It has been 4 years since government announced its plan to build naval base in Jeju Island, which is home for nine UNESCO-designated Global Geo Parks, three World Natural Heritage sites and a Biosphere Reserve.
The naval base on Jeju Island will strategically equip South Koreans and their American allies with the capability to strike long-range ballistic missile batteries in southeast China that target Japan or Taiwan. Washington sees this base as a central pillar to its defense system in the Asia-Pacific region. And China sees it as a threat.
On July 6, the government and the Navy filed for a court injunction barring any action opposing base construction and the protesters? entry to the base site.
I think it is really an irony that our government wants Jeju island to be selected as the new seven wonders of the world while destroying its nature on the other hand.
Many residents are opposing the base construction but this project involves global powers. Not just Korean government but American government is also involved so we need more powerful voices to let those government to listen.
Famous women's right activist Gloria Steinem wrote on the New York Times column that both government took the matter really seriously and should reconsider.
I hope many people will see the irony of Jeju's status and work on to bring out unified global voice over the long dragging matter. Alberta Yoo.
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