Reactions to the ROKS Cheonan sinking

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Main article: ROKS Cheonan sinking

When the South Korea-led international investigation's report on the sinking was released on 20 May 2010 there was international condemnation of the North's actions. China was an exception as they simply termed the incident "unfortunate" and "urged stability on the peninsula." This was speculated to be China's concern for instability on the Korean peninsula.[1] Christian Oliver stated in The Financial Times that South Korea needs to explain why its navy started shooting northwards immediately, thus risking starting a war, and give reassurance on the competence of predominantly conscript forces.[2]

International organizations[edit]

Organization of American States Organization of American States

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States José Miguel Insulza called the sinking of the Cheonan, "a clear violation of international law and a threat to world peace and security[...]".[3]

United Nations United Nations

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, himself a South Korean national, took an unusual step of demanding action against North Korea: "I'm confident that the [Security] Council, in fulfilling its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, will take measures appropriate to the gravity of the situation."[4] The United Nations Command investigated whether the sinking was a violation of the armistice. The Command said it was convening a "special investigations team" (SIT) to "review the findings" of the investigation into the incident and would "determine the scope of the armistice violation." The SIT team included Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden and Switzerland.[5]
On 14 June 2010, South Korea presented the results of its investigation to United Nations Security Council members.[6][7] In a subsequent meeting with council members North Korea stated that it had nothing to do with the incident.[8] On 9 July 2010 the United Nations Security Council made a Presidential Statement condemning the attack but without identifying the attacker.[9][10] China had resisted U.S. calls for a tougher line against North Korea.[11]

Africa[edit]

Kenya Kenya

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moses Wetangula stated that "It is obvious that such acts of aggression only serve to perpetuate a state of insecurity between the two Koreas[...]". The Kenyan government condemned the attack, and expressed its condolences to South Korea.[12]

Asia[edit]

Bangladesh Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh expressed its deep concern at the sinking of the vessel and conveyed to the government of the Republic of Korea sincerest condolences for the lives lost in the incident.[13]

China China

China refused to condemn either side over the incident. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai stated that the sinking was "unfortunate" and that any response to the incident should be aimed at maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula.[14] Prime Minister Wen Jiabao however, vowed that China "will not protect" the perpetrators of the sinking.[15] After the release of the South Korean investigation report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesman Ma Zhaoxu refrained from condemning North Korea, stating that "all parties should stay calm, exercise restraint and properly handle relevant issues so as to avoid the escalation of the situation."[16] Researchers at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, drawing on interviews with Chinese officials and foreign policy experts, argued that there existed an "inability of the top leadership to reach a consensus on how to react" to the issue.[17]

India India

The Ministry of External Affairs of India released a statement on the same day, "The Korean government has shared with us the details of the investigation of the Civil-Military Joint Investigation Team to determine the cause of the sinking of the Cheonan. We condemn and express our condolences to the Korean government for the tragic loss of life. India highly appreciates the ROK's handling of this case with maturity and self-discipline to maintain regional peace and stability."[18]

Japan Japan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its support for the government of South Korea. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama later condemned North Korea for the sinking of the Cheonan, and stated that the tensions on the Korean peninsula were an important reason to maintain American-Japanese relations and were a key reason to keep U.S. forces in an airbase on Okinawa.. The government of Japan has announced its intention to strengthen economic sanctions against North Korea.[19][20][21]

Philippines Philippines

The Department of Foreign Affairs condemned the sinking of the Cheonan and expressed solidarity with the South Korean government. The Filipino government called for North Korea to honor international obligations, and hoped there would be no further deterioration of stability on the Korean peninsula.[22]

Turkey Turkey

The Turkish government announced their support for South Korea after the conclusion of the international investigation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring, "Turkey stands in solidarity with our friend and ally the South Korean government and its people in this tragic incident [...] It is obvious that this development will result in further increasing the isolation of North Korea."[23]

Vietnam Vietnam

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga said: "The sinking of Cheonan is a regrettable incident. The Government of Vietnam expresses its heart-felt condolences to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the loss of lives in the sinking. Vietnam has attentively and closely been following the current developments in the Korean Peninsula. Vietnam consistently and persistently supports peace, stability in the Korean Peninsula, and favors dialogue for peaceful settlement of all matters. Vietnam wishes that parties concerned could exercise restraint for the sake of peace, stability in the Korean Peninsula and in the region."

Australasia[edit]

Australia Australia

The Australian government officially condemned the sinking of the Cheonan, stating that it believed North Korea was responsible.[24]

New Zealand New Zealand

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully condemned North Korea's sinking of the Cheonan, urging North Korea to refrain from further destabilizing acts and expressing solidarity with South Korea.[25]

Europe[edit]

Denmark Denmark

Foreign Affairs Minister Lene Espersen condemned the sinking of the Cheonan, stating that it believed North Korea was responsible. The Minister called on North Korea to comply with its international obligations.[26]

France France

French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner, expressed to his South Korean counterpart, Yu Myung-hwan, France's very firm condemnation of the attack which was directed against the Republic of Korea. Bernard Kouchner assured him of France's wholehearted solidarity, and that of her European partners, in this ordeal.[27]

Germany Germany

The German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemned the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan and expressed his concern at the violence. "We appeal to all participants to contain themselves, and call for rationality and reconciliation to prevail. We would like to and can only request that all of the participants remain level-headed."[28][29]

Greece Greece

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered their condolences to South Korea, while stating that, "Greece unequivocally condemns such actions, which jeopardize regional peace and stability and undermine good neighbourly relations."[30]

Portugal Portugal

The government of Portugal expressed solidarity with South Korea and condemned the sinking of the Cheonan, stating that the attack, "endangers the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region."[31]

Romania Romania

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered "condolences and compassion [...] to the Government [of South Korea] and families of the deceased" while condemning the attack on the Cheonan, which it deemed "a grave threat to security and stability" in the region.[32]

United Kingdom United Kingdom

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement released 19 May "The UK experts are in no doubt as to the veracity of the investigation's findings. The DPRK's actions will deepen the international community's mistrust. The attack demonstrates a total indifference to human life and a blatant disregard of international obligations."[33]

North America[edit]

Canada Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the attack and gave full support to President Lee Myung-bak. Prime Minister Harper announced in an official report that Canada, who sent three navy experts to aid in the inspection of the Cheonan wreck, will tighten sanctions against North Korea, including restrictions on trade, investment and other bilateral relations. Visits to Canada by high-ranking North Korean officials have also been suspended.[34][35]

Guatemala Guatemala

The Guatemalan Ministry of External Relations expressed solidarity with South Korea and called for stability on the Korean peninsula.[36]

United States United States

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has condemned the attack and said that it can't be "business as usual" on the Korean peninsula and called for an international response. She believes that there must be "consequences" for North Korea's actions.[37] On 24 May 2010, the Pentagon announced a joint military exercise by U.S. and South Korean forces—cited to be response to the sinking and focusing on anti-submarine and maritime interdiction capabilities.[38]

South America[edit]

Brazil Brazil

The Brazilian Ministry of External Relations issued a statement saying the government expresses solidarity with South Korea and urged stability on the Korean peninsula.[39]

Chile Chile

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the attack on the Cheonan as a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. The Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs would later pay tribute to the deceased South Korean sailors at a funeral service in Seoul.[40][41]

Venezuela Venezuela

The Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez accused the United States of putting a bomb on the Cheonan.[42] According to him, this action is part of a "yankee conspiracy" ongoing during the FIFA World Cup 2010, with the purpose of starting a war in Korea.[42]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "North Korea accused of sinking ship". 20 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  2. ^ Christian Oliver (1 April 2010). "S Korean credibility on the line over probe". Financial Times. London. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
  3. ^ "OAS Secretary General Condemns Sinking of South Korean Warship". Organization of American States. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  4. ^ "Ban Ki Moon Joins The North Korea-Security Council Debate". UN Dispatch. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  5. ^ "U.N. to see if ship sinking violated Korea armistice". CNN. 22 May 2010.
  6. ^ Park In-kook (4 June 2010), "Letter dated 4 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council" (PDF), United Nations Security Council, S/2010/281, retrieved 11 July 2010
  7. ^ "North Korea – Developments at the UN". Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations. July 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  8. ^ Sin Son Ho (8 June 2010), "Letter dated 8 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council" (PDF), United Nations Security Council, S/2010/294, retrieved 11 July 2010
  9. ^ "Presidential Statement: Attack on Republic of Korea Naval Ship 'Cheonan'". United Nations Security Council. United Nations. 9 July 2010. S/PRST/2010/13. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  10. ^ Harvey Morris (9 July 2010). "North Korea escapes blame over ship sinking". Financial Times. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  11. ^ Andrew Jacobs and David E. Sanger (29 June 2010). "China Returns U.S. Criticism Over Sinking of Korean Ship". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  12. ^ "Kenya: The Koreas Asked to Resolve Dispute". AllAfrica.com. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  13. ^ http://www.bdnews24.com/krc/rn/ta/bd/1846h[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ Kyodo News, "China Shows Calm Response To Seoul's Release of Sunken Ship Findings", 20 May 2010; Chosun Ilbo, "China Falls Silent on Eve of Cheonan Probe Announcement", "China Signals Displeasure With Cheonan Reaction", 20 May 2010.
  15. ^ "China 'will not protect' Korea ship attackers". BBC News. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  16. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu's Regular Press Conference on May 20, 2010". Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  17. ^ Jakobson, Linda; Dean, Knox (1 September 2010). New Foreign Policy Actors in China (Report). Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. pp. 17–18. China's initial reaction was noncommittal ... According to Chinese researchers, China's silence was due to the inability of the top leadership to reach a consensus on how to react. Within China's civilian leadership, there were those, among others Wang Jiarui (head of the Party's International Department), who supported the military's view that North Korea has legitimate concerns about its security being threatened by the United States and that it is not in China's interests to condemn its ally. Other top civilian leaders were reportedly of the view that China cannot stand by and be seen as tolerating an indiscriminate attack by North Korea on a South Korean vessel.
  18. ^ 인도, 천안함 사건 규탄 성명 연합뉴스 2010-05-21
  19. ^ Sieg, Linda (14 October 2009). "UPDATE 1-Japan PM points to North Korea to explain US base plan". Reuters. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  20. ^ "Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 27 May 2010". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  21. ^ "Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 17 June 2010". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 17 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  22. ^ "RP hopes for peaceful resolution to 'Cheonan' tragedy". ABS-CBN Corporation. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  23. ^ Kim, Young-jin (23 May 2010). "Turkey backs Seoul over Cheonan findings". The Korea Times. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  24. ^ "Democratic People's Republic of Korea country brief". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 4 June 2010. Archived from the original on 16 December 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  25. ^ "McCully condemns North Korean link to Cheonan sinking". New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 21 May 2010. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  26. ^ "Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the sinking of the South Korean navy Corvette Cheonan". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.[permanent dead link]
  27. ^ "South Korea/North Korea – International investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan ship – Statement by the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry Spokesman - France in the United Kingdom - la France au Royaume-Uni". Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  28. ^ http://www.munol.org/uploads/PositionPapers/2011/SC_Germany.pdf[permanent dead link]
  29. ^ "As it happened: Korean artillery clash". BBC News. 23 November 2010.
  30. ^ "Foreign Ministry spokesman's statement on the findings of the investigation into the causes of the sinking of the corvette "Cheonan"". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 21 May 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  31. ^ "Solidarity with South Korea". Government of Portugal. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  32. ^ "Peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  33. ^ "World united in condemning North Korea for ship assault". The Korea Herald. 20 May 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  34. ^ "Canada imposes sanctions on N. Korea". Canada: CBC. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  35. ^ "Note on Canadian involvement in the investigation of the Cheonan incident" (Microsoft Word document). ais.org. 24 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  36. ^ "Comunicado del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores sobre la situación en la Península de Corea". Ministry of External Relations. 22 May 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010. [dead link]
  37. ^ John Pomfret (22 May 2010). "U.S. 'condemns' North Korea for torpedo attack". the San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  38. ^ Mike Mount (24 May 2010). "U.S., South Korea to conduct joint military exercises". CNN. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  39. ^ "Afundamento de corveta da República da Coreia / Sinking of a Korean Republic corvette". Ministry of External Relations. 25 May 2010. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  40. ^ "Gobierno chileno expresa preocupación por informe de hundimiento de corbeta coreana". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 24 May 2010. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  41. ^ "Canciller Moreno se reunió con Primer Ministro de Corea del Sur y rindió homenaje a tripulación fallecida tras naufragio de buque". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  42. ^ a b "Chávez: "imperio yankee" avanza "mientras estamos pendientes del fútbol"". Agence France-Presse. 25 June 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.[dead link]
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