US Mentions "Different Perspectives"... Is There a Gap in Views on the South Korea-US End-of-War Declaration Discussion?

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor and the top U.S. official responsible for diplomacy and security, mentioned that the two countries have different perspectives regarding the timing and conditions of the Korean Peninsula end-of-war declaration. South Korea and the U.S. have been discussing the matter since President Moon Jae-in proposed the end-of-war declaration, indicating that a cautious stance still remains within the White House.

On the 26th (local time), during a White House briefing, when asked, "How seriously is the end-of-war declaration being considered in North Korea policy, and do you see it as a catalyst to start talks with North Korea?" Sullivan said, "We may have somewhat different views on the exact sequence, timing, and conditions for each measure."

However, Sullivan emphasized, "We fundamentally share the same position on the strategic core plan and belief that progress can only be effectively made through diplomacy, which must be effectively paired with deterrence," and explained, "We will continue intensive dialogue." He also evaluated the recent discussions between the South Korea-U.S. chief nuclear envoys as productive and constructive.

Summarizing Sullivan’s response, it shows that South Korea and the U.S. are seeking diplomatic solutions to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, but there are differences in views on specific solutions. Especially regarding the end-of-war declaration, while the South Korean government shows enthusiasm, the U.S. still maintains a cautious stance. Even during last week’s visit to South Korea by Sung Kim, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, no advanced position beyond "exploring ideas including the end-of-war declaration" was presented. This contrasts with the positive stance both countries have expressed toward humanitarian aid to North Korea.

It is also unusual that the top U.S. official in diplomacy and security directly mentioned the differences between South Korea and the U.S. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "When the U.S. perceives the end-of-war declaration not as a gift to North Korea but as a gift to its ally South Korea, inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. talks can also take place."