[COLUMN] Humble diplomacy for Moon's new 'southern policy'

By Lee Jae-ho Posted : November 20, 2017, 14:14 Updated : November 20, 2017, 14:14

[Courtesy of the presidential Blue House]



In the late 1980s, we successfully tackled the post-Cold War era with the 'Northern Policy'. The impact of our experience was not limited to diplomacy. By changing consciousness and culture, we have come to believe in the possibility of separation from the Cold War era.

Can we have such expectations from President Moon Jae-in's new 'Southern Policy? Can we open up a new horizon for diplomacy beyond the mere regional policy and wash out the last Cold War remnants? If so, it will remain in history as the 'Moon Jae-in Doctrine' worth of the name.

We depend politically and militarily on the United States and economically on China. Trade with ASEAN can help us escape this dilemma by lowering our reliance on China. President Moon proposed the creation of a 'people-centered' Northeast Asian community. 'People-centered' means human rights and democracy, but it is true that the situation of some ASEAN countries is far from this.

In order for Moon's new policy to produce concrete results, an active and wise response is required. If Vietnamese brides married to Korean men lead a tearful life due to violence by their husbands, their tears will accumulate and form a Korean-Vietnamese relationship. The relationship will be based on disillusion, disbelief, and hatred rather than goodwill, friendship, and recognition.

'Noble goal and humble behavior' is a word that should be inscribed at the hearts of policymakers. More care for the poor Vietnamese brides shedding tears than shining banners and beautiful words should be the first step of a long journey.


 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기