U.S. Expert Discusses Roh-Bush Summit

Dong-A Ilbo: Can you give any advice for the success of this Korea-U.S. summit meeting?

Richard Bush: On the summit level, Presidents Roh and Bush should make a decision that goes beyond the bureaucratic interests of the two countries. For instance, there is not enough time left for the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. President Bush has the ability to sincerely listen to others. In the U.S.-China summit meeting last year, he accepted China’s opinion when Chinese President Hu Jintao explained their position in a serious and sincere manner.

Dong-A Ilbo: President Roh’s remark last week in Helsinki, “North Korea’s missiles do not pose any threat to Korea or the U.S.,” clearly showed a difference from what the U.S. believes.

Richard Bush: I do not think that remark will have any significant influence on the upcoming summit meeting. North Korea’s missile launch has both military and political implications. Interpretation can vary by person; I believe President Roh stressed its political implications. The question is how to find ways to return to the six-party talks, but firing missiles is not a good choice.

Dong-A Ilbo: How successful do you think the Korea-U.S. alliance is?

Richard Bush: [The alliance] was very successful in the 20th century. In the 21st century, however, the international system became highly complicated and vague. In the 20th century, it was clear who the enemy was: the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and others. This is not the case right now. We need to make efforts to clearly define the goals of the Korea-U.S. alliance. It is not certain whether the two countries will be able to reach a consensus for setting goals that they can fundamentally share. In the 20th century, however, we formed a very successful alliance, which was a successful investment that left ample dividends. We will be able to leverage those dividends in setting the goals of the Korea-U.S. alliance in the 21st century because both countries basically share common values such as market economy, democracy, globalism, and freedom.

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