U.S. Security Strategy Omits 'North Korea Denuclearization'... Foreign Ministry: "Trump Administration Consistent on Denuclearization Goal"

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on December 8, "The Trump administration has consistently clarified its goal of North Korea's denuclearization at every major opportunity," adding, "As reflected in the joint fact sheet-the outcome document of the recent South Korea-U.S. summit-the two countries have consistently maintained their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made these remarks in response to the fact that the United States' National Security Strategy (NSS), which was released on December 5 (local time), made no mention of North Korea and excluded the term 'denuclearization.' The official further explained, "It is important to note that the latest U.S. NSS reflects a change in approach, as it does not address specific disputes or security issues in detail."

Earlier that morning, Kevin Kim, Charg? d'Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, also addressed related questions from reporters after meeting with First Vice Minister Park Yoonjoo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. He said, "The leaders of South Korea and the United States have continued to agree on the complete denuclearization of North Korea in the fact sheet," emphasizing, "That is our current policy on the Korean Peninsula." Regarding his conversation with Vice Minister Park, he described it as "a productive meeting in which we discussed ways to coordinate well on various issues, including North Korea."

Meanwhile, regarding the omission of the phrase "support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" from China's recently released white paper, "China's Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated, "The Chinese side has consistently expressed its position of maintaining continuity and stability on the Korean Peninsula issue, and our government will continue to work closely with China for the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue."