By Kang Hyun-kyung
The ruling party leader vowed an all-out legislative effort to strengthen military capabilities in a radio speech Wednesday.
Delivered just days before the 62nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War (1950-53), Hwang Woo-yea of the Saenuri Party said, ``We have only three years and five months to go until South Korea takes over war-time control power from the U.S. military in December, 2015.”
He continued, “It’s going to be very challenging to achieve a state that can meet the citizens’ demand for a happy life if national security is at risk. Given this, we will use all political capital to achieve self-defense by making our military capabilities stronger.”
Hwang raised concerns about a possible, temporary security vacuum as a result of a flurry of leadership changes in South Korea as well as neighboring countries, such as Russia and China. He also mentioned the presidential election slated for November in the United States as a factor that could affect the nation’s security situation.
He indicated these changes could prompt North Korea. “Now is the time to prevent any such miscalculation and hamstring possible belligerent acts by the North,” he noted.
“Defense is not an issue of ideology, but a matter of survival. Some North Korean sympathizers describe the naval base to be established on Jeju Island as a pirates’ base (in order to downplay its security value). This is a piece of evidence showing that some are trying to politicize defense.”
Hwang highlighted the significance of defense and the need for policy support because Monday will mark the 62nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.
The Ministry of National Defense said that some 63 countries had either sent troops or provided non-combatant forces for South Korea during the civil war.
Without their help and dedication, the ruling party leader said, South Korea wouldn’t have been able to come this far in terms of economic prosperity and the social standing that citizens here now enjoy.
This month also marks the anniversary of the first and second West Sea battle that occurred in 1999 and 2002, respectively. The naval skirmishes were prompted by North Korean patrol ships that crossed the maritime border near the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea.
Nine Korean sailors were wounded while fighting against the North during the first naval skirmish. South Korean casualties in the second West Sea battle were severe, as it claimed the lives of six sailors and wounded 19.
Hwang pledged to improve the amenities and living conditions of soldiers doing their mandatory military service. “During my recent security tour, I learned that soldiers were still using old, insanitary restrooms at the boot camp. The ruling party will fix this,” he said.
“As a result of various factors, soldiers’ welfare and their living conditions have not been prioritized. Earlier, our party unveiled a 10-point vision aimed at improving welfare in the barracks. I promise that we will surely keep these words.”