Biden More Resolute Than Trump... Keeps Door Open for Dialogue

Biden Criticizes North Korea's Ballistic Missile Launch... State Department Also Involved
Warns Against Short-Range Missile Launches, Differentiating from Trump Administration
US Does Not Rule Out Dialogue but Relations Likely to Deteriorate if Further Provocations Occur

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The first press conference held by President Joe Biden on the 25th (local time) after his inauguration drew significant attention regarding how he would respond to North Korea's ballistic missile launch the day before. On this day, President Biden received his first question in the foreign affairs and security sector concerning North Korea, indicating that North Korea is a top priority in U.S. diplomacy and security.

President Biden described North Korea's ballistic missile launch as a "violation of UN resolutions," stating bluntly, "If they escalate tensions, we will respond accordingly." He added, "We are also preparing diplomatic solutions, but denuclearization must be a condition, and we are discussing this with our allies."

In response to a reporter's question, "Former President Barack Obama advised former President Donald Trump that North Korea was the biggest issue. What do you think?" Biden answered firmly, "(I also) agree."

This is the first time President Biden has spoken about North Korea since his inauguration. While he previously said there was "no change" regarding North Korea's cruise missile launches, he showed a distinctly different reaction to ballistic missiles. This clearly established that the "red line" he set for North Korea extends only to cruise missiles.

The State Department also expressed a clear stance on North Korea's ballistic missiles for the first time that day. When asked by Asia Economy about the North Korean missile launch, a State Department spokesperson stated, "The United States condemns North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches. They violate United Nations Security Council resolutions and provoke the international community." The State Department also emphasized that North Korea's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The State Department's remarks, which had not been officially made the day before, suggest that the U.S. has formulated a response strategy to North Korea's missile launch following President Biden's comments.

In this context, Jin Lee, Korea Chair at the Woodrow Wilson Center, evaluated, "The U.S. mentioning the possibility of additional sanctions on North Korea seems to be a factor that led North Korea to resume test launches." Secretary of State Antony Blinken has mentioned that both additional sanctions and diplomatic solutions are being considered regarding North Korea. This implies that if North Korea continues provocations, the Biden administration's stance may harden.

The U.S. request to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council's North Korea Sanctions Committee to discuss this ballistic missile test launch is interpreted as a sign of a strong response while also showing a willingness to maintain dialogue with North Korea. By discussing North Korea's ballistic missile launches at the UN, the U.S. attempts to differentiate itself from the Trump administration while lowering the level of discussion.

In diplomatic circles, there is a growing perception that the Biden administration is shifting toward hoping for dialogue with North Korea. Earlier, a U.S. official mentioned in a briefing on North Korea's cruise missile launch, "We do not want North Korea to perceive that we have closed the door to dialogue." However, if North Korea continues its provocations, it is expected that the Biden administration's new North Korea policy will inevitably be affected.