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| Scholars participate in a diplomatic forum held by the Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS) at Yonsei University in Seoul, Friday. From left are Prof. Sohn Yul of Yonsei University, Prof. Akihiko Tanaka of Tokyo University, Prof. Chu Shulong of China's Tsinghua University and Prof. Ha Young-sun of Seoul National University. / Courtesy of KAIS |
By Kim Hyo-jin
Five-party nuclear talks without North Korea could be a good option to work toward Pyongyang's denuclearization, a Chinese international relations expert said, Friday.
Chu Shulong, an international politics professor at Tsinghua University in China, voiced his support for the idea, proposed earlier by President Park Geun-hye in January, while expressing concerns over the deadlock of the six-party talks aimed at resolving the North's nuclear development.
"The Korean government has proposed five-party talks on North Korean nuclear and regional security issues," Chu said during an international conference held in Seoul. "If the six-party talks cannot resume in the near future, this idea is worth trying."
Park unveiled the idea of replacing the long-stalled six-party talks with a five-party format following the fourth nuclear test by the reclusive country on Jan. 6. China, the North's chief ally, responded negatively at first but it is reportedly warming to the idea recently. Russia, another six-party member, also said it was "not a good idea" at that time.
The multilateral denuclearization forum, that also includes the United States and Japan, has been suspended since 2008.
Noting the concerns over the five-party format's longevity and practicality due to historical and territorial conflicts among the existing participants, Prof. Chu proposed including Mongolia as an alternative.
"Given the serious disputes among Japan, Korea and China on historical and territorial issues, one has the reason to worry how far the talks can go, even we have the process in the future," Chu said. "So, I suggest five-party talks between South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, and Mongolia."
Chu added it can lead to improved regional integration by dealing with not only security but also economic and social issues.
Dozens of scholars and students from South Korea, China and Japan gathered in Seoul Friday to discuss the future of the regional order in Northeast Asia.
The Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS) on Thursday began the three-day conference, titled "Contested Regional Order and China-Japan-Korea Relations" in commemoration of KAIS' 60th anniversary.
"The tripartite relations ushered in a new phase after the 2015 summits," said Choi Young-jong, president of KAIS. "We are holding the conference with experts from each country to share visions for the regional community and seek how to lay the groundwork for our goals."
The conference ends Saturday, with 45 graduate students from the three nations to have a freestyle discussion on possible measures for better tripartite cooperation.
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