North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly made a significant decision on Thursday, voting to annul all agreements related to economic cooperation with South Korea, according to the North's official KCNA news agency. This move comes amid a deepening deterioration of relations between the two Koreas.
The assembly, a formal body responsible for adopting policies dictated by the ruling Workers' Party, also decided to abolish laws governing economic ties with Seoul, including the special law governing the Mount Kumgang tourism project, as per Reuters.
North Korea's Escalating Hostility
The Mount Kumgang tours, which attracted nearly 2 million South Korean visitors, symbolized a period of economic cooperation that began in the early 2000s. However, the project was halted in 2008 following a tragic incident where a South Korean tourist was fatally shot by North Korean guards after inadvertently entering a restricted area.
The recent decision by North Korea reflects its escalating hostility towards South Korea, which it has declared as an enemy in a state of war. Last year, North Korea revoked a military agreement signed in 2018 aimed at reducing tensions near the military border established after the Korean War.
In response to North Korea's latest move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed bewilderment, calling it "an extraordinary change" in North Korea's inter-Korea policy. However, he emphasized the enduring nature of North Korea's attempts to influence South Korea ideologically and its pursuit of nuclear capabilities to threaten its southern neighbor.
President Yoon, known for his tough stance against Pyongyang, reiterated his willingness to engage with North Korea, including holding a summit meeting with its leader, Kim Jong Un, and providing economic assistance. However, he voiced concerns about the rationality of the North Korean leadership.
Since assuming power in 2011, Kim Jong Un has prioritized the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, heightening tensions with South Korea and the United States. Despite North Korea's struggling economy, Kim continues to pursue an aggressive military agenda, according to Mint.
Kim Jong Un's Factory Visit
In a separate report, KCNA announced Kim Jong Un's visit to factories responsible for manufacturing consumer goods and food. During the visit, Kim emphasized the modernization of these facilities as part of a new regional development strategy.
President Yoon reiterated South Korea's commitment to the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, warning of the economic repercussions of pursuing nuclear weapons, similar to those faced by North Korea. He emphasized the need for robust defense measures in collaboration with Washington.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have reached a critical point, with Kim Jong Un intensifying weapons tests and issuing provocative threats of nuclear conflict. South Korea has responded by enhancing military exercises with the United States and Japan and bolstering nuclear deterrence strategies.
Kim's recent declaration that North Korea is abandoning reconciliation efforts with South Korea and designating it as its most hostile foreign adversary has raised concerns about further provocations, including along the disputed western sea boundary.
Experts suggest that Kim's aggressive posture may be aimed at exerting pressure in an election year in both South Korea and the United States. Despite limited resources, North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons has exacerbated its already struggling economy.
The President stressed the significance of adopting a local strategy for engaging with North Korea, proving the value of serious discussions and concrete outcomes prior to thinking about the top meetings, ABC News reported.
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