US Department of Defense on North Korea's Potential Provocations Amid South Korea's Impeachment Turmoil: "Must Not Be Exploited"

The U.S. Department of Defense stated on the 11th (local time) that "no actor wants to exploit" South Korea's impeachment political turmoil.

Sabrina Singh, Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of Defense, said at a briefing that in response to a question about the possibility of North Korean provocations due to South Korea's political chaos, "A democratic political process is currently underway in South Korea. We must allow this process to proceed," adding this statement.

Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, visiting Japan. Photo by EPA

When asked whether consultations between South Korea and the U.S. are proceeding normally despite the impeachment turmoil, Deputy Spokesperson Singh replied, "Yes," and said, "Cooperation and dialogue are continuing."

Regarding the question about why Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin did not visit South Korea after his visit to Japan, she said, "The visit to South Korea was postponed due to recent events," and added, "We have a great relationship with South Korea, and it will continue."

She also added, "Secretary Austin has visited the Indo-Pacific region 13 times," noting, "This shows how much the Biden administration and the Department of Defense value the Indo-Pacific region."