Topic: Security Cooperation in East Asia
Country: Swaziland
Delegate Name: Caroline Munson
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Swaziland position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The tensions between East Asian Countries have risen greatly since the late 1800s. Between the Korean War, Cold War and WWII, the countries of Russia, China, Japan and North and South Korea have eagerly raced to improve their military standings to defend themselves against the others. Ever since 2013, when Xi Jinping took chairmanship of China, this nation has been developing a more active security policy. The authorities are reforming the People’s Liberation Army to increase its capabilities. This, along with the provocative nature of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the instability of South Korea (ROK) and the resistance by China and Russia to the presence of the United States in Asia, all lead to high tensions in East Asia. The South China Sea, the region’s most important trade route, has been the focus of many territorial disputes from the surrounding nations. The islands between China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines are being fought over for control. China is also building artificial islands and takes the existing ones as well to make ports and lighthouses. China justifies this by the right to economic zones around the islands but is not agreed with by countries other than the Philippines. The Korean Peninsula has had high tensions ever since the Korean War. The DPRK has been launching missiles and threatening countries like the US with nuclear bombs. In addition, China and South Korea are having deteriorating relations due to the ROK deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system that both China and Russia oppose. Because of this, China has imposed economic sanctions on the ROK furthering tensions in the region.
Swaziland’s ties with countries of East Asia are limited to basic diplomatic relations with Taiwan and South Korea. Swaziland foreign minister met with that of South Korea and agreed to increase bilateral trade and expand assistance from the ROK to Swaziland in areas like education and technology. Swaziland is in full support as well with South Korea in that North Korea’s recent nuclear tests are concerning. The US has plans to sell weapons to Taiwan but China is deploying advanced medium-range missile systems in the Taiwan Strait. The missiles are capable of breaking Taiwan’s missile defense and can reach as far as Japan. However, communications with ROK has been difficult since the embassy in South Africa has closed. Swaziland did have diplomatic relations with the DPRK, as did many African countries but many have broken ties post Korean War. Swaziland is also discussing precaution with Russia in signing an agreement to cooperate in fighting terrorism and enhancing relations of military training, partially due to the increasing tensions within the area. Swaziland plans on keeping relocations with both Taiwan and South Korea during these times of increasing military powers. A famous rabbi in Swaziland, Natan Gamedze, expresses deep concern over the actions of the DPRK and pledges full support for the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions on Pyongyang. The nation of Swaziland promotes communication among members of the ASEAN, as all countries are increasing their military standings and ease tensions. As Japan is a main trading ally, Swaziland hopes to keep relations with them and impose sanctions to keep Swazi allies safe. Swaziland feels that sanctions are the only way to stop North Korea’s production of nuclear weapons, ease tensions and establish stability in the region. Swaziland believes it would work well with Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Burkina Faso in attempting to restore equilibrium to this region.
