Missile Tests

No one can argue that the proliferation of advanced offensive weapons of any kind poses a danger to the world peace. President of the Republic of Korea Kim Dae Jung’s call on North Korea to cancel its test-firing of a long-range missile is justified and practical (“Pain Would Follow Missile Test,” Commentary, Aug. 30). But in order to carry out a meaningful negotiation, one must also have a clear perspective from the viewpoint of one’s opponent.

If North Korea is to be persuaded to cancel its missile test, wouldn’t it be natural for it to ask about the missile tests that are being carried out continuously by the U.S., which not only supplies the weaponry to the Republic of Korea but also stations its armed forces on the Korean Peninsula and across the Sea of Japan? If the two regimes are expected to carry out a meaningful talk on reunification, wouldn’t North Korea be worried about the extension of this foreign “military occupation” to its own territory? Is President Kim prepared to answer these question to the satisfaction of all parties?

PAUL CHOW

Northridge