Trump should abandon war attempt

By Shim Jae-yun

Novelist Kim Jin-myung has triggered a controversy with his recent book, “U.S.-Sino War.” It depicts the U.S. seeking a possible war with China to avoid a looming economic moratorium due to the snowballing state deficit. Kim says North Korea’s nuclear program is only an excuse for the U.S. military option and the U.S. has China as its ultimate target.

Kim’s novel is timely and noteworthy as it is a result of decades-long efforts with his born journalistic insight. He describes the U.S. as being destined to pour a huge amount of money around the globe to maintain its worldwide military presence, despite worsening economic woes.

“We need to prompt (President) Trump to stage war immediately. This is the last chance. After a while, the U.S. may have to abandon its war leverage due to the growing military stoutness of China. Should the Democratic Party win after Trump, there will never be war and that means the U.S. will diminish gradually,’’ the book says on page 175. Kim introduces “eight members” composed of superrich capitalists who make such a recommendation. They seek war for fear the U.S. dollar is losing its status as the main global currency, outpaced by the Chinese yuan. They are eager to protect their astronomical assets and U.S. interests by containing China.

In fact, there has been much evidence the Trump administration has been favoring the military option and the likelihood is increasing. Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps, told his troops that war is approaching although he hopes his view is wrong when he visited a military base in Tronheim, Norway, on Dec. 20.

Mike Mullen, a former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently came up with a dismal scenario in the East Asia region. He saw little prospect for a diplomatic solution. Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Sunday, he attributed the current danger to Trump’s “incredibly disruptive” presidency. “We are actually closer to a nuclear war with North Korea.” He said Trump won’t be constrained by his staff ― U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and White House chief of staff John Kelly.

Trump has also made statements implying the need for war. He heaped criticism on China for delivering oil aboard vessels with strong words. The U.S. has been desperate to deter North Korea’s nuclear ambition as the North has only three months before completing its Inter-continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) technology, according to information released by the Central Intelligence Agency.

Such a move toward a possible war is contrary to the recent reconciliatory mood on the peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un extended the olive branch by announcing he would consider sending a delegation to the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics starting Feb. 9. President Moon Jae-in has also clarified his opposition to pre-emptive strikes against Pyongyang.

Kim’s remark is a New Year gift that will break though the long-stalled stalemate in inter-Korean relations. It will also help nurture a mood of détente in the region, though it remains to be seen whether Kim will carry out his pledges.

Peace is possible only through cooperation from relevant parties. The U.S., in particular, should positively respond to the South Korean government’s proposal to stop military exercises during the Olympic period. And it needs to come forward to dialogue with North Korea, riding on the peaceful atmosphere.

Novelist Kim presents a rather positive conclusion without a real war happening in the region through the mediation of neighboring countries including Russia. Trump needs to find a peaceful way to resolve the regional conflict without resorting to the military option which will lead to total disaster for all concerned.