"US-ROK North Korea Strategy and Beliefs Align... Timing and Conditions May Differ"

US National Security Advisor Indicates Differences Between US and South Korea on End-of-War Declaration
Regarding Failed US-China Face-to-Face Summit, "Virtual Meeting Is the Second Best"
"Biden to Discuss Supply Chain Improvement and Response to Rising Energy Prices"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, mentioned that while the U.S. and South Korea share aligned strategies and beliefs regarding North Korea, there may be some differences in timing and conditions. This is interpreted as a signal that there are differences in stance between the two countries concerning the declaration of the end of the war, which the South Korean government is actively pursuing.

During a White House regular briefing on the 26th (local time) to explain President Joe Biden's European tour to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) summit and the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), when asked, 'How seriously does the White House consider the declaration of the end of the war in its North Korea policy? Do you see it as a catalyst to start talks with North Korea?' he responded, "We may have somewhat different views on the exact order, timing, and conditions for other measures," he said.

He also explained, "However, we fundamentally agree on the core strategic concept and the belief that progress can only be effectively made through diplomacy, which must be effectively combined with deterrence."

Sullivan repeatedly stated that he did not want to publicly comment on specific issues (such as the declaration of the end of the war) and emphasized, "I will only say that we will continue intensive talks (with South Korea)."

Sullivan mentioned that discussions between Special Representative for North Korea Policy at the State Department Sung Kim and his South Korean counterpart were very productive and constructive.

Sullivan's remarks that day were interpreted as expressing a cautious approach to the declaration of the end of the war, which the South Korean government proposed, stating that it cannot stand by on the North Korea issue.

Sullivan predicted that President Biden would focus on solidifying progress on the global minimum corporate tax and responding to supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices during his European visit.

Regarding questions about Chinese President Xi Jinping not attending the G20 and COP26 meetings and the failure to hold a U.S.-China summit, he referred to his meeting with Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party responsible for foreign affairs, and mentioned that a virtual summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders was agreed upon to take place within this year, explaining, "From the U.S. president's perspective, it is important for President Biden to have an opportunity to meet Xi Jinping face-to-face. If President Xi does not travel abroad, a virtual summit is the next best option."