Remains return is positive sign

A solution to the historical problems requires joint efforts from Beijing and Seoul to create an atmosphere needed for dialogue and consultation on the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula, on the premise that the DPRK must give up its nuclear weapons. For that purpose, the ROK needs to make consistent efforts to work with the international community, and through the trust-building process on the peninsula, as advocated by Park, persuade the DPRK to give up its nuclear weapons and hold consultations with Pyongyang,

On China's part, it is time to send a clear message to the DPRK that it will only isolate itself by further endangering regional peace and stability. China should make greater efforts to persuade the DPRK to give up its nuclear ambition within the framework of the Six-Party Talks while carrying out economic reform and opening up. China and the ROK can also convene peace talks among participating nations of the 1953 armistice agreement.

Seen in this light, the latest repatriation of the remains of Chinese soldiers does offer a chance for Beijing and Seoul to deepen their cooperation in facilitating the peacemaking process on the peninsula, in particular sending a message to the DPRK and prompting it to reflect upon its past, present and prospects. It is true that Pyongyang has not replied to the offer the South previously made to return the remains of hundreds of the North's soldiers.

However, Seoul can use the transfer of the remains of Chinese soldiers as an opportunity to make the offer again, in a bid to tie the DPRK to its two neighbors.

If this materialized, it will also help offset the impact of the third nuclear test the North conducted a year ago, which has put a serious strain on the longstanding China-DPRK relationship.

The repatriation of the remains of Chinese soldiers may seem to be a small step, but it embodies great wisdom in bringing China and the ROK closer together, so that the two neighbors can strengthen cooperation and press ahead with the peacemaking process on the peninsula for the greater good of Northeast Asia.

The author is a guest professor at the School of Finance, Renmin University of China.