Meeting with Hamsangwook, Director of Multilateral Diplomacy Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Regarding the North Korea shooting incident, "North's apology is a good first step" evaluation... reserved comments on the discussion of deploying intermediate-range missiles
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Ham Sang-wook, Director-General for Multilateral Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting on the 28th with Marshall Billingsley, U.S. Department of State Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control.
Special Envoy Billingsley visited Korea for a one-night, two-day schedule from the 27th to the 28th. Thomas Busche, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, also accompanied him on this visit. Both South Korea and the U.S. exchanged views on key issues related to the international arms control and non-proliferation regime, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and discussed cooperation measures between the two countries in the fields of arms control and non-proliferation.
Ambassador Billingsley shared confidential information on China’s military buildup with the Korean side and discussed China’s nuclear delivery systems, including cruise missiles, bombers, and submarines.
In particular, he noted that China has conducted 218 missile test launches in 2018, 225 in 2019, and 70 up to August this year to increase its nuclear weapons by sea. He expressed hope for South Korea’s participation in responding to the threat posed by China.
In an interview with domestic media on the same day, Special Envoy Billingsley referred to China as a "nuclear armed bully" twice and said, "The U.S. is interested in integrating the capabilities of other countries without gaps," adding, "Missile defense to protect U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. mainland is a moral obligation, and I believe South Korea and the U.S. are well-suited to work together."
He further stated, "The goal is effective nuclear arms control involving China," and "We plan to bring China to the negotiating table."
However, he was reserved about the possibility of deploying intermediate-range missiles in South Korea. Special Envoy Billingsley said, "We are not prepared to comment on deploying special military capabilities with allies, and it is premature to discuss such matters," and regarding deployment in Japan, he said, "Responses related to Japan, as with South Korea, will be withheld."
Regarding the recent incident where a South Korean official who crossed into North Korea was shot, he expressed that he considers it tragic. Special Envoy Billingsley said, "The recent death of the South Korean official is very tragic," and added, "I understand North Korea has apologized, which I see as a good first step."
Additionally, both sides agreed to hold the ‘Korea-U.S. High-Level Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Consultations’ in Washington as soon as possible and to continue strengthening communication on major arms control and non-proliferation issues at various levels between the two countries. Meanwhile, Special Envoy Billingsley also paid a courtesy visit to Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the same day and exchanged views on Korea-U.S. relations.
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