US Senior Official: "Pressure on North Korea Will Continue... Slow and Patient Diplomacy"

"Will Continue Pressure on North Korea with Allies"
Emphasizing the Policy of 'Slow and Patient Steady Diplomacy'

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea (left), and Donald Trump, President of the United States

The United States views diplomacy with North Korea as "slow, patient, and steady diplomacy" and intends to continue pressure on the North, a senior U.S. State Department official said on the 22nd (local time). At the same time, he urged North Korea to come to the negotiating table where it can benefit itself.

At a State Department briefing on the same day, given on condition of anonymity, the official described the characteristics of diplomacy toward North Korea as "slow, patient, steady diplomacy," adding, "From a broader perspective and regionally, we will stick to this plan."

He emphasized, "We will continue to ensure that pressure on North Korea is sustained with regional allies and partners, and we will insist on the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions."

The official also clarified that recent Treasury Department sanctions against North Korea were aimed at China. When asked if this referred to China, he said, "Yes," explaining, "There are many North Korean workers in a particular country, and because that country did not take action, measures were taken from the sanctions perspective."

Regarding reports of a change in North Korea's foreign minister, he highlighted the importance of dialogue, referencing commitments between the North Korean and U.S. leaders.

When asked whether he could confirm reports that North Korea's foreign minister was replaced from Ri Yong-ho, a diplomat specializing in U.S. affairs, to Ri Son-gwon, a military figure, and whether Ri Son-gwon's hardline stance would make North Korea-U.S. negotiations more difficult, he said, "I do not have much information," and refrained from further comment.

However, he stated, "We hope they (North Korea) understand the importance of dialogue as agreed in Singapore," emphasizing, "Nothing is gained without dialogue. Dialogue is only to their benefit, and we encourage dialogue."

He added, "(President Trump) remains committed to making progress. The Singapore summit agreement and diplomacy are the focus," and said, "A top-level commitment is a commitment, and we hope it continues."

When asked if North Korea's lack of a 'Christmas gift' was thanks to behind-the-scenes diplomacy by China and Russia, he replied, "Of course," quoting Sun Tzu's Art of War, emphasizing that winning without fighting is best.

Regarding the unusual joint op-ed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressuring South Korea to increase its defense cost-sharing, the official said, "Sometimes it is worth taking a big step back and appreciating everything we have provided and all that the United States brings to these relationships," adding, "The U.S.-South Korea relationship is the same."

The official also referred to South Korea's decision to independently dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "welcome contribution."