Outgoing US Ambassador Harris: "North Korea Must Remember Its Nuclear War and Military Buildup"

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] Harry Harris, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, stated on the 19th regarding the North Korea policy direction under the next Joe Biden administration, “North Korea may not be South Korea’s enemy, but we must remember that Chairman and General Secretary Kim Jong-un has declared his intention to strengthen nuclear war deterrence and military power in preparation for threats and unexpected situations.”

Harry Harris, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, is entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 5th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Ambassador Harris said at the 8th Korea-U.S. Alliance Forum lecture held via video conference that morning, “We hope diplomacy with North Korea will be successful, but hope alone cannot be the guiding principle for action.”

He emphasized, “There are many historical examples, including the fateful day 71 years ago, of what can happen if we are unprepared,” and added, “Unfortunately, North Korea has not accepted the opportunities presented in three meetings with U.S. presidents and three meetings with South Korean presidents.” He also expressed hope that “Chairman Kim recognizes the potential opportunities.”

Regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, Ambassador Harris explained, “Verifying the future combined command’s operational capability and securing South Korea’s core competencies are taking longer than some hope, but that is why there is a plan based on conditions.” He added, “Important security matters cannot be rushed. We want and need to have sufficient time to properly carry out the transfer.”

Ambassador Harris emphasized the importance of the trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. He said, “It is important for the three countries to strengthen security cooperation and work together to maintain an international order based on international law,” and pointed out, “Despite current tensions between South Korea and Japan, the reality is that no significant security or economic issues in the region can be resolved without active involvement from both countries.”

He predicted that the strong Korea-U.S. alliance will be maintained even after President-elect Biden takes office. He said, “I believe that President Biden and his team, who will be inaugurated on the 20th (U.S. time), will continue to work closely with South Korean leaders to strengthen the ironclad Korea-U.S. alliance.”

In closing, he said, “There is no better place than South Korea to serve as a U.S. ambassador, and no better partner or strategic ally for the U.S. than South Korea,” and expressed his farewell by saying, “I will forever cherish the memories of working here.”

Ambassador Harris was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea in July 2018 after serving as Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. His term will end with President Biden’s inauguration. It is reported that Ambassador Harris will depart on the 20th.