Emerging strategic defense realignment and reconfiguration pose a serious threat to peace and security in Northeast Asia, says CCA General Secretary at the International Conference for the 100th Anniversary of the NCC Korea
Seoul, South Korea: The strategic realignment and reconfiguration occurring within the emerging geopolitical context in Northeast Asia pose a serious threat and must be cognized within the broader framework of Asia’s security architecture. This trend has become more evident in the shifting dynamics of geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geostrategy in the region, which continues to lack an effective security mechanism, largely due to its lingering Cold War mentality, opined Dr Mathews George Chunakara, General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA).
Delivering a keynote address titled “Geopolitics in Northeast Asia, and its Impact on Peace and Security in the Korean Peninsula - Ecumenical Responses” on the first day of the International Conference for the 100th Anniversary of the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) in Seoul, South Korea, Dr Mathews George Chunakara stated that peace and security remain under constant threat in this sub-region due to various factors such as North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programmes, strategic realignment and reconfiguration in Northeast Asia, the Russia-DPRK Comprehensive Partnership Treaty and its impact, the rearmament of Japan, US-led strategic security alliances, the growing economic and strategic influence of China in the region, the potential threat posed by emerging trilateral alliances between Russia, North Korea, and China, including mutual defense agreements and military technical assistance, as well as territorial and maritime disputes in Northeast Asia.
The international conference being held from 20 to 21 September 2024 under the theme “God of Life, Renew All Creation in Your Love,” also featured a keynote address by the World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay.
In his address, Dr Mathews George Chunakara explored the historical context of Northeast Asia and emerging geopolitical trends before shedding light on ecumenical accompaniment and responses to peace with justice and the unification of Korea. He traced the ecumenical movement’s concern for the Korean Peninsula from the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950—when the WCC expressed its opposition to the war and urged peaceful negotiations instead of the division of Korea, viewing it as a threat to peace and justice—through to the present day.
The CCA General Secretary also highlighted the historic 1989 WCC Central Committee meeting in Moscow, in the former Soviet Union, where the WCC facilitated the first-ever meeting between North and South Korean church leaders, which he attended as a young WCC steward.
Dr Chunakara noted that the CCA has become a key partner in accompanying and supporting the Korean churches’ aspirations for peace and reunification during the past several decades. From being actively involved in the preparation for the Tozanso process to mobilising Asian churches in solidarity, the CCA has ensured that the voices of the Korean people are heard. CCA’s engagement continues, as reflected most recently in a statement adopted at the 15th CCA General Assembly, “Seventy Years After the Armistice: Peace and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula” which reflected the aspirations of the Asian churches.
He then raised a crucial question: “How can the ecumenical community advance meaningful and sustained ecumenical actions and responses? We must ask whether our churches and governments will continue to adopt a passive approach, limiting their advocacy to merely issuing statements, or whether they will actively engage with policymakers and those who can influence government policies and actions.”
“When peace and security are under constant threat, it is crucial to discuss ways to advance meaningful and sustained ecumenical actions and responses. The ecumenical community must rise to respond to the challenge by engaging in dialogue, advocating for peaceful solutions, and holding governments accountable for their roles in perpetuating and intensifying conflicts in Northeast Asia,” added Dr Chunakara.
Dr Mathews George Chunakara, who also serves as the current moderator of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the WCC, further stressed the importance of rethinking and revitalising ecumenical initiatives. He stated that the enduring conflict and complex geopolitical dynamics require a concerted effort to move beyond symbolic gestures and lethargic approaches, advancing instead with substantive, actionable strategies and strengthening mechanisms through which the ecumenical community can play a pivotal role in transforming the current state of insecurity into a pathway towards lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. “What is most urgently needed is a more proactive and meaningful role by churches and governments in Asia and beyond in addressing the issues faced by the Korean people,” Dr Chunakara emphasised.
The CCA is represented at the international conference by Moderator Bishop Ruel N. Marigza, Programme Coordinator Rev. Jung Eun Moon, and the General Secretary.
