Introduction
The ruling party of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) - the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) held its Seventh Party Congress from May 6 to May 9, 2016 – country’s biggest political meeting since 1980. More than 3,000 delegates participated in the event. The Party Congress was also witnessed by 128 foreign journalists who were granted visas to cover the event. However, only a few were permitted to attend the meeting. The Worker’s Congress launched a new five-year plan to revamp the economy. Further, it ‘enshrined "Byungjin" policy of simultaneous pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development.’1
Following are the major reasons for Kim Jong-un’s convening of the Seventh Party Congress after a gap of 36 years:
Highlights of the Seventh Party Congress
Figure 1 gives a clear picture of the composition of the party and the Party Congress.
Figure 1
Structure and organs of the WPC, DPRK
Reponses from the Major Stakeholders
South Korea
Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations, Cho June-hyuck stated, “North Korea repeated its absurd claims that it is a so-called responsible nuclear weapons state and nuclear power of the world, and that its “Byungjin” policy – the simultaneous pursuit of economic and nuclear development – is its lasting strategy. By doing so, North Korea clearly demonstrated its unwillingness to voluntarily abandon its nuclear program.”11 Cho June-hyuck further said that South Korea will never recognise North Korea as a nuclear weapon state and the North Korean policy of “Byungjin” policy is bound to fail.
In the light of the above statements, it is clear that South Korea will carry on with its policy of sanctions and put diplomatic pressure on North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons. According to the reports, a senior South Korean official said that “it was too early to assess whether trade and financial restrictions imposed on Pyongyang in March 2016 are having an effect.”12 This means that South Korea does not want to push North Korea to the brink through sanctions and would like to keep the possibility of dialogue open.
Park Geun-hye, the South Korean President said that North Korea has “showed no sign of willingness to change but only made "preposterous claims about being a nuclear weapons state."13
China
China closely observed the Seventh Party Congress and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC expected that it would “herald an era of national development and well-being of the people in North Korea.” China also suggested that the North Korean leadership “respond to international community and safeguard the lasting peace and stability of Northeast Asia.”14
Xi Jinping congratulated Kim Jong-un on his election as Chairman of Workers’ Party of Korea on behalf of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and in his personal capacity, making him the only head of State to do so.
Xi also hoped that people will achieve new accomplishments in the cause of building socialism under the leadership of the WPK headed by Kim Jong-un. He reiterated that China-DPRK friendship was “personally forged and carefully fostered by the two countries’ leaderships of the older generation” and stated that “China is willing to work with the DPRK to promote the constant development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and the two peoples, and to make positive contributions to safeguarding peace, stability and development in the region.”15
Pang Zhongying, Professor at Renmin University, China, is of the view that although, since Kim Jong-un took office, “China-North Korea has seen many ups down in relation, but wording of Xi’s message to Kim indicates that since this party congress, relationship will return to normal.”16
Chinese media widely covered the event and reported minute details of the Party Congress to the Chinese people. Global Times published an opinion on Kim Jong-un’s remarks that North Korea as a “responsible nuclear weapons state will strive for world denuclearization and faithfully fulfil obligations of nuclear non-proliferation” and “will not resort to nuclear weapons first” is the new policy of North Korea. The paper opines that Kim’s declaration was made from “the perspective that North Korea is now a nuclear state. However, the international community has not yet acknowledged North Korea as a nuclear nation, therefore, the latter’s attitude has not changed, and neither has its biggest contradiction with the outside world been resolved.”17 Shi Yinhong, Professor at the School of International Relations, Renmin University, is of same view.18 Jin Jingyi, Professor, Korean Peninsula Research Centre at Beijing University, while responding to a question that Kim Jong-un has called two Koreas to engage in a dialogue to eliminate misunderstanding and mistrust and asked neighbouring countries to favour unifications, stated that though Kim has not directly named China, but it can play a constructive role to improve both Koreas’ relations.19 China, therefore, made it apparent that it opposes Pyongyang’s nuclear development, but fully respects North Korea’s autonomy to govern its own country.20
Japan
So far as Japan’s reaction is concerned, the initial response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan, has been cautious. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in a press release held on May 10, 2016 stated, “We intend to continue gathering and analyzing information while closely collaborating with related countries…However, the Government cannot accept North Korea’s clarification of a stance of continuing nuclear and missile developments, failing to adhere to multiple Security Council resolutions, the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and the Pyongyang Declaration by Japan and North Korea, and presentation of one-sided opinions about Japan. We intend to continue pursuing a comprehensive solution to the various outstanding issues by applying the principles of “dialogue and pressure” and “action-for-action” and also working together with related countries.”21
Earlier, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had also made strong comments during the Adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations Security Council on the Nuclear Test and the Ballistic Missile Launch conducted by North Korea. He said, “Japan highly appreciates that the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2270 on 2 March, 201622 regarding North Korea’s nuclear test in January (2016) and ballistic missile in February (2016). With the adoption of this resolution, that encompasses strong content greatly increasing and strengthening sanctions, the international community has demonstrated a resolute stance against North Korea, along with the independent measures taken by Japan and other countries.” He added, “Japan strongly urges North Korea to sincerely heed the strong warnings and condemnation repeatedly expressed by the international community and to comply faithfully and fully with Resolution 2270 and the series of relevant resolutions, without taking further provocative actions, such as nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.”23
In essence, Japan’s priorities on the North Korean issue are twofold: first, to make sustained efforts to denuclearise North Korea. Second, deescalate the ongoing crisis.
The US
The nuclear programme of North Korea has been a cause of concern for the US and its allies in the region. After its nuclear and ballistic missile tests in the beginning of 2016, President Barak Obama signed an Executive Order, blocking property (and interest derived from it) of the Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea, and prohibiting certain transactions with respect to North Korea.24
The Worker’s Congress was keenly watched for the announcements on the continuation of North Korea's nuclear weapons program and its trajectory. The Workers’ Congress's decision on strengthening the capability of its nuclear weapons formalises North Korea's position. It had already declared itself "a responsible nuclear weapons state" and disavowed the use of nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty is first infringed by others with nuclear arms. It's a major reason why many South Korean and US government officials believe that a fifth nuclear test could be imminent.25 Nonetheless, during the proceedings of the Workers’ Congress, Kim Jong-un, stated that he might be willing to normalise its relations with States that are hostile to it. This is being generally understood to be the US and South Korea.
Mark C. Toner, Deputy Spokesperson, US Department of State, in the daily press briefing conducted by the department stated that, “the US is always on heightened alert with regard to North Korea, given its actions over the past weeks and months. It’s a highly unpredictable regime. The US will continue to apply the kind of pressure that convinces the regime to refrain from actions and rhetoric that only escalate tensions and destabilize the region.” He further added that, “...it’s a pretty opaque regime in that regard. I don’t know if we’re looking for any great outcomes from the congress. We certainly would welcome some kind of sign that they are willing to, as I said, de-escalate, refrain from, as I said, actions that destabilize the region, and really pursue steps that fulfil its obligations, international obligations to denuclearize.”26
On being asked if the US was taking additional steps if there are provocations from North Korea, Mr. Toner stated that the UN had passed sanctions in April 2016, which the US was in the process of implementing. He further stated that the US will continue to apply pressure through such means while ensuring that the security of the peninsula remains ‘Ironclad’.27 In his remarks at the end of the Trilateral Summit, (the US-Japan-South Korea) held in Washington DC in March 2016, President Obama remarked that, “...trilateral security cooperation is essential to maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deterring the North Korean nuclear threat and the potential of nuclear proliferation as a consequence of North Korean activities.”28 It is interesting to note that during the period of the Workers’ Party Congress, James Clapper, Director of US National Intelligence was on a visit to Seoul.
Hundreds of international journalists were invited to cover the Workers’ Congress, a surprising development for a nation with a reputation for secrecy. American news channel, Cable News Network (CNN) was allowed to broadcast parts of the event and was allowed access to the Workers’ Congress meeting. It may be in a bid to counter the widespread criticism that North Korea faces routinely from the international media as also to show the support that Mr. Kim has among the people. The parades that followed the Workers’ Congress were broadcasted by the international media.
Russia
Russia’s position in the region is complicated because of its national interests and its ambition to be recognised as an indispensable player in resolving global challenges, at par with the US.29
The nuclear test that North Korea conducted on January 6, 2016, and its launch of the prohibited ballistic missiles on February 7, 201630 has led to criticisms from Russia. In a statement on February 7, the Russian Foreign Ministry protested North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programs and has supported the “six-party talks” and denuclearization for a resolution of the on-going conflict in the Korean Peninsula. It stated that Pyongyang ignored the global community’s appeals and has again demonstrated provocative actions in disregard of international law. However, its statement also contains advice to North Korea’s regime of not becoming a victim to the West, especially the US’s strategy. The statement said that “it is obvious that these actions will dramatically increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole as they play into the hands of those who support the bloc policy and military escalation,31 as well as cause serious damage to the region’s security, mainly to North Korea itself.”32
Since the early 2000s, Russia has grown used to North Korea’s provocations.33 However, the international community’s strong unanimous reaction to the DPRK’s latest nuclear test and rocket launch and passing of United Nations Security council Resolution including sanctions this year, led Russia to protest against Pyongyang. However, a tone of balance and appeasement is also present on the Russian side, of not annoying Pyongyang or the international community.
The Russian Foreign Ministry recommended to Pyongyang leaders to consider whether a policy of confrontation with the global community meets the country’s interests.34 On the same day, February 7, Russian Foreign Ministry released a commentary on the situation in the Korean Peninsula in the light of the military exercise conducted by the US and South Korea and the reaction to it by North Korea. Russia condemned the military exercise as it made Pyongyang insecure.35 Although Kremlin protested Pyongyang’s nuclear threats and tests as illegal, however, to a large extent, Kremlin’s statement demonstrates that the nuclear threats posed by Pyongyang is in retaliation to the US and South Korean actions. In the case of Russia, the position of the country needs to be seen from two angles; firstly, as a member of international community and secondly, as an independent player in the Asia-Pacific region.
As a member of the international community, it disapproves of North Korea’s actions, and as an independent player in the Asia-Pacific region, its focus is on increasing its economic footprint in the region. Russia wants to extend trade relations with neighbouring Asian countries and attract Asian capital in order to develop the depopulated regions of Eastern Siberia and Russian Far East. Thus, instability on the Korean Peninsula is an obstacle to Russia’s efforts to integrate its economy in the region.36
On North Korea, Russia has been trying to maintain a balanced view due to its own national interests. North Korea is important for Russia’s ‘Pivot to Asia’. Russian businesses would like to get access to North Korean mineral resources. In addition, Russia is implementing long-term infrastructure projects in North Korea. Important projects include the construction of the Hasan-Rajin railway, which connects the Russian Primorye Territory with the North Korean port of Rajin. Other projects include the construction of a gas pipeline and the installation of power lines from Russia to South Korea via North Korea. Although the trade volume between Russia and North Korea is US$100 million as per the data of 2015,37 but Kremlin wants to strengthen its economic ties with North Korea, especially with Russia’s focus on developing the Far East. Just after attending the recent Davos Forum, the Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East, Alexander Galushka was quoted in a January 26, 2016 interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency that Russia would be increasing its development in the Far East and expanding trade with North Korea.38
The ambition to protect its strategic and economic interests in the region and to project itself as a responsible player of the international community, Russia has been opposed to forceful sanctions against North Korea in regard to the UNSCR. On January 26, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that “absolutely the only way (to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue) is through resuming the six-party talks”39 and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.40 He was dismissive of South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s proposal of a five-party talks framework excluding North Korea, saying that it was “not a good idea.”41
Implications for India
While the Ministry of External Affairs of India has not come up with any official response on North Korea’s Seventh Party Congress, Indian leadership has maintained that dialogue with North Korea has to be continued. It has supported calls by the international community for North Korea to engage with the international community. After the North Korean link to the A. Q. Khan Proliferation network became public, India has been concerned about further proliferation. India’s concerns had largely emanated from the Pakistan-North Korea nuclear partnership. In 1999, India had seized a shipment of North Korean missile components en route to Pakistan. The North Korea-Pakistan nuclear relationship, according to some experts, is a dormant yet an unpredictable challenge.
Overall, India’s relations with North Korea are cordial but limited in terms of diversity. In April 2015, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong visited India. In September 2015, India nominated Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju to attend an official event held at the North Korean Embassy in New Delhi.
So far as the recent nuclear tests are concerned, India’s position is clearly presented in the India - Republic of Korea Joint Statement for Special Strategic Partnership released on May 18, 2015 during the South Korea visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It states:
“The two leaders underlined the paramount importance of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. In this regard, they expressed concern over the development of DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments. They urged the DPRK to fully comply with all of its international obligations, including under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and to fulfil its commitments under the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. Prime Minister Modi expressed support for President Park's efforts to build trust in the Korean peninsula and to lay the groundwork for peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.”42
Conclusion
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*Authors are Research Fellows at ICWA. Authors wish to thank Ambassador Skand Tayal for his valuable inputs.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are of authors and do not reflect the views of the Council.
Endnotes:
1 “North Korea's Kim caps rare congress with colorful mass rally”, Reuters, May 10, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-congress-idUSKCN0Y02MH (Accessed on 10 May 2016).
2“朝鲜“七大”:为何此时?谁参加?哪些议题?有什么期待?” Huanqiu, http://world.huanqiu.com/article/2016-05/8868967_2.html. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
3 “Kim Jong Un Elected Chairman of WPK”, Korea Central News Agency, May 10, 2016, http://www.kcna.kp/kcna.user.article.retrieveNewsViewInfoList.kcmsf#this. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
4 National Committee on Korea , “Kim Jong Un’s Speeches at the 7th Workers’ Party Congress”, http://www.ncnk.org/resources/news-items/kim-jong-uns-speeches-and-public-statements-1/KJU_Speeches_7th_Congress.pdf (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
5 ibid
6Will Ripley and Tim Schwarz, “Kim Jong Un unveils five-year plan, but no major reforms”, CNN, May 9, 2016, http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/08/asia/north-korea-kim-jong-un-e”conomic-speech/ (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
7 “Kim Jong Un Makes Closing Address at Seventh Congress of WPK”, KCNA, May 10, 2016, http://www.kcna.kp/kcna.user.special.getArticlePage.kcmsf (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
8 “ WPK Congress Calls for General Offensive toward Complete Victory of Socialism,” May 10, 2016, http://www.kcna.kp/kcna.user.article.retrieveNewsViewInfoList.kcmsf#this. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
9 “7th WPK Congress Calls for General Offensive toward Complete Victory of Socialism,” May 10, 2016, http://www.kcna.kp/kcna.user.article.retrieveNewsViewInfoList.kcmsf#this. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
10 “North Korea Hardens Nuclear Stance at Party Congress,” The Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-hardens-nuclear-stance-at-party-congress-1462873768. (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
11 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, Press Release, May 9, 2016, http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/press/pressbriefings/index.jsp?menu=m_10_30. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
12 “North Korea Hardens Nuclear Stance at Party Congress,” The Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-hardens-nuclear-stance-at-party-congress-1462873768. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
13 “North Korea's Kim caps rare congress with colorful mass rally,” Reuters, May 10, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-congress-idUSKCN0Y02MH. (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
14 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC, “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Regular Press Conference,” May 6, 2015, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1361284.shtml. (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
15 “习近平致电祝贺金正恩被推举为朝鲜劳动党委员长,” 人民网People.cn, http://politics.people.com.cn/n1/2016/0510/c1024-28336899.html. (Accessed on 15 May 2016).
16 “学者:中国可对朝鲜半岛局势发挥积极作用,” 联合早报, May 9, 2016, http://www.nanlue.com/world/2016-05-09/28847.html. (Accessed on 14 May 2016).
17 “Is Pyongyang’s no-first-use pledge new stance?” Global Times, May 9, 2016, http://en.people.cn/n3/2016/0509/c90780-9055127.html. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
18 “学者:中国可对朝鲜半岛局势发挥积极作用,” 联合早报, May 9, 2016, http://www.nanlue.com/world/2016-05-09/28847.html. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
19 “学者:中国可对朝鲜半岛局势发挥积极作用,” 联合早报,” May 9, 2016, http://www.nanlue.com/world/2016-05-09/28847.html. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
20 “7th party congress may send key messages,” Global Times, May 5, 2016, http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/981663.shtml. (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
21 “Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea,” May 10, 2016 http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/kaiken/kaiken4e_000263.html#topic1. (Accessed on 12 May 2016).
22 Full Text of the Resolution is available at http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12267.doc.htm (Accessed on 11 May 2016).
23 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, “Comment by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on the Adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations Security Council on the Nuclear Test and the Ballistic Missile Launch conducted by North Korea”, March 3, 2016, http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_001061.html. (Accessed on 12 May 2016)
24 Office of the Press Secretary, The White House, “Executive Order -- Blocking Property of the Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea, and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to North Korea,” https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/03/16/executive-order-blocking-property-government-north-korea-and-workers, (accessed on 12 May 2016).
25 Will Ripley, “North Korea prepares for highest political gathering in 3 decades,” CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/04/asia/north-korea-7th-congress-of-workers-party/index.html, and James Pearson, “North Korea says to push nuclear program, defying U.N. sanctions,” Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-congress-idUSKCN0XZ0UX, (accessed on 11 May 2016).
26 Bureau of Public Affairs: Office of Press Relations, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, US Department of State, Mark C. Toner, Deputy Spokesperson, Daily Press Briefing, Washington DC, 05 May 2016, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/05/256922.htm#NORTHKOREA, (accessed on 10 May 2016).
27 Ibid.
28 Office of the Press Secretary, The White House, “Remarks by President Obama, President Park Geun-Hye of the Republic of Korea, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan After Trilateral Meeting,” https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/03/31/remarks-president-obama-president-park-geun-hye-republic-korea-and-prime, (accessed on 12 May 2016).
29 Solutions which sometimes contradict.
31 The author’s specification in explanation about the West’s, especially the US’ strategy.
33 Georgy Toloraya, “Russia’s North Korea Conundrum,” The Diplomat, March 17, 2016. Http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/russias-north-korea-condundrum/ (Accessed on May 11, 2016).
36 Rob York, “Russia Craves Balance on the Korean Peninsula,” NK News, November 2, 2015. https://www.nknews.org/2015/11/russia-craves-balance-on-the-korean-peninsula/ (Accessed on May 11, 2016).
39Kim Jin-cheol, “Senior North Korean diplomats visit China, Russia in response to imminent sanctions,” Hani.co.kr, January 30, 2016. http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_northkorea/728601.html (Accessed on May 10, 2016).
40 “Moscow and Beijing share approaches to denuclearization of Korean Peninsula — ambassador,” TASS, February 3, 2016. http://tass.ru/en/politics/854254 (Accessed on May 11, 2016).
42 “India - Republic of Korea Joint Statement for Special Strategic Partnership (May 18, 2015)”, Ministry of External Affairs, May 18, 2015, http://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/25261/India__Republic_of_Korea_Joint_Statement_for_Special_Strategic_Partnership_May_18_2015 (accessed on 12 May 2016).