통일 이후 한반도 공유하천의 전략적 가치 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide Korea with a managing strategy of the shared rivers, Amnok and Tuman, which will constitute borders with China and Russia after the reunification, by analyzing their strategic values. After the reunification, the strategic values of the shared rivers will include that they function as Korea's forward defensive obstacle militarily while economically they could become a focal point for border conflicts when water shortage around the border regions is anticipated or realized. Also, the rivers have great potentials for tourism and economic developments. Environmentally, pollution and in-and-out flow of polluted materials in vicinity of the rivers due to rapid industrialization and development could cause responsibility conflicts between bordering countries. Despite such strategic importances, potential problems regarding the shared rivers include possible conflicts over possession of the rivers, ineffective use of water resources, China's Northeast Project and Northeast Economic Development Plan, environmental pollution, and destruction of eco-system. Therefore, in order to best prepare for the reunification and a new Northeast Asia security environment, we should evaluate the strategic importance of the shared rivers in detail and thus establish the effective and strategic managing methods for the long term with all the security related government functions involved. By establishing the managing methods of the shared rivers strategically rather than only geographically, reunified Korea can remain in the forefront of Northeast Asian security order, creating a regional security environment advantageous to Korea for the upcoming future.