Kim Ki-woong, Vice Minister, Reports to National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee
"Firm Response to North Korean Provocations... Efforts for Dialogue Concurrently"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Ministry of Unification assessed that North Korea will maintain its existing 'principle of struggle against the enemy' stance while continuing the tense situation.
Kim Ki-woong, Vice Minister of Unification, stated on the afternoon of the 17th during a briefing on current issues to the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, "Chairman Kim Jong-un defined us as a 'clear enemy' at the 6th plenary meeting and expressed hostility," revealing this assessment.
The Ministry of Unification's diagnosis is that while North Korea maintains a 'strong against strong, direct confrontation' stance toward the United States, it continues close cooperation with China and Russia. Furthermore, with the resumption of North Korea-China and North Korea-Russia freight train operations, the Ministry expects North Korea to continue attempts to ease its situation through expanded trade and cooperation with the two countries.
Regarding recent North Korean trends, Vice Minister Kim viewed that "under difficult domestic and international circumstances, they are focusing on enforcing the decisions of the plenary meeting, including regime consolidation." He also analyzed that at the 8th session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly, which was expected to be held that day, discussions would be held on this year's cabinet business budget and settlement, aiming to secure momentum for party and state policy implementation.
Regarding North Korea's economic difficulties, reportedly suffering from food shortages comparable to the 'Arduous March,' there is also a strong prospect that the hardships of residents will worsen due to international sanctions against North Korea and the aftermath of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Unification plans to firmly respond to North Korea's military provocations while simultaneously making efforts to manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula stably.
Vice Minister Kim said, "If North Korea provokes, we will respond overwhelmingly and immediately based on the strong ROK-US alliance," and warned that if North Korea invades our territory again, the suspension of the effectiveness of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement will be considered. Nevertheless, he added that efforts for dialogue will be steadily pursued, and full efforts will be made to concretize the bold initiative, a roadmap for denuclearization.
In addition, the Ministry of Unification plans to promote initial inter-Korean measures such as livelihood cooperation that can be implemented immediately if North Korea responds positively, the concretization of the inter-Korean joint economic development plan, the promotion of North Korean human rights, and the restructuring of the settlement support system for North Korean defectors.
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