Obama and unification of Korean Peninsula

By Jay Kim

Four years ago, Barack Obama’s win in the U.S. presidential election shook the world, and not just because he was the first black president in U.S. history. Obama surprised people by appointing Hillary Clinton, a fierce opponent in the Democratic presidential primaries, as secretary of state, a key position in his administration. What moved people more than anything was Obama’s acceptance speech. Referring to a 106-year-old African-American woman from Georgia, Ann Nixon Cooper, Obama showcased the possibilities of America to the whole world. Pointing out that Cooper "was born just a generation past slavery; a time when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons ― because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin,” he said, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible … tonight is your answer.”

Many people cried along with Oprah Winfrey, a famous talk show host and a black woman, who wept in the front row of the crowd attending the victory speech in Chicago. TV networks proudly broadcast the peaceful celebration of American people welcoming the first black president in U.S. history.

Obama’s re-election chances appeared in jeopardy at one point, as he had no outstanding achievements in his first four years and also because the economy was not doing well. But American people have entrusted him with four more years, granting his appeal for another chance.

The TV ratings for Obama’s second inauguration were much lower than four years ago, and the number of people in the audience did not reach half of the first inauguration. The passion and excitement, however, had not diminished. Obama’s speech with a message of diverse Americans coming together to overcome difficulties was deeply moving. He received passionate applause when he emphasized our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. His appeal for working together for the community and common good was also moving. He received thunderous applause when he emphasized the limitless possibilities of America, mentioning the end of decade-long wars, and that the economy is on its way to a full-scale recovery. He also stressed that the U.S. will try to resolve differences and conflicts with other nations peacefully through engagement, while remaining the anchor of strong alliances.

This foreign policy idea can be seen in Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel, a former senator from Nebraska, as the new secretary of defense. Even though Hagel is a Republican, he has always shown opinions different from the Republican Party on foreign affairs, national security, and defense policies. He opposed the ``surge’’ in Iraq, and he is a moderate who thinks active engagement and negotiation are necessary even with America’s enemies. He had also expressed strong aversion toward Israeli lobbying in U.S. politics.

John Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, who was appointed by Obama as Hillary Clinton’s successor for secretary of state, is also well-known for his moderate approach. Kerry is a Vietnam War veteran who ran for president as the Democratic candidate in 2004, losing to George W. Bush. The appointment of Kerry to the position is another great victory for Obama. Kerry is much more experienced in foreign affairs than Hillary was in 2008. He is a foreign affairs expert who has been deeply involved in foreign relations for over 20 years.

Though the next secretary of state and the nominee for the secretary of defense both value engagement and negotiation, it is expected that they will maintain hard-line policies against North Korea. The reason is that the engagement policy with the North Korea is not likely to work because new leader Kim Jong-un is not at all different from his father, Kim Jong-il. Even China (as well as Russia) is very discontented with North Korea for ignoring the resolution of the U.N. Security Council by launching a long-range rocket against strong opposition from the international community. From a South Korean standpoint, this is a great opportunity to persuade the international community that the unification of the two Koreas is the best way to stop the nuclear proliferation of the North.

Just as the election of a black president was a historic event in the U.S., South Korea has elected its first female president. This shows the great progress of democracy in South Korea.

I hope that the new Park Geun-hye administration will lay a path toward the unification of the Korean Peninsula and actively persuade China on this issue. It should point out the benefits of unification for the Chinese economy, and it would also be a good idea to assure the new Chinese government led by Xi Jinping that, if unified, South Korea would take over any outstanding obligations concerning North Korea from China.

Xi clearly expressed China’s position that denuclearization is necessary for the peace and safety of the Korean Peninsula during a meeting with special envoys from President-elect Park. In this context, China supported the Security Council’s resolution to expand and strengthen its sanctions against North Korea. And in this current situation, where the isolation of North Korea is growing deeper, the Park administration should actively try to initiate the unification process on the Korean Peninsula.

Jay Kim is a former U.S. congressman. He serves as chairman of the Kim Chang Joon US-Korea Foundation. For more information, visit Kim’s website at www.jayckim.com.