<기사제목>Cho Se-young, Deputy Foreign Minister: "South Korea's Involvement Needed in North Korea Denuclearization Talks"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Cho Se-young, the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the South Korean government's stance to be involved in North Korea-US talks. He expressed that there is an expectation among the Korean public to be recognized as an equal partner by the United States and mentioned the need for the evolution of the South Korea-US alliance.

On the 24th (local time), in his keynote speech at the Korea-US Strategic Forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Korea Foundation (KF), Vice Minister Cho stated that the South Korean government will continue efforts to prevent the escalation of tensions between the two Koreas, explaining that "dialogue, consistent engagement, and healthy patience are the only constructive options for progress."

This is interpreted as a rebuttal to former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton's memoir, which claimed that South Korea led the North Korea-US denuclearization negotiations, while emphasizing the intention to maintain continuous engagement in the future.

Vice Minister Cho also emphasized the need for cooperation between the United States and China in achieving denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula. He stressed that North Korea’s return to negotiations, achieving denuclearization, and establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula are beneficial not only for South Korea but also for the United States.

Regarding President Donald Trump's invitation of South Korea to the Group of Seven (G7) summit, Vice Minister Cho stated, "The G7 invitation reflects South Korea's growth and changes in the international community's landscape, and the South Korea-US alliance must also evolve."

Vice Minister Cho mentioned, "As South Korea strengthens its capabilities, it is natural to increase contributions to the (South Korea-US) alliance, and at the same time, there is a corresponding expectation among the Korean public to be genuinely recognized and acknowledged as an equal partner by the United States."

He argued, "Striking the right balance between the two countries is very important as the alliance continues to evolve," emphasizing US weapons purchases and cost-sharing for the US military stationed in South Korea. He stressed, that South Korea spends 2.6% of its GDP on defense, saying, "There is no other major US ally that spends as much."

Vice Minister Cho expressed hope that the transfer of wartime operational control will become an important symbol of the South Korea-US alliance adapting and evolving toward the future.

He added, "This will also give the Korean people a sense that their country (South Korea) is recognized as an equal partner by the United States," reiterating the phrase 'equal partner.'

Vice Minister Cho also said, "The role and status of the United Nations Command is also an important topic in the evolution of the (South Korea-US) alliance," adding, "The UN Command has maintained the armistice for 70 years, and while South Korea is deeply grateful, the Korean public also recognizes that it is time for South Korea to take center stage in maintaining its peace and security."

Vice Minister Cho cited, "Lifting the restrictions imposed on South Korea regarding space and satellite capability development would be a good start."

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