Shangri-La Dialogue Opportunity... Discussion on Inter-Korean Security Situation
The defense authorities of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed their view that North Korea's release of filth balloons constitutes a violation of the Armistice Agreement.
On the 2nd, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik reportedly held talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the 21st Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore, during which they discussed this issue.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the two ministers strongly condemned in unison North Korea's reckless actions that escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, including its successive missile provocations and various threatening remarks.
They emphasized that North Korea's reconnaissance satellite launch on the 27th of last month clearly violated United Nations Security Council resolutions and is an act that threatens international peace.
They also reached a consensus that North Korea's release of filth balloons violates the Armistice Agreement.
Minister Shin stated that he would actively support the official investigation by the United Nations Command, which is responsible for upholding the Korean Armistice Agreement, regarding the filth balloon release. Earlier, on the 30th of last month, the UN Command announced that North Korea's filth balloon release is "not only offensive and unsanitary but also a violation of the Armistice Agreement" and that it is conducting an official investigation.
The two ministers also pointed out that illegal arms transactions and advanced technology transfers between North Korea and Russia undermine peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Indo-Pacific region, and vowed to respond strictly. They reaffirmed their shared goal of "complete denuclearization of North Korea" and agreed to continue efforts through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and other channels to strengthen extended deterrence capabilities in response to North Korea's threats. Discussions will also continue regarding cooperation measures related to the U.S. Department of Defense's policy on establishing regional maintenance hubs and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) within the Indo-Pacific region.
After the talks, Minister Shin told reporters, "Secretary Austin promised to maintain and strengthen the U.S. policy on extended deterrence, including the deployment of U.S. strategic assets."
Meanwhile, before meeting Secretary Austin, Minister Shin held a breakfast meeting with Japan's Defense Minister Kihara Minoru and Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles.
The Ministry of National Defense explained that this was the first time that the defense ministers of South Korea and Australia and Japan's defense minister gathered in one place, adding, "Through the meeting, they discussed ways to deter North Korean threats and shared each country's efforts for peace and stability in the region."
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