[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. administration under Joe Biden announced on the 11th (local time) that it will closely cooperate with South Korea and Japan for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a briefing that day in response to a question about how President Yoon Seok-yeol's inauguration speech, which promised bold economic support if North Korea transitions to substantive denuclearization, compares with the U.S. policy toward North Korea: "There is no more urgent challenge than North Korea's nuclear, ballistic missile, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs."
Spokesperson Price stated, "As allies, we understand the need for principles, dialogue, and diplomacy," adding, "We have made it very clear that we are willing to engage in good-faith diplomacy with North Korea without hostile intent." He further added, "Our sole intention is to see the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."
Regarding Wang Qishan, Vice President of China, attending President Yoon's inauguration and attempting to check the strengthening of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, he said, "The United States is witnessing an unprecedented system of alliances and partnerships, including in the Indo-Pacific," and added, "This is why our government has focused on rebuilding and revitalizing alliances from day one."
Earlier, the White House announced that North Korea issues will be discussed at the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit held in Washington D.C. over two days starting the 12th. Spokesperson Price responded, "There are many topics to discuss, including shared values, common interests, pandemic response, economic recovery, climate change, and regional security challenges."
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