NSC Standing Committee "Consider Necessary Measures Regarding Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge... Proceed with US Military Base Return Procedures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the afternoon of the 15th, the Blue House held a Standing Committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, and decided to take necessary measures regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. They also agreed to actively promote the return procedures of U.S. military bases in South Korea this year.

Yoon Chang-ryeol, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs, attended the meeting to discuss securing COVID-19 vaccines, and Yoon Sung-won, 1st Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Hong Jeong-gi, Vice Minister of Environment, attended to discuss the return of U.S. military bases including Yongsan.

The attendees expressed regret over Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

They strongly demanded transparent information disclosure and scientific and objective verification throughout the contaminated water treatment process, and decided to take necessary measures under international cooperation with the principle of prioritizing the safety of the people.

Regarding COVID-19 response, they reviewed the domestic and international vaccine supply situation and decided to strengthen diplomatic efforts to secure additional vaccines and take measures to overcome COVID-19.

The attendees reviewed the plan for the return of U.S. military bases in South Korea this year and agreed to actively promote the return procedures this year, including part of the Yongsan base, in consultation with the U.S. side.

They also checked the preparation status for the climate summit hosted by the U.S. next week and the P4G Seoul Summit (2021 Seoul Green Future Summit) to be held by Korea next month. In addition, they closely reviewed the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region and decided to make efforts to promptly resume dialogue for the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.