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Chance slim for quick release of DPRK-held boat

By Peng Kuang (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-31 13:26

Yang Xiyu, a senior expert on DPRK at the China Institute of International Studies, said there is little chance that the ROK ship will be released soon because Pyongyang will use the captured ship as a bargaining chip in negotiations amid current tensions in the peninsula.

"The ROK is to blame for the fishing boat going astray into the DPRK waters regardless of the reasons it has raised to explain," said Yang. "So the DPRK is at a favorable position at the negotiation table."

But Yang ruled out a worsening situation in the peninsula. "This is an accident. It is not a military provocation."

Yang said both sides need to resort to diplomacy and patience to solve the problem.

Related readings:  UN chief backs direct US-DPRK nuclear talks  ROK seeks release of boat seized by DPRK  DPRK suggests bilateral dialogue  DPRK drops six-party talks, open to new dialogue  DPRK seizes ROK fishing boat, 4 crew

Zhang Liangui, a senior researcher on East Asia studies at Central Party School, also said the issue is unlikely to be resolved soon. "A military confrontation as a result of the incident is impossible," he said. "The two sides will engage in rounds of talks before a solution could be found."

Wang Fan, a professor at Foreign Affairs University, said the incident was so minor that it could not even be used as a bargain chip.

He noted that Pyongyang has shown signs of restraint lately, as compared to its provocative stance since May 25 nuclear test.

"The DPRK will not use the incident to further complicate the situation on the Korean Peninsula, because it will not benefit any side," he said.