Key to Stability on the Korean Peninsula - United States, Japan and China

摘要

As another crisis looms on the horizon for the Korean Peninsula, the major powers in Northeast Asia are working to defuse the situation. Since 1950, the United States has been a key player in the defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK). This paper will explore the national security relationships between the United States, China and Japan and how they relate to both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). The current security environment including the 1954 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the United States; the role of the current militant structure, the ROK-US Combined Forces Command; and the threat that North Korea presents will be highlighted. Several regional powers also exert influence on the Korean Peninsula. A key ally for the United States is Japan. This security relationship is based on the Japan-US Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The specific roles and responsibilities for both countries will be addressed along with potential future directions for this alliance. Historically an ally of North Korea, China is becoming a true wildcard for Korea. In August 1992, China established diplomatic relations with South Korea, significantly changing their relationship with North Korea. These economic ties with South Korea and the impact this has on the security ties with the DPRK will be explored. The final section of this paper will deal with US policy for Northeast Asia and the impacts Japan and China could have on future relationships.