| As the intersection of the interests of the United States,the Soviet Union,China and Japan,the Korean Peninsula has a very important strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region,especially in Northeast Asia.North Korea in the northern part of the peninsula has been "one-sided" toward eastern bloc since its founding in 1948,so it has been isolated,blocked and sanctioned by the United States.The bipolar pattern of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement,which aimed at "independence,autonomy and non-bloc".Out of a comprehensive consideration of the political and economic situation at home and abroad at that time and its own political demands,North Korea chose to expand its diplomatic relations with third world countries and formally joined the Non-Aligned Movement at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Lima in August 1975.Since then,North Korea has actively participated in major activities of the Non-Aligned Movement and has made positive contributions to the development of the cause of the Non-Aligned Movement.Politically,North Korea promotes the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement,calls for strengthening the unity of the Non-Aligned Movement,assists the non-aligned countries in deep trouble,and supports the establishment of nuclear-free zones around the world.On the economic front,North Korea advocates South-South cooperation and self-reliance in food and agriculture.In the field of humanities,North Korea advocates cooperation in education and culture and proposes to enhance exchanges in the field of literature and art,which to a certain extent promotes the healthy and sustainable development of the Non-Aligned Movement.At the same time,joining the Non-Aligned Movement has also brought some positive effects to North Korea.The support of the Non-Aligned Movement to North Korea has boosted the legitimacy of the North Korean regime to be recognized by the international community.In response to North Korea’s demands,the Non-Aligned Movement actively supports a peaceful,just and reasonable settlement of the North Korean issue,which has pushed the situation on the Korean Peninsula towards relaxation.The expansion of diplomatic scope between North Korea and the Third World has increased opportunities for North Korea’s foreign economic and cultural exchanges.However,during the same period,North Korea,through the Non-Aligned Movement,the largest international organization of developing countries,also showed some radical political behaviors in its foreign exchanges,which had a great negative impact on North Korea’s international image and reputation. |
