In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s colonial rule, Chairman Moon Jae-in of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) has unveiled his ‘new economic plan for the Korean peninsula,’ suggesting 2+2 talks (inter-Korean talks and US-North Korea talks) and a lifting of the 524 (a sanction against the North) to the ruling Saenuri Party and the government.
“If we failed to find a new growth strategy, we would go through a long period of economic woes, which could be as long as the period of time we spent achieving our miraculous economic growth. Fortunately, there is a way forward for us. We now need to draw up a new economic map for the Korean peninsula,” said Chairman Moon at the National Assembly on August 16.
Chairman Moon has proposed developing a pan-East Sea economic bloc (which links Busan with China and Russia along North Korea’s east coast and connects the Port of Busan with the Port of North Korea's Rajin-Sonbong and the Port of Niigata (Japan)) and a pan-Yellow Sea economic bloc (which connects Incheon with Haeju, Kaesong, Mokpo, Namp'o and Shanghai and nurtures the Saemangeum region in Gunsan and the Kaesong Industrial Complex into two key industrial complexes).
“Maintaining peace is a prerequisite for building such intercontinental economic blocs. To resume the six-party talks as soon as possible, I propose 2+2 talks,” said Moon.
He has also underlined the need for South Korea to talk China into laying the groundwork for resumption of the six-party talks, the US into improving its relations with the North and North Korea into engaging in dialogue again.
“The 524 sanction against the North, which has actually held us back over the past five years, should be lifted. And we should open land and sea routes to the North, with a view to restarting inter-Korean family reunions and the Mt. Kumgang Tourism Project and opening an era of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation,” Moon mentioned.
“I suggest to the chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party that we send President Park a joint letter demanding a lifting of the 524,” Moon added.
The ruling Saenuri party, however, discounted his proposal as ‘castles in the air’ and a ‘presidential wannabe’s baloney.’ “Chairman Moon’s North Korea policy and new economic bloc plans sound like a house of cards. He seems to crank up his presidential ambitions once again.” Saenuri spokesman Rep. Kim Young-woo denounced.
“His call for a lifting of the 524 isn’t adjusted to the eye level of the public. (Regarding 2+2 talks) North Korea-US talks, which Pyongyang wants, could take center stage, leaving inter-Korean talks on the sidelines. Inter-Korean talks should come before everything else,” Kim added.
