[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden made a verbal slip by mentioning North Korea instead of South Korea when referring to countries participating in sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine.
On the 27th (local time), at the graduation ceremony of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, President Biden mentioned the countries participating in sanctions against Russia, saying, "In addition to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Australia, Japan, North Korea, and some ASEAN countries have joined." However, he mentioned 'North Korea' when he should have said 'South Korea.'
This verbal slip occurred during his emphasis that alliances are the greatest asset of U.S. security and that the international community has become more united due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In his subsequent remarks, he said, "Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, and others have imposed sanctions on Russia."
Regarding Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine, President Biden criticized, "It is not simply about occupying Ukraine but about erasing the identity and culture of the Ukrainian people," adding, "For reasons that can only be explained as erasure, they attacked schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and museums."
About the Indo-Pacific region, he said it is "a key region for the future," stating, "We will ensure that this region remains free and open and that freedom of navigation is guaranteed in areas such as the South China Sea."
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