Sherman: "There Are Areas to Cooperate with China on North Korea Denuclearization"... Emphasizing China's Role

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, stated that while there is competition with China, there are also areas for cooperation, saying, "There are parts where we can cooperate with China for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, "China's role is very important in bringing North Korea to dialogue."

Deputy Secretary Sherman, after concluding the U.S.-Korea Deputy Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on the morning of the 23rd, told reporters, "We intend to discuss this aspect in the upcoming talks (with China)."

Deputy Secretary Sherman will depart for Mongolia via Osan Airport this afternoon, then move on to China to hold talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin on the 25th. It is expected that they will discuss bilateral issues including the North Korean nuclear issue at this meeting.

Vice Minister Choi also responded to reporters' questions about China's role, saying, "China's role is strategically important, and guiding that together is a joint role of the U.S. and Korea," adding, "Deputy Secretary Sherman's visit to China is very meaningful and is strongly supported from our side."

He continued, "The Korea-China relationship is also very important, and the North Korea sanctions that China is implementing together with the international community, as well as the various signals and influence China sends to North Korea, are strategic assets shared by the U.S. and Korea."

Regarding ways to resume dialogue with North Korea, Deputy Secretary Sherman said, "We have proposed to the North to 'sit down and talk,' and we are waiting for a response," adding, "We hope to move forward in a trustworthy, predictable, and constructive direction with the North."

When asked about the possibility of humanitarian aid, she indicated a positive stance on vaccine and food support, saying, "The North Korean people are in the worst situation due to the pandemic and are also experiencing food shortages. We hope their situation improves."

She also expressed the intention to continue the resumed U.S.-Korea-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers consultations after four years. Deputy Secretary Sherman emphasized that the 8th U.S.-Korea-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers Consultation held in Tokyo on the 21st was "an excellent consultation," and announced plans to hold the 9th consultation in Washington in the fourth quarter.

Vice Minister Choi also commented on this, saying, "The trilateral cooperation among the U.S., Korea, and Japan is a very important platform for navigating the pandemic era," emphasizing, "With U.S. leadership, our capabilities, and Japan's resources combined, we can play a leading role not only in Northeast Asia but also in the region regarding the pandemic and climate change."

Vice Minister Choi said, "The U.S.-Korea-Japan platform has a long history, and the Korean government is very proactive about this platform," adding, "This fall, we will continue to put our heads together and make efforts where needed and proceed where possible."