After 60 Years, US Prioritizes Korea First: "Both Korea and Japan Are Important"

Reserved on Possibility of South Korea Joining the Quad

Jen Psaki White House Press Secretary
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The White House said on the 2nd (local time) that it hopes people do not overinterpret the order of President Joe Biden's East Asia tour, as he chose South Korea as his first stop for the first time in 60 years as a U.S. president.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded this way during the daily briefing, emphasizing, "The United States has strong relationships with both South Korea and Japan."

President Biden will visit South Korea from the 20th to the 22nd, followed by a visit to Japan from the 22nd to the 24th. On the 21st, a South Korea-U.S. summit will be held in Seoul, and on the 23rd and 24th, a U.S.-Japan summit and the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the United States, Japan, Australia, and India) summit will take place in Tokyo.

When asked whether Biden’s first visit to South Korea signals a change in East Asia policy, such as South Korea joining the Quad, Psaki said, "There are many ways the U.S. engages with South Korea," adding, "The Quad will remain as it is."

Regarding the possibility that President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol might consider joining the Quad if invited, she refrained from making any predictions at this time.

She added, "The relationship with South Korea is extremely important and indispensable," and said, "We cooperate on various issues regionally and globally. That is why President Biden is visiting South Korea later this month."

Psaki also revealed that North Korea will be included in the agenda for the visit. She said, "North Korea will be an important topic," and added, "As the trip approaches, there will be more to share regarding the agenda."