Baekdu Mountain 

To preserve the beauty of Baekdu Mountain, a joint effort between Korea and China is required. 

Formed by sky, wind, snow, and rocks, Baekdu Mountain possesses a mystical quality. 

The national border between China and North Korea currently runs through Baekdu Mountain, which has a special meaning to all Koreans. 

It is recorded in Korean history that rites were held on Baekdu Mountain to honor the mountain. 

However, the Qing Dynasty also held rites honoring Baekdu Mountain as they considered it to be the birthplace of their ancestors. In the late 19th century, there was a national border dispute between China and Korea over the precise location of the Tomun River since it was the boundary river inscribed on an ancient boundary stone jointly erected by Qing and Joseon. 

55% of Baekdu Mountain is North Korean territory and the remaining 45% is Chinese territory. But recently, China has been pushing to make Baekdu Mountain a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The prevailing view is that China should jointly seek the UNESCO designation with North Korea. 

The designation of Baekdu Mountain as a natural heritage site jointly shared by North Korea and China would lead to greater cooperation and exchange in Northeast Asia. 

Northeast Asia has a regional history where each neighboring country has formed its own historical account of events and even distorts them. 

Wars and invasions have been a part of a painful history for of Northeast Asia. Historical wounds remain unhealed, causing lingering tensions. 

Nations should make concerted efforts in nurturing an attitude of mutual respect in order to bring peace and prosperity to Northeast Asia.