The suspension and counter-suspension of a military deal between North and South Korea has increased tensions in the Korean Peninsula. According to multiple sources including the BBC, Seoul has suspended some parts of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement, a significant step towards easing tensions and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, this week with the aim to restart surveillance operations along the border, which would allow the South to monitor North Korean outposts and long-range artillery, in response to North’s launching of the spy satellite Malligyong -1 into space earlier resulting in the complete suspension of it by Pyongyang. Consequently, tensions have newly increased between the countries.
It is notable that the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement — which was signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in as part of an attempt to reduce tensions on the peninsula and build trust between the two countries by establishing the no-fly zones and prohibiting armed troops at the border — has helped maintain relative peace in the Korean Peninsula. By establishing measures to prevent accidental clashes, increasing communication channels and demilitarizing certain areas, the agreement has led to a decrease in tensions and fostered a ground of cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, the crucial deal has created the scope for the improvement of relations and promoting further peace between the countries.
But the suspension has definitely some implications for the Korean peninsula. Though it is less likely to directly lead to any military confrontation now, tensions will further increase between the two countries, to say the least. While South Korea has already resumed its surveillance operations on the northern border, North Korea has in the meantime warned that it would mobilize more troops and new-type military hardware in the region along the Military Demarcation Line. It is notable that the violation of the joint military deal was already there with the multiple tests of missiles by North Korea over the No-Fly Zones, resulting in the disproportionate benefits of it to the parties involved.
The suspension will probably lead to more provocative actions between the countries, which carried out one war and have hostile relations for several decades with the frequent threats of military confrontations and provocations, since there will remain be scope of unrestrained weapons deployments and maneuvers near the border. Even if the deal has already been violated with multiple missile tests and other provocative means, such a peace agreement that worked as a deterrent to hostile activities between the countries at least somewhat may still lead to reduced tensions on the border and lessen the chance of escalation into a full-fledged war.
It is desired that steps be taken to prevent the escalation of tensions and reduce the chance of a military war between the countries in the Korean Peninsula. For this, tension-reducing deals are definitely crucial between them — along with ending provocative and hostile activities over the No-Fly Zones. Giving a rethought by the parties on their suspended agreement at least partially may be helpful. Among others, strengthening communication channels between the two countries may also be helpful in reducing tensions, improving relations and lessening the chance of any military war.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
