Yoon and Biden Reaffirm Joint Goal of North Korea's 'Complete Denuclearization'... "The ROK-US Alliance is Strong" (Comprehensive)

[South Korea-US Summit]

-President Yoon: "The ROK-US alliance must also develop and evolve to meet the era of economic security"

-President Biden: "We are ready to face any threat together"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Baek Kyunghwan, Lee Gimin] President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed their extended deterrence commitment against North Korean provocations and agreed to reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG). In particular, President Yoon stated, "There was also discussion on the necessity of various forms of joint exercises between the two countries in preparation for a nuclear attack." The two leaders agreed to jointly build a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. President Yoon said, "The first step is participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)," to which President Biden responded, "Now is the time when the ROK-US alliance is stronger and more vibrant than ever."

◆Reaffirming the shared goal of complete denuclearization= On the 21st, President Yoon, during the expanded ROK-US summit meeting remarks at the Yongsan Presidential Office, said, "The two leaders reaffirmed the shared goal of North Korea's complete denuclearization," and added, "Under the shared recognition that security is non-negotiable, we agreed that strong deterrence against North Korea is of utmost importance."

President Yoon also emphasized, "President Biden confirmed the firm ROK-US defense and practical extended deterrence commitment." He further stated, "If North Korea takes concrete steps toward denuclearization, we will prepare a bold plan to drastically improve North Korea's economy and the quality of life of its people in cooperation with the international community," adding, "Regarding the current COVID-19 crisis, we are willing to actively support it from a humanitarian and human rights perspective, separate from political and military issues."

He also expressed his stance on economic security. President Yoon said, "We live in an era where the economy is security, and security is economy," and "Disruptions in supply chains due to changes in the international trade order directly affect the lives of our people." He continued, "The ROK-US alliance must also develop and evolve to meet the era of economic security," emphasizing, "Yesterday, at the advanced semiconductor industry site accompanied by President Biden, I felt the power of the ROK-US economic and technological alliance. Going forward, the two countries will expand mutual investments in strategic industries such as semiconductors and batteries and cooperate to stabilize supply chains."

President Yoon declared that the ROK and the U.S. will jointly work to establish a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and said, "We will also develop strategies to expand our regional contributions and roles."

They also plan to strengthen cooperation on global issues. President Yoon said, "The tragedy caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine must be resolved quickly so that the Ukrainian people can return to peaceful daily life. The ROK and the U.S. will actively cooperate with the international community," and added, "By establishing the Global Health Security (GHS) Coordination Office in Seoul, we will contribute to sustainable global health security."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆"Ready to respond to any threat... fighting for freedom for decades"= President Biden also reiterated the strengthened deterrence posture against North Korea and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He mentioned economic issues, regional matters, and the climate crisis, stating, "(South Korea and the U.S.) will fight for our democratic values and respond to various threats to uphold the rules-based international order."

President Biden said, "The South Korean military and U.S. forces have fought together for decades for South Korea's freedom since participating in the war," adding, "This symbolically shows our strength and demonstrates the durability of our alliance. We are ready to face any threat together," reinforcing the ROK-US alliance.

He also condemned Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. President Biden said, "The Korean people have shown great support for the Ukrainian people. Putin's war in Ukraine is not just a European issue; it is a war against democracy and a challenge to territorial sovereignty." He continued, "The ROK and the U.S., at the global response level, condemn Russia's violation of international norms together with allied partners worldwide," emphasizing, "Russia must be held clearly accountable."

Regarding trade conflicts between the U.S. and China and regional issues, he expressed the need for close cooperation between the ROK and the U.S. He said, "Our government is promoting bottom-up growth through economic strategies, which is yielding economic benefits," and added, "Despite economic risks, our economy is showing rapid resilience. Recent analysts expect U.S. economic growth to outpace China's for the first time in 45 years since 1976."

When asked by reporters whether he intends to meet with Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, President Biden said, "It depends on whether Chairman Kim is serious and sincere about the meeting." He also mentioned that he has not received a response to the offer of COVID-19 vaccine support to North Korea. When asked if vaccines would be provided to North Korea, he replied, "Yes. We have offered vaccines not only to North Korea but also to China," adding, "We are ready to provide them immediately. However, we have not received a response."

Regarding the worsening ROK-Japan relations and the role of the U.S., he said, "I will visit Japan from South Korea and will have discussions there," emphasizing, "It is important to maintain a close trilateral relationship economically and militarily."