Possibility of Resuming ROK-US Joint Exercises Discussed Amid Deployment of US Strategic Assets

U.S. Government Announces First Specific Response Policy

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] David Helvey, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, mentioned the deployment of strategic assets and the possibility of resuming South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises following North Korea's provocation of blowing up the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office. This is the first time the U.S. government officials have revealed a concrete response policy. U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticized former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton's excessive hardline stance on North Korea, stating that it is not yet time to hastily decide on a direction regarding North Korea issues.

According to foreign media including Voice of America (VOA) on the 18th (local time), Acting Assistant Secretary Helvey said during a phone briefing held that day, "North Korea continues to pose a serious threat in the region, requiring constant vigilance." Regarding the deployment of strategic assets and the resumption of South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, he responded, "We maintain close, open, and effective communication with our ally South Korea."

He explained, "It is difficult to say what will unfold in the coming days or weeks, but it is important not to lower our guard against all kinds of threats and provocations," adding, "To maintain effective deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and, if necessary, to respond and defend against North Korea's threats, we maintain a very close, strong, and capable alliance."

At the U.S. State Department, there was also a statement expressing a desire to cooperate with China on North Korea issues. According to the Associated Press, David Stilwell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, mentioned during an explanation of the Hawaii talks between the U.S. and China that "North Korea issues are clearly an area where cooperation with China is possible."

President Trump referred to North Korea-U.S. relations while mentioning former advisor Bolton's memoir, including references to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. On Twitter that day, President Trump stated, "When crazy John Bolton went on 'Deface the Nation' and said he was looking at the Libya model for North Korea, everything was ruined. Kim Jong-un, who was getting along well with me, was furious like his missiles, which is understandable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.