Korean Peninsula Policy After Putin Takes Office

With the election of Vladimir Putin as the new president of Russia, Russian foreign policy towards the Korean Peninsula is expected to maintain its current policy of promoting regional stability and pursuing practical benefits. However, the pro-Western diplomatic framework that hs existed in Russia up to now is likely to be revised to reinforce Russia's position as a strategic partner, in line with Putin's "strong Russia" policy.

In terms of inter-Korean issues, Russia will probably take a more active role in an effort to check the United States, and exercise more influence over North Korea. Russia may not want to lose North Korea as Russia and North Korea share a border. Therefore, experts believe that Russia is likely to pursue policy of equal distance between North and South Korea.

Such an analysis is based on the signing of a new North Korea-Russian treaty in February when Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov visited North Korea. If Russia exercises its influence on North Korea to deter war and aid inter-Korean reconciliation through a rapprochement in North Korean-Russian relations, it will be of great help to South Korea.

In conclusion, Russia's current policy towards the Korean Peninsula i.e. continuing peaceful coexistence of North and South Korea, the principle of solving problems by concerned parties, and the formation of a multi-party consultation body including Russia and surrounding nations - will remain Russian priorities after Putin takes office.

by Kim Suk-hwan