Commentary: Talks better than cold shoulder

by Xinhua Writer Zhu Junqing

BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea to reopen a communication channel sends a long-awaited encouraging signal and conduces to resuming talks and realizing peace and stability on the peninsula.x After two year-long resistance and feisty rhetoric, the inter-Korean relations seem to return to the right track and gain positive momentum.

Since the suspension of the north-south hotline in February 2016, the DPRK has conducted several nuclear tests and test-fired ballistic missiles, while South Korea has launched large-scale military exercises with its allies.

However, with the top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un expressing his country's willingness to participate in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and South Korea's immediate and positive responds, a ray of hope was cast over the DPRK-South Korea relations.

The positive move means that the both sides are willing to seize the chance of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to reverse hostility and ease tensions. It is clear that the two sides have long held a willingness to hold talks.

As a result, both sides need to value the current momentum, and to think rationally, act prudently and discard external interference. Furthermore, more concrete efforts are needed to expand mutual trust and settle the Korean Peninsula issue through peaceful diplomatic and political settlement.

In this context, the "suspension for suspension" proposal, initiated by China, could be considered a reasonable, fair and viable proposal. For the DPRK, it should abide by all relevant UN resolutions and refrain from any further nuclear and missile tests. For South Korea, it needs to suspend large-scale military drills to take into account her northern neighbor's security concern.

To put an end the vicious circle of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, it is worthwhile to put aside the contention over who should take the first step. Rather, the resumption of the Six Party Talks should be the focus.

For other countries concerned, it is advisable to create a positive atmosphere for reconciliation by making a tangible contribution by halting all provocation. Sanctions should therefore not be the goal but only to be used as a stop-gap measure.

The Korean Peninsula issue is deep-seated and complex as Rome is not built in one day. However, resuming contact and sitting together at the table is making the first step forward.

If inter-Korean talks are held to discuss the DPRK's participation in the sports event, other issues could be on the dialogue table. After all, talks are far better than giving each other the cold shoulder. Enditem