Leading South Korean Figure Proposes Formation of Asian NATO for Enhanced Regional Stability
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Synopsis
Chung Mong-Joon, a prominent South Korean figure, has proposed creating an Asian NATO to improve regional stability, along with suggestions for redeploying tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea. His advocacy emphasizes the need for stronger security cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations.
Key Takeaways
- Chung Mong-Joon proposes an Asian NATO for regional stability.
- Calls for redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea.
- Emphasizes credible deterrence against North Korea, China, and Russia.
- Suggests a coalition of Indo-Pacific nations for enhanced security.
- Stoltenberg warns of North Korea's military support to Russia.
Seoul, Feb 18 (NationPress) Chung Mong-Joon, the founder and honorary chair of the Asian Institute for Policy Studies and a former politician in South Korea, has put forth the idea of establishing an Asian NATO, while also proposing the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea to bolster regional peace and security.
“The United States, along with its allies and partners, must exhibit credible determination to deter military provocations from North Korea, China, and Russia. An Asian counterpart to NATO is necessary; we could refer to it as the Indo-Pacific Treaty Organisation (IPTO),” The Korean Herald reported Chung Mong-Joon as stating during an event at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.
He further recommended that the US and its allies, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand, along with partners such as India and Indonesia, should enhance security collaboration to protect the sovereignty of all nations within the Indo-Pacific, as detailed in the report.
In July 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the NATO summit in Washington for the third time, alongside other allies from the Indo-Pacific region. During the summit, then NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Korean President and recognized South Korea as a crucial ally, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation.
“North Korea is supplying substantial amounts of ammunition and military assistance to support Russia in its aggressive actions against Ukraine. We are extremely concerned about the potential for Russia to reciprocate by providing support to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs,” stated Stoltenberg.
“The missile and nuclear initiatives of North Korea pose a threat not only to the region but to global security as well. This underscores the interconnection between security in the Indo-Pacific and security in Europe,” he added.
Chung has served seven terms in the National Assembly of South Korea. He chaired the Grand National Party (the ruling party) from 2009 to 2010, was a presidential candidate in 2002, and also held the position of Vice President of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), being co-chairman of the Korean Organising Committee for the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup.
