Seoul, February 18 (IANS) — Chung Mong-Joon, founder and honorary chair of the Asian Institute for Policy Studies and former South Korean politician, has proposed the establishment of an “Asian NATO” to bolster regional security amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at a recent event at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, Chung emphasized the need for a collective security framework involving the United States and its allies in the region. This initiative, which he referred to as the Indo-Pacific Treaty Organisation (IPTO), would include countries such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, as well as strategic partners like India and Indonesia.
Chung’s remarks come at a time of escalating military activity in the region, particularly due to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, and increasing concerns over Chinese and Russian military ambitions. He advocated for the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea, arguing that it would serve as a credible deterrent against North Korean, Chinese, and Russian provocations, and enhance regional peace and stability.
At the same event, Chung outlined the broader strategic implications of these regional dynamics, stressing that the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific cannot be viewed in isolation from global concerns. He pointed to the troubling relationship between North Korea and Russia, noting North Korea’s ongoing support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, which in turn raises fears about Russian assistance to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
This call for a strengthened alliance aligns with broader trends in international security policy, as demonstrated by the participation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the NATO summit in Washington in July 2024. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised South Korea’s role as a valued partner in regional and global security, underlining the importance of deepening cooperation between NATO and countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Chung Mong-Joon, who served seven terms in the South Korean National Assembly and was the Chairman of the Grand National Party (2009-2010), has long been a prominent figure in South Korean politics. He was also a presidential candidate in 2002 and served as Vice President of FIFA. His leadership in organizing the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup further underscores his influential role on the global stage.
In summary, Chung’s vision for an Asian NATO reflects a growing recognition of the need for enhanced multilateral security frameworks in the face of evolving global threats. His proposals to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea and strengthen regional security alliances seek to address the increasing risks posed by North Korea’s military ambitions, and the wider geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region.
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