“Unidentified Sunken Ship Was North Korean Ship“

According to the Japanese press` reports on January 13, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage commented that the ship that sunk after exchanging fire with the Japanese Coast Guard in the East China Sea on December 22, 2001, was "I believe a North Korean vessel."

He added, "We also cannot overlook the recent case of stimulant drugs connected with North Korea." and pointed to North Korea as the one responsible. He stated, "We have intelligence on this case and we will agree (to provide the information) should Japan wants it."

"Cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan is important for formulating a policy toward North Korea." Mr. Armitage said and suggested that the issue be discussed during U.S. President George W. Bush`s next visit to Korea and Japan.

Meanwhile in Fukuoka, Kyushu on January 6, 150 kg of stimulant drugs (9 billion yen market price) were found after examining a Chinese vessel in close waters. The Japanese Coast Guard confirmed from the seven arrested crew members from the ship that they received the drugs in North Korean waters, reported the Yomiuri Shinbun on the 12th.

This ship left port in Fujian province, China, on December 29, 2001, traveled 1500 km north for three days, and received the drugs from a large North Korean cargo ship in the Yellow Sea near Changsan. They were planning on transporting the drugs and handing it over to a Japanese ship on the 6th near Fukuoka but the Japanese Coast Guard patrol boat caught them.

ksshim@donga.com