Chinese analysts welcomed Chris Hill's possible new role as a
policy coordinator for Pyongyang, saying it is an active signal
from the US side towards a final solution to the nuclear issue on
the Korean Peninsula.
Hill is expected to be designated the new special Korea policy
coordinator, a position created by the US Congress in an attempt to
encourage changes in the Bush administration's approach towards
Pyongyang.
Fan Jishe, a senior researcher with the Chinese Academy of
Social Sciences, said the action showed that Washington would
"invest more energy in the nuclear issue with more
flexibility."
He said Washington has smelled the sense of urgency after
Pyongyang launched its nuclear test on October 9 and is ready to
make further efforts to realize the goal of a nuclear free Korean
Peninsula.
According to Fan, the US policy towards the Pyongyang has never
been unified, describing it as "kick the can down the road" by
different political groups.
However, Fan noted that if Hill could be authorized with more
powers in coordinating the US policy for Pyongyang among the US
ministries and departments, the appointment would be a very
positive move.
Fan said Hill is a suitable candidate for the post, as it would
avoid making an overlapping position since he is also the US chief
negotiator of the six-party talks and has been deeply involved in
the discussion in recent years.
(China Daily December 8, 2006)
