The United Nations Command (UNC) has stated that it holds authority over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) that divides the two Koreas. This declaration comes in response to South Korea’s military making internal changes to land border rules aimed at preventing accidental clashes with North Korea. The UNC emphasized its commitment to upholding the Armistice Agreement, including the MDL, to ensure stability within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
The UNC clarified that the Military Demarcation Line was established in 1953 as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement, following negotiations. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff recently instructed troops to prioritize MDL markers in decision-making processes and to refer to both South Korean military maps and UNC-designated MDL markers when necessary. Critics have raised concerns that this adjustment may benefit North Korean troops by allowing the use of a southern line in border crossing assessments.
Regarding South Korea’s proposal for military talks with North Korea to address border issues, the UNC highlighted that any discussions related to the MDL should be conducted under the command’s auspices, as outlined in the armistice agreement. South Korea had suggested military dialogues to clarify the demarcation line due to an increase in North Korean soldiers crossing the MDL during border activities. The UNC’s recent statement follows its objection to a legislative proposal granting South Korea control over non-military access to the DMZ, a responsibility the UNC has held since 1953.
