"Biden Tells What Is Needed for National Security"
Proposes Pursuing North Korean Denuclearization Through Consultation with Allies
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Jake Sullivan, former U.S. Vice President's National Security Advisor, mentioned his appointment as National Security Council (NSC) Advisor at the White House and expressed his future aspirations.
On the 23rd (local time), Sullivan introduced on Twitter, "The President-elect asked me to serve as NSC Advisor."
The Biden transition team announced that Tony Blinken, former Deputy Secretary of State, would be appointed Secretary of State, and Sullivan would be appointed NSC Advisor.
He added, "I will do my utmost to keep the country safe," expressing his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him.
Sullivan emphasized that "President-elect Biden taught me what is necessary to protect national security at the highest levels of government," highlighting that he learned about national security and foreign policy directly from Biden.
The political media outlet Politico evaluated that despite being in his early 40s, Sullivan has gained attention for his capabilities in the field of foreign policy. He is reported to have played a key role in the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration.
Sullivan served as National Security Advisor to then-Vice President Joe Biden during the Barack Obama administration from 2013 to 2014. His predecessor is Tony Blinken, former Deputy Secretary of State, who is reported to be nominated as Secretary of State.
He assisted Biden since his time as a senator and later served as Director of Policy Planning at the State Department and Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Regarding North Korea, he has presented the goal of pursuing denuclearization through close consultation with allies.
At a virtual seminar hosted by the nonprofit organization World Affairs Council in September, he expressed the view that while the long-term goal is North Korea's denuclearization, diplomatic efforts should focus in the short term on reducing North Korea's nuclear proliferation. He also stated the need to concentrate on suppressing North Korea's overall nuclear capabilities through close consultation with allies going forward.
In a 2016 policy speech at the Asia Society in New York, Sullivan said, "The North Korean nuclear issue is the greatest national security threat to the United States and will be the top agenda for the next president," adding, "We plan to employ a strategy similar to what was done with Iran regarding North Korea."
He said, "The only way to bring North Korea to a serious negotiating table is to sharply increase pressure," and "The international sanctions imposed on Iran before negotiations can serve as a certain model."
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