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In particular, concerns have recently been raised that North Korea may embark on a seventh nuclear test aimed at the new government's foot and US President Joe Biden's visit to Korea in May, hinting at the possibility of "preemptive use of nuclear weapons." There is also an analysis that the United States and South Korea could be an opportunity to show a strong intention of "deterrence against North Korea".
◇ The urgent concern is "Responding to the provocation by North Korea where the water level rises"
A spokesman for the election of President Bae Hyun-jin said on April 28th, in connection with the US-Korea summit meeting of the new government, "a wide range of issues including economic security, major regional and international concerns, along with the development of the US-ROK alliance and cooperation with North Korea policy. We plan to discuss the case in depth."
The White House also explained in a press release, "(US-South Korea) leaders will discuss opportunities for deepening South Korea's essential security relations, strengthening economic ties, and expanding close cooperation in order to achieve substantial results."
It is said that the United States and South Korea have already decided and adjusted the framework of the joint statement, which includes the content regarding the strengthening of the US-Korea alliance. Yun has a strong will to develop the US-ROK alliance to a higher standard. The letter sent to President Biden through the US-ROK Policy Council on April 5th also comprehensively covers the US-ROK alliance in order for the US and South Korea to jointly respond to new challenges such as North Korea's nuclear issue and economic security. He said he would raise the level of the alliance to a more strategic alliance.
However, an urgent concern now is the response to North Korea's provocation, where the water level is rising.
North Korea has recently seen signs of preparing for a nuclear test, including the restoration of tunnel No. 3 at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. Also, Kim Jung Eun may use nuclear weapons in his speech at the military parade held on April 25th not only to prevent war but also to attempt to invade the nation's fundamental interests. Tensions between the North and South are increasing ahead of the inauguration of a new South Korean government.
For this reason, at the US-Korea summit meeting, the US "nuclear umbrella" will be strengthened, such as the restart of the US-Korea Extended Deterrence Strategy Council (EDSCG), and the Moon Jae-in government will shrink to create a dialogue mood. There is a high possibility that a plan to strengthen deterrence against North Korea, such as the expansion of the US-Korea joint exercise, will be discussed. Mr. Yun and President Biden are expected to send a message that they will solve North Korea's nuclear problem through diplomacy and dialogue while resolutely responding to North Korea's provocation.
◇ Strengthening Japan-US-Korea cooperation will also be discussed
It is expected that the strengthening of Japan-US-Korea cooperation will be discussed at the level of response to North Korea's nuclear issue.
The United States also wants Japan-US-Korea cooperation and improved Japan-South Korea relations as a means of controlling China's influence not only in North Korea but also in the Indo-Pacific region. The White House said the visit would "promote a solid pledge to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific," implying its willingness to discuss the Chinese issue.
As Mr. Yun emphasized "China-South Korea relations based on mutual respect" and suggested a tone toward China that is different from the current government, I hope that South Korea will play a more active role in the China-South Korea relations. Seems to be. So far, Mr. Yun has criticized the Moon Jae-in Government's diplomacy with China as "strategic ambiguity."
Given that President Biden will attend the quad summit in Japan, which he will visit after his visit to South Korea, it is also of concern whether to discuss strengthening cooperation between South Korea and quad. However, there is an analysis that President Biden will not put an excessive burden on South Korea from the time of the first meeting.
After all, there are many observations that the US-ROK summit will focus on developing the US-ROK alliance into a comprehensive strategic alliance by meeting Yun and President Biden for the first time to build trust. It could also officialize South Korea's participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which the United States is promoting to control China's economic influence. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is the biggest diplomatic concern of the United States, is also expected to be on the agenda.
"The United States and South Korea will hold close discussions through diplomatic channels so that President Biden's visit to Korea will be successful," explained Bae.
2022/05/03 10:00 KST
