Late May First Korea-US Summit... Will Japan's Contaminated Water and Vaccine Supply Also Be Discussed?

President Moon meets with U.S. President Biden... Discussing Strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance and Peace Policy for Korean Peninsula Denuclearization

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in will visit Washington DC, USA in late May to hold the first Korea-US summit with President Joe Biden. A wide range of issues will be discussed, including denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establishment of peace, COVID-19 cooperation, and international diplomatic matters involving China and Japan.

A Blue House official said on the 16th, "It is expected to be an opportunity for in-depth communication and cooperation on key issues between the two countries, such as the Korea-US alliance and North Korea policy."

The Blue House evaluated that this Korea-US summit holds significance as △an opportunity to solidify trust between the two leaders △a foundation for the Korea-US alliance in the early Biden administration △momentum for progress in denuclearization and peace policy on the Korean Peninsula △overcoming COVID-19 and economic recovery △increased cooperation on regional and global issues.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This summit is the first face-to-face meeting between President Biden, who took office in January, and President Moon just four months later. It is a meeting attracting attention as to whether President Moon’s Korean Peninsula peace process will be reflected in the Biden administration’s North Korea policy. With both inter-Korean dialogue and North Korea-US talks at a standstill, attention is focused on whether solutions to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula will be presented.

A Blue House official expressed expectations, saying, "President Moon’s visit to the US was scheduled at the time when the US North Korea policy review results are announced, making it an opportunity for Korea and the US to be together from the start to the conclusion of the US North Korea policy review."

In addition, cooperation measures related to quarantine issues such as COVID-19 vaccine supply are also a focus of interest. There is a possibility that South Korea will be asked to participate in the security consultative body ‘Quad (USA, Japan, Australia, India)’ led by the US. This could amplify concerns regarding the relationship with China.

A Blue House official explained, "The Biden administration has advocated the return of US diplomacy, pursuing the restoration and strengthening of alliances as a goal of its foreign policy," adding, "(The two countries) reaffirmed that the Korea-US alliance is the central axis of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region."

Before this summit, President Moon is scheduled to meet President Biden virtually at the climate summit hosted by the US on May 22-23. The Korea-US leaders are also expected to meet directly at the G7 (Group of Seven) summit to be held in the UK in June.

Meanwhile, the US White House confirmed on the 15th (local time) that President Biden will meet President Moon Jae-in in late May. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated at a briefing, "President Biden looks forward to welcoming President Moon to the White House in late May."

The Korea-US governments have not disclosed specific schedules or agendas for the summit. Press Secretary Kang said, "Detailed schedules related to the US visit are still being coordinated between Korea and the US."