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기사입력 : 2025.02.03 10:38
In recent years, a growing movement has emerged advocating for the restoration of historical sovereignty and territorial rights in Northeast Asia. This movement, spearheaded by scholars and political activists from Korea and the Manchu diaspora, seeks to address what they see as centuries of historical injustice and territorial displacement. At the heart of this initiative is the call for Korea’s claim over the Gando region and the re-establishment of Manchukuo, a state that once existed in what is now northeastern China.
The movement is rooted in historical treaties and legal precedents that define territorial boundaries. The 1627 Gangdo Covenant (강도회맹) and the subsequent 1637 Yujobyeonchaek Line (1637년유조변책선) once clearly delineated the borders between Joseon Korea and the Qing Dynasty. However, shifting geopolitical landscapes over the centuries led to these territories being absorbed into modern-day China. Advocates argue that these historical demarcations provide a legitimate basis for revisiting sovereignty claims.
A key issue in the discussions is the status of Manchuria, which was incorporated into China after the fall of Manchukuo in 1945. Activists assert that Manchukuo was never formally dissolved under a recognized legal framework, meaning that its political identity–and by extension, its territorial claims–still hold relevance today. The idea that China’s internal fractures, similar to the collapse of the Soviet Union, could lead to a reconfiguration of territorial boundaries further fuels this movement. Thus, on June 1st, leading figures from the Korean and Manchu nationalist movements convened at an international academic conference in Seoul. The event resulted in the signing of the “Seoul Declaration,” a document outlining a coordinated approach to reclaiming historical territories. Among its key tenets, the declaration asserts:
“A commitment to restoring Manchukuo as a sovereign state.”
“The recognition of the Gando region as Korean territory under international law.”
“The establishment of a cooperative federal structure between Korea and a future Manchu state to promote regional stability.”
Proponents of the declaration view it as an essential step toward both historical justice and long-term peace in Northeast Asia, extending beyond historical grievances. If China were to experience political destabilization, activists believe there could be an opportunity for renegotiating territorial claims in Northeast Asia. However, such a scenario could also lead to tensions with China, which views these claims as a challenge to its sovereignty. As a result, international reactions to these discussions have been mixed. While some experts recognize the historical basis for these claims, others caution that reopening territorial disputes could disrupt regional stability. Nonetheless, the activists behind the Seoul Declaration remain steadfast in their pursuit, planning further academic research, international advocacy, and policy initiatives to advance their cause.
The growing movement for the recovery of Korea’s northern territories and the restoration of Manchukuo presents a unique challenge to the status quo. While the geopolitical realities of today differ significantly from the past, advocates believe that history provides a powerful foundation for shaping the future. Whether these efforts will gain traction remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the question of historical sovereignty in Northeast Asia is far from settled.
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