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I. United States1. Kim Jong-il's Russian Visit The Associated Press ("NORTH KOREAN LEADER ON A TRAIN TO MOSCOW," Vladivostok, 7/26/01) reported that DPRK leader Kim Jong Il crossed into eastern Russia on the morning of July 26 and was greeted by Russian President Vladimir V. Putin's envoy to the region, Konstantin Pulikovsky. It was only the third-known foreign visit by Kim since he became leader. The Itar-Tass news agency said on July 25 that Kim was scheduled to arrive in Moscow on August 4 for a two-day visit. Putin invited Kim to visit during a trip to the DPRK last year. The Associated Press ("POWELL URGES RUSSIA TO PRESS NORTH KOREA ON TALKS," Seoul, 7/27/01) reported that US Secretary of State Colin Powell encouraged Russia on Friday to tell DPRK leader Kim Jong-il that it is in his interest to resume reconciliation efforts with the ROK and to reopen the stalled security dialogue with the US. Powell was asked about the visit during a joint news conference with ROK Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo. He declined to predict the outcome of the Putin-Kim talks but said that it would be very useful if the Russians would encourage Kim to visit the ROK for a second summit with ROK President Kim Dae-jung. He said that the DPRK's terrible economic problems can only be dealt with if it is willing to resume the reconciliation process with the ROK and accepts US President George W. Bush's invitation to resume US-DPRK dialogue. Han said that the Moscow deliberations offered hope because Russia has been supportive of inter-Korean cooperation and of a second summit between the two leaders. Han added that there was no discrepancy between the US and the ROK on DPRK policy. 2. US-DPRK Talks The Washington Times (Ben Barber, "BLAME TRADED OVER STALLED TALKS," 7/27/01) reported that the US and the DPRK on July 26 accused each other of avoiding face-to-face negotiations. US State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said, "We await their response," while a DPRK diplomat in New York countered, "The ball is in the United States' court." DPRK leader Kim Jong-il told Russia's Itar-Tass news agency on July 26 that the US is seeking to dominate the world. Kim was quoted as saying, "The American fuss over the 'missile threat' from our country is completely groundless. It is no more than sophistry aimed at concealing the ambitions of those seeking to establish their global domination." Meanwhile, in Washington, Charles L. Pritchard, a US State Department special envoy for Korean peace talks, told a US House International Relations subcommittee that the DPRK missiles are capable of reaching the US. The director of Asia programs at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, Robert M. Hathaway, said that the DPRK call for "equality" in dialogue meant that it was uncomfortable with the Bush administration's effort to broaden missile talks to include conventional military deployments. [Ed. note: This article was included in the US Department of Defense's Early Bird news service for July 27, 2001.] 3. PRC Missile Exports The Washington Post (John Pomfret, "US PROTESTS EXPORTS OF MISSILES BY CHINA," Beijing, 7/27/01) reported that diplomats and other sources said Friday that the US has formally protested to the PRC about continued exports of missiles and related technology to Pakistan and other countries despite a pledge last year to halt the trade. The topic is expected to be at the top of the agenda this weekend during a visit by US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell. Powell told reporters on the way to Hanoi, where he stopped before heading to Beijing, "Since November, we have been following closely and discussing the [proliferation] issue with them, and the results are mixed. We'll discuss where we think there has been a satisfactory response and where we think more action is required." The PRC had agreed on November 21, 2000, not to export ballistic missile components and technology restricted by the Missile Technology Control Regime in exchange for the US resuming processing applications for US companies to launch satellites on PRC rockets and not imposing sanctions against the PRC for past missile transfers to Pakistan and Iran. However, a diplomat who has been briefed about the PRC's alleged violations said, "After November 2000, there have been instances that make the agreement meaningless and show China has no intention of implementing it." He said that in response, the US has lodged formal protests and asked for information from the PRC about the alleged sales, but declined to say how many times the US government has formally protested. So far, he said, the PRC has not acknowledged the sales. Bates Gill, of the Brookings Institution, and Evan Medeiros, of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, said in a recent interview that the PRC army has little interest in limiting missile proliferation. Gill and Medeiros noted that the PRC government has linked its missile proliferation practices with US arms sales to Taiwan, but the US rejects any link. Gill and Medeiros said PRC officials might be overly optimistic in hoping the visit by US President George W. Bush later this year will restore US-PRC ties to the level achieved during the Clinton administration. Gill said a best-case scenario for the visit would involve Powell saying something about "China not being an enemy, restating the 'one China' policy and laying out what 'strategic competitor' means." In exchange, the PRC would finally issue missile export control regulations. However, he said, "that's optimistic." [Ed. note: This article was included in the US Department of Defense's Early Bird news service for July 27, 2001.] 4. Taiwan Participation in TMD The Washington Times (Bill Gertz, "BEIJING WARNS TAIPEI AGAINST ARMS ALLIANCE," 7/27/01) reported that the PRC military warned Taiwan on July 26 not to join a cooperative missile defense with the US and Japan. The PRC's official military newspaper Liberation Army Daily said that Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was "playing with fire" by seeking a military alliance with the two nations. The article said, "This is a dangerous signal that Chen is moving farther away down the road of resisting reunion by means of force." It also said that Chen was turning Taiwan into "an ideal battlefield for Americans." The paper said that the PRC will not tolerate Chen "stepping further down the road of dividing the motherland." It continued, "The People's Liberation Army is a great wall of iron and steel which separatism can never surpass. Any attempt to interfere in China's civil affairs by foreign forces will fail, as will any attempt to separate Taiwan from the Chinese territory." The paper also said that the awarding of the 2008 Olympic Games to the PRC had hardened its resolve to reunify with Taiwan. [Ed. note: This article was included in the US Department of Defense's Early Bird news service for July 27, 2001.] 5. US-Japan Defense Cooperation The Asahi Shimbun (Taro Karasaki, "BAKER URGES MORE MISSILE INVOLVEMENT," 7/27/01) reported that US Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker on Wednesday expressed US desire for increased cooperation in bilateral defense issues, including Japanese technological input in the proposed missile defense program. Baker said, "Missile defense is tomorrow's technology and how it develops is uncertain, but I think it is important for both countries to cooperate on the direction of this technology." He said that Japan will probably need to consider a more assertive defense role, such as collective self-defense and increased participation of Self-Defense Forces in UN peacekeeping operations-issues that may conflict with Article 9 of Japan's Constitution. He said, "It's far too early to think about revising Japan's Constitution, which has served it well for over 50 years, and the United States is not in a position to tell Japan what to do. But times change. There are responsibilities that go with being a great nation, and Japan will no doubt consider that responsibility and what, if any, role it plays in peacekeeping missions." Baker also reiterated the importance of US bases in Okinawa, saying that the aim is to maintain a visible, credible military presence that would "support and uphold" the protection of Japan and stability of the region. He said that he understands that Okinawan people want less of their land used as bases and fewer troops stationed there, but said that the approach to be taken in reducing the "footprint" would come some time after his visit. 1. DPRK-Russia Talks The Korea Herald (Shin Yong-bae, "N.K.-RUSSIA TALKS WILL BENEFIT INTER-KOREAN RELATIONS," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that DPRK leader Kim Jong-il and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to focus their upcoming talks on economic and military cooperation and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, officials and analysts in Seoul said yesterday. "Putin is expected to emphasize the need to push for three-way economic cooperation which also includes the ROK when he meets Kim," an ROK government official said. During the secret visit to Moscow, Kim is expected to call for Russia to provide oil and high-tech military hardware to his country suffering from energy shortages. Kim's visit to Russia is the first trip by a top DPRK leader in 11 years. "Kim and Putin are expected to discuss ways to strengthen relations among their countries and China to stand against U.S. President George Bush's strength-based diplomacy," an ROK researcher said. It is widely believed that the PRC and the DPRK will also discuss the alliance among the three former Cold War allies during PRC President Jiang Zemin's visit to the DPRK, probably in October. ROK officials seem to believe that the visit by Kim to Russia will have a positive effect on inter-Korean affairs. Joongang Ilbo (Kim In-gu, "2 SPECIAL N.K. OFFICIALS JOIN TRIP TO RUSSIA," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that accompanying DPRK Chairman on his train trip to Moscow for summit talks are Yon Hyong-mok, the Responsible Secretary to Jaggang Province in the DPRK, and Jon Hui-jong, the Chairman's Secretary of Ceremonies and also External Foreign Affairs Director of Kumsusan Memorial Palace. Yon also holds an additional post as a member of the National Defense Commission in which DPRK Leader stands as the Chairman, and has made frequent appearances to the public as he continues to accompany Chairman Kim in his various trip either at home or abroad. Experts perceive that there are no particular reasons for Yon to participate in the trip except Kim's tendency to bring along his favorite aides whenever he goes out. Others however speculate that Yon's position as the head of Jaggang Province must have been considered in the process since the upcoming summit talks would involve issues of military cooperation. Jaggang Province is the hub of the DPRK's military industry. As for Jon, observers point out it is only too obvious that he joined the trip as being in charge of all protocol matters whenever Chairman meets with foreign dignitaries. He has been serving as the External Foreign Affairs Director since 1980. Chosun Ilbo (Hwang Seong-jun, "KIM JONG IL ENTERS RUSSIA BY TRAIN," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that DPRK leader Defense Chairman Kim Jong Il crossed the border into Russia by train Thursday morning. The special train carrying Kim arrived at Hasan, a city by the border, at around 8:20 am, and the two countries simultaneously announced his arrival in Russia. However, the statement was a brief announcement of his visit and arrival without referring to any specific itinerary. At Hasan Station, Konstantin Pulikovsky, the plenipotentiary envoy of the Russian President to the Far Eastern Federal District, welcomed Kim. After a brief arrival ceremony, Kim headed for Havarovsk at 9:20am. Kim's train was formed of 17 carriages carrying about a 150-member entourage, and they are to use the trans-Siberian railway to reach Moscow on August 3 or 4. The DPRK leader is to hold a summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 4 and 5. 2. Powell Visits ROK The Korea Herald (Shin Yong-bae, "POWELL TO ARRIVE IN SEOUL TODAY," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that US Secretary of State Colin Powell was to arrive in Seoul Friday for a two-day visit to discuss the DPRK and other bilateral issues with ROK leaders. Powell will meet with President Kim Dae-jung, Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo, and Unification Minister Lim Dong-won. Powell and ROK officials will fine-tune their joint position on the DPRK, ROK officials said. 3. Inter-Korean Cultural Exchange Joongang Ilbo (Kim Hee-sung, "N.K. CHAIRMAN DISMISSES U.S. MISSILE CONCERN AS GROUNDLESS," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that the DPRK leader Kim Jong-il dismissed US fears over the DPRK's missile program as "groundless" during an interview with Russia's Itar-Tass news agency. He is currently in the middle of train travel to Moscow for summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his interview, Chairman Kim also expressed support toward Russia's stance against the US missile defense program. "The American fuss over the 'missile threat' from our country is completely groundless. It is no more than sophistry aimed at concealing the ambitions of those seeking to establish their global domination," Itar Tass quoted Kim as saying. "We support Russia's position to preserve strategic stability through the ABM treaty," Tass quoted Kim as saying, in an interview the agency said it conducted on Tuesday. 4. IAEA Inspection in DPRK Joongang Ilbo (Kim In-gu, "N.K. SHUNNING OF IAEA INPSECTION COULD LEAD TO HALT IN LWR PROJECT," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that if the DPRK continues to resist inspections from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US could halt the construction of the two light water reactors, warned Charles Pritchard, US special envoy for negotiations with the DPRK, at a hearing of the US House of Representatives International Relations subcommittee on Asia and Pacific Thursday. Pritchard stated, "The North Koreans must come into full compliance with their NPT (Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty) obligations before any significant nuclear components and any additional construction can take place" on the reactor project. "If that doesn't happen, there will be no additional construction. The light water reactor project will stop." 5. DPRK-EU Relations Joongang Ilbo (Kim In-gu, "NORTH KOREA-EU ANNOUNCES JOINT DIPLOMATIC TIES," Seoul, 07/27/01) reported that the DPRK and European Union (EU) issued a joint press statement on establishing diplomatic relations at the eighth ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Hanoi, Vietnam on Wednesday July 25. Following is the full text issued by Korea Central News Agency (KCNA); "DPRK Foreign Ministry ambassador at large Ho Jong and EU commission director Percy Westerlund met informally on July 25 in Hanoi to discuss follow-up to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the EU. It was agreed that the practical details of diplomatic representation would be negotiated this autumn."
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