[2022 National Audit] Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pursues Comprehensive Approach of 'North Korean Nuclear Deterrence, Renunciation, and Dialogue'

Report on Major Policy Implementation Status for National Assembly Audit, Pursuing a Comprehensive and Balanced Approach
Bold Initiative Execution, Continued Cooperation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in the 'Major Policy Implementation Status Report' for the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit, "We will pursue a comprehensive and balanced approach to deter North Korea's nuclear threats, dissuade its nuclear development, and promote denuclearization through dialogue and diplomacy."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to push for new UN Security Council sanctions resolutions and unilateral sanctions measures in coordination with allies such as the United States and Japan if North Korea undertakes additional serious provocations, including a seventh nuclear test.

Foreign Minister Park Jin attended the National Assembly's audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 4th, sitting and waiting for the audit to begin. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

By regularly holding the Korea-US 2+2 High-Level Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG), the Ministry aims to enhance the execution capability of extended deterrence while continuing cooperation to implement the bold initiative, a roadmap for negotiations with North Korea, based on Korea-US coordination.

North Korea legalized its offensive nuclear force policy on the 8th of last month and launched seven short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) in four rounds between the 25th of last month and the 1st of this month. On this day, it also escalated provocations by launching an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) for the first time in about eight months.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has tallied that the total number of ballistic missiles North Korea has fired this year, excluding the intermediate-range missile launched on this day, amounts to 38.

Meanwhile, regarding Korea-Japan relations, the Ministry evaluated, "Through the Korea-Japan summit held for the first time in two years and nine months, a consensus was reaffirmed on the need to resolve current issues and improve bilateral relations."

It added, "We will restore trust through the resumption of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders and continue efforts to promptly resolve issues based on this. While gathering opinions from various sectors domestically, including victims, we will simultaneously accelerate close dialogue and consultations between the Korea-Japan diplomatic authorities."

Regarding Korea-China relations, the Ministry reaffirmed plans to activate high-level communication channels and stated about President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, "We plan to coordinate with the Chinese side considering future diplomatic schedules."

It further explained, "We will establish an independent Indo-Pacific strategy based on values, norms, and mutual interests. The basic direction is to deepen and develop strategic relations with key regional partners such as ASEAN, Pacific island countries, and India."

Additionally, the Ministry announced plans to launch the Overseas Korean Agency, an integrated organization dedicated to overseas Korean affairs, aiming for the first half of next year.