Kang Kyung-hwa, "Biden Administration Unlikely to Pursue 'Strategic Patience' Toward North Korea"

"Based on Achievements Over the Past 3 Years, We Must Move Forward"
Regarding Cooperation with Biden's Side, "We Have Been Cautious So Far but Now It's Time to Actively Engage"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa predicted that the incoming Biden administration in the United States would not revive the 'strategic patience' North Korea policy like the Barack Obama administration did.

Minister Kang, who visited the United States for a four-day trip starting on the 8th (local time), made this remark after laying a wreath at the Korean War Memorial Park in Washington DC and speaking with the press.

Kang said, "Listening to several people from the Biden side publicly, it does not seem like they will return to the strategic patience of that time," adding, "I think we need to build on the progress and achievements of the past three years."

This is interpreted as the Korean government's willingness to play a role if the North Korea-US relations established during the Donald Trump administration continue with continuity.

However, Minister Kang refrained from making specific predictions, saying, "It seems too early to predict this or that regarding concrete matters."

Regarding cooperation with the Biden transition team, she said, "The president has publicly congratulated (the election), and from the cautious steps taken so far, it seems that we will be able to act more actively going forward."

Although President Trump is contesting the election results, this indicates an intention to expand contacts with Biden transition officials and prepare for the new administration's launch.

Regarding contact with Biden side officials during her visit to the US, Minister Kang said, "Even if we meet, they are cautious, so it will not be made public."

About the scheduled meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 9th, she said, "Although it is a sensitive time, I have always communicated with Secretary Pompeo, and until January 20 next year (the inauguration day of the Biden administration), he is my counterpart, so I came," adding, "We will be able to address various issues."