Writer Sun Ding
BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- As the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) marked a milestone by rolling out an economic blueprint aimed at kick-starting its economy, Pyongyang and Washington should work together to pave the way for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The five-year plan, the country's first in 36 years, was announced by top leader Kim Jong Un at the just-concluded 7th Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), during which Kim was elected chairman of the WPK.
The prominence that Kim put on the economy at the once-in-a-generation event was a big step forward in improving the living standards of his people. However, the economy is only one half of his "Byungjin" policy, which also emphasizes the development of nuclear capabilities.
In a hour-long speech broadcast on Sunday, Kim stressed that the DPRK should expand economic relations externally, highlighting his desire to get the DPRK reintegrated into the international community.
Apparently, the DPRK leader understands that improving his country's lot depends heavily on sound economic development and healthy international trade.
However, Pyongyang's push to develop its economy while bolstering its nuclear arsenal won't be easy; in fact, it may even be impossible.
Read the full story at Xinhua