By Dr. Sawraj Singh
The Korean crisis is becoming deeper every day. A missile attack or nuclear confrontation cannot be ruled out. Some people do not take it as seriously as they should. They feel that the North Korean threats of launching missiles or a nuclear attack are just empty threats and that it is unlikely to carry out either of those. However, these people may be in for a rude awakening. There is a real threat of such attacks.
This is not just an issue which involves the two Koreas alone. This is a part of a greater strategy to contain China. The American policy seems to be focused on containing the Chinese influence in Asia and asserting itself as the leading power in the Asia-Pacific region. Even though Kerry and Obama have reversed the Bush–Clinton policy of making Asia the number one priority, and are trying to restore the traditional American policy of looking at Europe as the most important region for America; yet they have not given up the policy of trying to contain China.
The American policy in Korea seems to be to overthrow the North-Korean regime and unify Korea into one country which will furthermore be a strong American ally. Together with Japan, and a unified Korea allied with it, America can then greatly tilt the balance of power in America’s favor. However, such a scenario will be completely unacceptable to China. If China sees South Korea tilting more toward America, then China can encourage North Korea to give a fatal blow to both South Korea and Japan. This outcome can be the worst for America since the resulting devastation of the Korean War.
If South Korea tilts toward China, then Korea can be re-unified and become a Chinese ally. This scenario can establish China as the dominant and unchallenged power in Asia. A strong Korea allied with China will completely marginalize Japan and send a strong message to other countries in the region not to mess with China. I feel that South Korea has no other choice but to tilt towards China because otherwise the risks are too high for it. I also feel that this is almost the same advice for America: to recognize China as the dominant power in Asia, and in turn, for China to recognize America as the dominant power in Europe. The situation will move a full circle to the Cold War-era, where Western Europe was the American-dominated area and Eastern Europe was a Soviet-dominated area. America had a detente with the Soviet Union. Now, America will have to have a detente with China.
China is the only country which can influence North Korea and prevent a fatal attack on South Korea and Japan. China can also influence Russia not to become too aggressive in Europe. America should realize that not only it is risking a very crippling—if not fatal—blow for two of its important allies, but it is also risking a dark attack on American interests. Moreover, if America loses in Asia, that is going to embolden Russia to regain its lost influence in Europe.
Basically, America has two choices: save half or risk everything. The Eastern wisdom is to give up half instead of losing everything. I feel America should work with China to save the world instead of risking a most destructive Third World War. I feel that since Russia and China have come together, the war is un-winnable for America.
President Park of South Korea should listen to the Chinese and help them to stop North Korea from launching a desperate attack which will be suicidal for it, but can also be fatal for South Korea and Japan, and may lead to an unbearable loss for America. South Korea should accept the bitter truth that to save itself and others, it has no choice but to work with China. Instead of rushing to Washington President Park should first go to China. China has more influence on North Korea than any other country in the world. To save her people, President Park should give up arrogance, adopt traditional Eastern humility, and ask the Chinese to help save her people.
Dr. Sawraj Singh, MD F.I.C.S. is the Chairman of the Washington State Network for Human Rights and Chairman of the Central Washington Coalition for Social Justice. He can be reached at [email protected].
