[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The United States and North Korea are showing a confrontational relationship as they exchange accusations over missile launches.
On the 15th, North Korea expressed displeasure, accusing the United States of applying double standards regarding the missile test launches by both Koreas. In response, the U.S. drew a line, stating that North Korea must participate in dialogue.
On the afternoon of the 17th, North Korean international affairs commentator Kim Myung-chul wrote, “On the 15th, the United States coincidentally heard the explosions ringing out simultaneously on the Korean Peninsula but labeled ‘North Korea’s actions as a threat to the U.S. and the international community’ while remaining silent about South Korea’s actions,” he pointed out.
He criticized, “Defining the military provocations as targeting someone at a specific time and condemning our measures that fall under our right to self-defense is an arrogant and dogmatic attitude, a typical manifestation of American-style double standards.”
He added, “The U.S.’s dual behavior, rooted in a pathological aversion toward us, is an obstacle to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue and acts as a catalyst for escalating tensions.”
North Korea also mentioned reasons why it cannot accept the Biden administration’s offer for dialogue.
North Korea stated, “We are well aware that the new U.S. administration has been sending signals for months to induce us into dialogue, and we also know well that public opinion is being misled to believe that the responsibility for the failure to resume U.S.-DPRK talks lies with us.”
It continued, “Even if contact and dialogue were to open immediately, the U.S. would inevitably apply double standards, claiming our self-defensive actions threaten world peace and its allies. Sitting down with the U.S., which wields double standards on all issues related to us, would only buy them time without any progress.”
Regarding North Korea’s criticism that the deadlock in U.S.-North Korea talks stems from the U.S.’s ‘double standards,’ the U.S. State Department rebutted by expressing hope that North Korea would participate in dialogue.
According to Radio Free Asia on the 18th, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Jalina Porter reiterated the U.S.’s existing stance during a phone briefing when asked about the issue, saying, “The United States remains committed to diplomatic engagement with North Korea.”
Porter added, “We also urge North Korea to participate in dialogue.”
Regarding the recent visit to South Korea by Wang Yi, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Porter emphasized, “The ROK-U.S. relationship is rock-solid, serving as the foundation for peace and prosperity and a cornerstone for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
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