Your March 9 editorial “No more delay for Jeju base” has said we should not delay the construction of the proposed Jeju naval base any more. But I think it should also have considered whether the base is actually needed and whether there are no problems with this project.

As you know, Jeju boasts beautiful nature and an affluent ecosystem. The coast of Gangjeong Village, in particular, is UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves, and a Korean government-designated ecosystem and cultural asset preservation zone. As the Navy is blasting the sacred Gureombi Rocks at the coastline of Gangjeong for a base, clashes are occurring daily between the villagers joined by peace activists from across the country and riot police with reinforcements from the mainland. Many protesters have been arrested by the police. Mutual accusations and enmity among villagers who support or oppose the base project have almost destroyed the Gangjeong community. All this is the result of the Navy and the government pushing forward with the construction against the wishes of the majority of the villagers and against the required legal procedures.

Originally, the government decided to build a “military-civilian” compound base to accommodate up to 20 naval vessels including Aegis destroyers, as well as two cruisers of the 150,000-ton class, but it has since become clear that the planned pier was not enough to dock such a large passenger ship.

Under such a situation, Jeju government has requested the Navy to temporarily halt the work until it finishes examining the propriety of the planned project and holding public hearings on it. Under such situation, rushing the construction by force is unjustified and will leave serious aftermath.

Jeju Island is a gift of nature with its idyllic natural environment and affluent ecosystem. The government designated it as a Peace Land in 2005. The building of a large-scale naval base at Gangjeong will cause the destruction of the area’s environment and ecosystem including a pristine coral reef named a key environmental treasure by the United Nations.

Your editorial says that a naval base is necessary to protect the nation’s southern maritime territory and sea traffic. But so far neither China nor any other coastal countries have ever hindered or threatened our shipping lanes, and will not do so unless we become a military threat to them. After all, we cannot afford to and should not confront China militarily.

Rather, we should be concerned about the possibility of a Jeju naval base becoming a port of call for the U.S. Aegis destroyers, outfitted with a ‘missile defense’ system, and nuclear submarines to militarily encircle China.

We earnestly hope that Jeju Island remains an eco-friendly and peaceful land without becoming militarized and embroiled in the power games of powerful countries. 

By Sung Jae-sang

Sung Jae-sang is co-representative of Good Seniors Association. ― Ed.