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I. United States1. US Nuclear Weapons Development The Washington Post (Walter Pincus, "NUCLEAR STRIKE ON BUNKERS ASSESSED CONGRESS RECEIVES PENTAGON STUDY," 12/20/01) reported that the Pentagon and the Energy Department have completed initial studies on how nuclear weapons could be modified to attack hardened bunker complexes and buried tunnels that conventional weapons cannot destroy, but no decision has been made to go ahead with such a program. The two departments have also been studying the need for a new, low-yield nuclear weapon to destroy a growing number of underground facilities that protect the "most valued and strategic capabilities" of such "potential enemies" as the DPRK, Iraq and the PRC. US intelligence suspects that there are more than 10,000 potential hardened targets "and their numbers will increase over the next 10 years," according to the report. Such underground facilities are being used to protect not only a country's leadership, but also command, control and communications centers; weapons production facilities; and missile launching sites for chemical, biological and nuclear warheads. The study was completed in July, sent to Congress in October, and disclosed yesterday by Nuclear Watch of New Mexico. A decision on whether design work will begin on a new or modified nuclear weapon designed to destroy hardened underground targets is expected to be contained in the upcoming Bush administration nuclear posture review. 2. ROK Missile System Assessment Agence France-Presse ("SOUTH KOREA'S KEY MISSILE SYSTEM ALMOST USELESS," 12/20/01) reported that the ROK's main anti-aircraft missile system is almost useless. A military report, released Thursday, showed that many missiles failed to fire warheads in a series of tests. The report sparked concern about advances in the DPRK's missile development and bolstered the ROK military's demand for retiring the US-made Nike Hercules ground-to-air missiles. The ROK has hundreds of Nike missiles (with a range of 108-kilometer range) as a key ground-to-air deterrence against the North's air attacks. The military has launched a series of reliability tests since 1998. The first test found only 8 out of 100 Nike missiles launched warheads, while only 19 were able to shoot up first-stage boosters. An unnamed ROK defense ministry official stated, "Even though the 1998 test was conducted under worst conditions, it revealed the Nike system is unreliable." A test conducted this year under normal conditions yielded a success rate of 30 percent, he said. The results prompted a reorganizaton of the ROK's entire air defense. The defense ministry official said, "We are now counting on shorter range missiles and anti-aircraft guns such Hawk missiles (40-kilometer range), Cheonma (10-kilometer range) and French portable missiles." 3. PRC-Pakistan Relations The Associated Press (John Leicester, "MUSHARRAF ASSURES CHINA OF FRIENDSHIP," Beijing, 12/20/01), Reuters (John Ruwitch, "MUSHARRAF HAILS CHINA TIES AS INDIA TENSIONS MOUNT," Beijing, 12/20/01) reported that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf met with PRC President Jiang Zemin on Friday. Musharraf told Jiang that close relations with Beijing are "the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. China has been our trusted friend, and our relationship has remained time-tested. We are very positive that in the future, also, this relationship, this strategic association and relationship will continue." At the start of their talks, Jiang did not refer to Pakistan's role in the war in Afghanistan, but welcomed Musharraf as an "old friend." "You've made positive contributions to the development of friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries and peoples. We highly appreciate that," Jiang said. Later, Jiang and Musharraf presided over the signing of seven economic agreements. The PRC urged both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and prevent tensions from escalating in the wake of last week's Indian Parliament attack. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue stated, "China, as the neighbor and friend of both Pakistan and India, is seriously concerned with the development of the situation." 4. ROK Domestic Bribery The New York Times, (Don Kirk, "BRIBE SCANDAL DRAWS CLOSE TO PRESIDENT IN KOREA," Seoul, 12/20/01) reported that prosecutors said today that they planned to arrest Jung Shin Kwang, former top aide to President Kim Dae-jung, in a growing bribery scandal that has also raised questions about the roles of two of the president's sons. Shin, 58, who stepped down last week as deputy minister of justice, faces charges of having accepted nearly USD$80,000 in bribes from a young entrepreneur. Shin was forced to resign after opposition leaders complained that he could not hold one of the highest law enforcement posts while under investigation. The go-between in passing the bribe, investigators said, was a leading member of President Kim's Millennium Democratic Party. Another principal figure in the case, Kim Eun-sung, a former vice director of ROK's National Intelligence Service, is suspected of having tried to block the investigation by distributing a list of those who had received bribes, including members of President Kim's family. 1. Inter-Korean Trade The Korea Times ("INTER-KOREAN TRADE FALLS 9.3 PCT," Seoul, 12/19/01) reported that the ROK Unification Ministry said Wednesday that inter-Korean trade during the first 11 months of this year totaled $362.67 million, down 9.3 percent from a year ago. "The decrease was attributed to the prolonged economic downturn in the South and incomplete inter-Korean trade regulations and transport facilities," a ministry official said. 2. Japan-DPRK Relations Chosun Ilbo (Kwon Dae-yul, "JAPAN CONCERNED ON NK HALT TO KIDNAPPING INVESTIGATION," Tokyo, 12/18/01) reported that Japan's government spokesman Yasuo Fukuda said Tuesday that it was regrettable that the DPRK had suspended its investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Japanese citizens, as this was an important issue concerning people's safety. Fukuda stated that Japan would continue to insist that the DPRK maintain its investigation. He said that the DPRK's response would determine the relations between the two countries and their future development. 3. US Effort on Korean Family Reunion Joongang Ilbo (Kim Hee-sung, "U.S. SENATE CONSIDERING RESOLUTION ON FAMILY REUNIONS," Seoul, 12/19/01) reported that a resolution adopted by the US House of Representatives calling for greater efforts to encourage reunions between Korean-Americans and their families in the DPRK was recently sent to the US Senate. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) last Tuesday submitted the resolution, which unanimously passed a full session of the House on November 28 to the Foreign Relations Committee. The resolution urges US Congress and the president to come up with measures to realize the exchange for over 500,000 Korean-Americans who were excluded from family exchanges arranged between the ROK and the DPRK since the inter-Korean summit of June 2000.
1. Inter-Korean Relations People's Daily (Wang Linchang, "DPRK DELEGATION VISITS ROK FOR NUCLEAR REACTOR PROGRAM," Seoul, 12/18/01, P3) reported that a 20-member delegation from the DPRK arrived in Seoul on December 16 for a two-week inspection tour of nuclear training facilities in the ROK. The tour is part of a training agreement signed between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) and the DPRK. Under the training agreement, it said, some 280 DPRK technicians will come to South Korea in separate groups over the next two years for training. 2. PRC-ROK Defense Ministers' Meeting People's Liberation Army Daily (Han Jie, "CHINESE, ROK DEFENSE MINISTERS HOLD TALKS," Beijing, 12/14/01, P1) reported that the PRC's Defense Minister Chi Haotian held talks with the ROK's National Defense Minister Kim Dong Shin on December 13. Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and State Councilor, said that relations between the two countries have been progressing well since they forged diplomatic ties nine years ago. The PRC defense minister believed that the relations between the PRC and the ROK in various fields will advance, so long as the two sides abide by the principles of mutual political trust, mutual economic benefit, and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. The ROK government hopes that the PRC will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. The two ministers also exchanged views on international anti-terrorism and other issues of mutual concern. 3. PRC-US Talks on ABM Treaty China Daily (Jiang Zhuqing, "STANCE ON ABM TREATY REITERATED," 12/19/01, P1) reported that PRC Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said on December 18 that PRC Vice-Foreign Minister Qiao Zonghua met with a US delegation to exchange views on the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty. During their meeting, PRC officials reiterated the PRC's stance on the ABM treaty and emphasized the importance of maintaining international arms control, disarmament and world stability. 4. PRC's View on US ABM Treaty Withdrawal People's Daily ("PRESIDENT JIANG HOLDS PHONE TALKS WITH BUSH AND PUTIN," Yangon, 12/14/01, P1) and People's Daily ("US URGED TO RECONSIDER OPINIONS OF OTHERS ON ABM," Beijing, 12/15/01, P4) reported that PRC President Jiang Zemin held phone talks respectively with US President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 13. Bush and Putin discussed with Jiang the latest developments in the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Jiang stated the PRC's stand on this issue, stressing that under the current circumstances it's fairly important to maintain the international arms control and disarmament system. The PRC would like to exert its efforts together with other countries in the world to safeguard world peace and stability, Jiang said. 5. PRC-Russian Strategic Talks People's Daily ("CHINA, RUSSIA HOLD TALKS ON STRATEGIC STABILITY," Moscow, 12/18/01, P3) reported that PRC Deputy Foreign Minister Wang Guangya and his Russian counterpart Georgy Mamedov held the fourth round of regular consultations on strategic stability in Moscow on December 17. The two sides conducted an in-depth exchange of views on the present international security situation, and key issues in the fields of arms control and disarmament, the report said. They agreed to continue close consultation and cooperation on these issues. 6. PRC-Japanese Relations People's Daily (Liu Dongkai, "ZHU RONGJI MEETS WITH JAPANESE GUESTS," Beijing, 12/15/01, P4) reported that PRC Premier Zhu Rongji said on December 14 that while PRC-Japanese relations experienced setbacks earlier this year, some high-level meetings between leaders of the two countries have helped put bilateral ties back on track. Zhu made the remarks when meeting with a delegation of Japanese Diet members in Beijing. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the PRC and Japan, and the PRC expects to see good development momentum of bilateral relations, he said. 7. Cross-Straits Relations China Daily (Xing Zhigang, "BEIJING CALLS FOR STRAITS DIALOGUE," 12/17/01, P1) reported that the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office said on December 16 that it hoped to resume cross-Straits talks soon but insisted that the one-China principle was a precondition. Director of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Chen Yunlin said, "Our efforts to push for the resumption of cross-Straits talks and negotiations on the basis of the one-China principle will never slacken." He added that everything can be discussed under the one-China principle, including any issue of concern to Taiwan authorities. President of the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits Wang Daohan said Beijing "has always had the utmost sincerity" in its efforts to strive for an early resumption of talks with the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Wang also called for the establishment for direct trade, transport and postal links between the mainland and Taiwan as soon as possible to benefit people across the Straits. . 8. PRC Navy's Development People's Liberation Army Daily (Wu Ruihu and Zheng Shuyan, "MILITARY LEADERS CALL FOR POWERFUL, MODERN NAVY," Beijing, 12/15/01, P1) reported that two PRC military leaders called for building a modern navy with powerful, comprehensive combat capabilities. The report said, Zhang Wannian and Chi Haotian, both members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission, made the call while meeting with delegates at the ninth CCP congress of the navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Zhang praised the navy for its meritorious deeds and achievements, while Chi said that the navy is an important strategic wing of the armed forces, and should be given major responsibilities in the future. More than 550 delegates attended the congress, which was convened on December 13. 1. New Security Law The Japan Times ("NAKATANI PUSHES TO SUBMIT SDF BILLS," Tokyo, 12/18/01) reported that Japanese Defense Agency chief Gen Nakatani on Monday reiterated his hope to submit a partial package of bills during the next Diet session aimed at facilitating the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) activities in the event of national emergency. "It would be difficult and would take too much time if the government waits for the completion of (the full) package of the bill," said Nakatani. Some elements in the government are insisting that the bills be submitted to the Diet in a complete package. Although the agency had said work on the first two categories is almost complete, the third area, which requires the attention of the entire government, is lagging. This area includes measures to protect and evacuate citizens in emergencies, and to deal with prisoners of war in line with international laws, according to the agency. 2. Strife in the Democratic Party of Japan Kyodo (Naoko Aoki, "YOKOMICHI WANTS DPJ TO PUSH OPPOSITION GOALS, PURSUE BLOC," Tokyo, 12/18/01) reported that Takahiro Yokomichi, a key DPJ member, has called for the party to form an alliance with other opposition parties instead of pursuing policies similar to those of the ruling camp. Yokomichi stated, "The largest opposition party is the same as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in terms of policies. If we continue like this, there will be no future for Japanese politics." He continued, "In the opposition bloc, we have the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and I hope to maintain our friendship with them." He acknowledged that he has held private meetings with Liberal Party leader Ichiro Ozawa and SPD leader Takako Doi since late November to discuss the alliance. However, when asked whether he has any plans to lead liberal DPJ lawmakers out of the party, Yokomichi replied, "I have not said anything about that." 3. War Memorial Panel The Japan Times, ("WAR MEMORIAL PANEL HOLDS FIRST TALKS," Tokyo, 12/20/01) reported that a 10-member advisory panel set up to discuss an alternative way to pay tribute to Japan's war dead held its inaugural meeting Wednesday, agreeing to draw up a report in a year. The panel was set up after Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pledged on August 13 to seek a way "for people at home and abroad to pay memorial tribute without discomfort." Chairman of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations and head of the panel Takashi Imai stated, "There are a lot of opinions over Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine and there is no doubt that we need to discuss this issue thoroughly and organize our views." Imai told reporters after the meeting that the team will start by examining historical facts and studying whether it is necessary to set up a new, nonsectarian monument. 4. Japan-US Military Cooperation Kyodo ("JAPAN AND U.S. SEEN EXTENDING TMD STUDY TO '07," Washington, 12/20/01) reported that a joint study being conducted by Japan and the US aimed at developing a theater missile defense system will probably be extended from the originally planned deadline of 2003 or 2004 until at least 2007. The Pentagon now intends to spend $423 million from 2003 to 2007 to fund a US-Japan program of research into sea-based anti-missile systems. The joint research project is being extended due to delays in US missile defense tests stemming from technological problems. Japan originally intended to conclude the study in 2003 or 2004 and then decide whether to go beyond the research stage and begin developing a theater missile defense system.
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