with 30,000 foriegn troops in the way.
Many oversea Chinese I know are not fanatical about China. We are not selling off worldly possessions nor giving up our citizenships in foriegn countries for China. We are practical in our personal finacial goals and our greater interests seeing China get back on its feet again. Business fail all the time the key is to have enough people who are willing to take the risk. Do you know how many overseas family companies failed in China before reforms. I know of a few people who failed in China. But then I also know a few people who succeeded.
"you belive that freedom of press is bad?"
Studying in Taiwan...I would have to say the missing word is "responsible." Taiwan has one of the freest press on this planet, due to lack of ability to regulate that industry. There are many instances due to lack of "responsibility" or "professionalism" that has caused Taiwan society a lot of problems. Case in point, even though USA media is extremely pro-isreali, we try to give the palestinian side of the story as well (not a lot of time, nor good commentary, but we try). I rarely see that side of the story for N. Korea in USA media.
I have no family in N. Korea. So of course I would not put my money there as a pioneer. But there are many S. Koreans who have the benefit of having family in N. Korea. Once you have a grass root movement of business, the politics will naturally follow. Since politics can only survive on the taxes of the populace.
Now your just going all over current events. But I will be polite and respond.
The world hates USA because as leaders of the world we play favorites. Since the Middle East feels they are being shafted by our pro-isreali, pro-oil foriegn policies. The have-not and non-allie nations of the central asia easily demonized USA.
Doesn't matter if there is a God. God plays favorites also and comes in 31 different flavors these days.
IMF...That is a style issue. I don't like pushing air. Since I have no direct influence in the political structure of the IMF. My suggestions are like spitting into the wind. Since you seem to enjoy this activity, I'll humor you. The rate of interest of the loan should be tied into the internal economy of the borrower. It should not be a political tool. It should lend money to countries who need infusion of capital without sign some pre-condition.
I think you should study the parallel of Adolf Hilter's rise and the current N. Korean administration. Pushing N. Korea hard will not cause them to fall. Like Cuba the society can go on indefinitely under current conditions.
AC Dropout
Monday, June 10, 2002 at 07:03:45 (PDT)
ka,
They sold off cash (i.e. USD) for commodities like gold, oil, and diamonds after 9/11. That's on reason why prices rose. Also with India and Pakistan fighting gold will continue to rise a bit. South Eastern countries are more prone to invest in gold in time of crisis.
AC Dropout
Monday, June 10, 2002 at 06:02:56 (PDT)
No, i dont think unified Korea (if it happens ever) will pose a threat big enough to China simply China given its area, population, history and culture have enough buffet to counteract all these if they ever appear. An unified Korea (its size is another that of a Chinese province) wont be stupid enough to go against China for it has nothing to gain.
Hua
Sunday, June 09, 2002 at 23:08:45 (PDT)
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