By Yi Whan-woo
The agreement reached between the two Koreas to end the tense military standoff, Tuesday, is expected to result in a diplomatic breakthrough for South Korea in its relations with regional powers, according to analysts.
“We now have a chance to have an influential role in East Asia because our neighbors will closely watch how inter-Korean relations develop and react accordingly,” said Paik Hak-soon, a senior researcher at Sejong Institute.
An Chan-il, head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies, agreed.
“The agreement on Tuesday will bring momentum to Seoul-Pyongyang ties that have remained at their lowest level for the past few years,” he said. “It also may serve as a variable for diplomatic relations among six-party talks members.”
Before the agreement, North Korea had engaged in increased military provocation, including planting mines in the South that exploded on Aug. 4, maiming two South Korean soldiers, and firing of artillery shells on Aug. 20.
The six-party talks members ― the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia ― have made little progress in resuming dialogue that is aimed at ending Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
South Korea has also been walking on a tightrope between bolstering its security alliance with the United States and enhancing its economic partnership with China.
In addition, Seoul has been under pressure to avoid being isolated between Washington and Tokyo that has sought to contain Beijing.
Some observers said that China’s celebrations to mark the end of World War II on Sept. 3 will be a chance to lay the groundwork to enhance South Korea’s diplomacy in East Asia.
President Park Geun-hye is scheduled to join Chinese President Xi Jinping and other heads of states in observing Beijing’s WWII anniversary events, which will include a military parade.
“With the sign of a thaw in inter-Korean ties, Park may not necessarily focus on discussing with Xi ways to hold Pyongyang in check,” Paik said. “She can instead spend time discussing other regional issues.”