A priority goal of South Korea since a pair of successful summits with North Korea, officials say bilateral discussions are under way on the possible relocation of North Korean long-range artillery systems away from the border.
An estimated 1,000 artillery pieces are stationed along the border with sufficient range to hit the South Korean capital of Seoul. A vastly populated metro area of over 25 million people, it has long been feared that a full-scale artillery strike on the city could kill millions.
Before North Korea developed its nuclear arsenal, this vast collection of artillery was the main deterrent to prevent a US and South Korean attack. With a peace deal under discussion, this would be a huge concession for North Korea to make, reflecting a commitment to a peaceful future.
Some South Korean officials have suggested that the relocation of the artillery is actually a “demand” they placed on the north. South Korea is said to be offering some new measures of their own, but what they are remain uncertain.
NK removing some of their artillery is not an unreasonable thing to ‘ask’ for as an opening to relieve some of the tension on the border tripwire.
However, ‘demanding’ might be a stretch without some serious concessions in return.
The “serious concessions in return” are always the stumbling block. At least as far as the US is concerned. Maybe South Korea will be different if they are allowed.