Three Key Diplomatic Keywords of the New Government Seen Through the US Delegation Dispatch

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Inho Yoo and Jieun Lee] The delegation for South Korea-U.S. policy consultations led by President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol visited the White House on the 5th (local time) and delivered a letter from President-elect Yoon to President Joe Biden.

On the same day, delegation leader Park Jin met with Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, at the White House for about 40 minutes and afterward told reporters, "We delivered a letter reflecting President-elect Yoon’s firm will and vision for the development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance." The delegation did not meet President Biden in person.

The letter contained a proposal to elevate the South Korea-U.S. alliance to a comprehensive strategic alliance to jointly respond to new challenges including North Korea’s nuclear threat and economic security. The concept of a "South Korea-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Alliance" was also emphasized by President-elect Yoon during his candidacy to differentiate his diplomatic and security policies from those of the Moon Jae-in administration. Following Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also stated, according to Park, that "it is important to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and maintain robust combined defense capabilities."

During this visit, in addition to the new government’s three major diplomatic keywords?‘South Korea-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Alliance,’ ‘economic security,’ and ‘strengthening extended deterrence’?discussions were held. Regarding economic security and the China-containment consultation body centered on the U.S., the Quad, Park said, "We discussed that there is a very large area for cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in the field of economic security," and it was mentioned that South Korea would play an important role if it participates in the Quad working group. Both sides also discussed the need for an early summit meeting, but no specific timing or location was mentioned.

In discussing North Korea policy, they also shared recognition regarding extended deterrence, another term for the "nuclear umbrella." Park said, "We shared the understanding that North Korea’s nuclear and missile development is a threat not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to regional security," and "We talked about the importance of strengthening extended deterrence and combined South Korea-U.S. defense capabilities."

When asked whether the deployment of strategic assets was mentioned, Park only said, "It was discussed as an important element of strengthening extended deterrence." Jeong Seong-jang, head of the North Korea Research Center at the Sejong Institute, pointed out, "It is necessary to concretize the contents of extended deterrence through close consultations with the U.S. so that the public can have trust in America’s extended deterrence."