US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia-Pacific "Korea Supports WTO Complaint Against Japan but Dialogue Needed"

Criticism of China's Distortion of Korean War History
Mentions to North Korea: "The Ball Is in Your Court"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 4th that Kim Gun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and David Stilwell, U.S. Under Secretary of State, held a deputy ministerial consultation at the U.S. Department of State building in Washington on the 3rd (local time).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The two deputy ministers had an in-depth discussion on mutual interests including the Korea-U.S. relationship, alliance issues, and regional situations related to both countries," adding, "They agreed to expand and strengthen cooperation across various fields, including linking South Korea's New Southern Policy and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy." 2020.1.4 [Captured from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America Bureau Instagram. Resale and DB prohibited] [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] David Stilwell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, expressed support for South Korea's filing with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to resolve Japan's export restrictions against South Korea, while emphasizing dialogue between the two countries. He also criticized China's historical distortion regarding the Korean War.

On the 25th (local time), during a virtual press briefing, Assistant Secretary Stilwell said, "These systems are there for all of us to utilize and to have discussions about trade issues and other matters," adding, "I support using this mechanism to resolve disagreements."

However, he added, "I encourage both sides to maintain dialogue," and said, "We hope that even if this contentious issue is not fully resolved, at least there will be dialogue."

He further evaluated the South Korea-U.S. and U.S.-Japan alliances as "key in fighting authoritarian and totalitarian ideologies that seek to undermine the international order in the Indo-Pacific region," and encouraged Japan and South Korea to reconcile over the past and move forward together toward the future, emphasizing the need for cooperation and improved relations between the two countries.

At the briefing held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War outbreak, Assistant Secretary Stilwell stressed that this year is truly an important year in alliance history, marking the 60th anniversary of the revision of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War outbreak.

He vowed never to forget those who gave their lives in the name of freedom and democracy, stating, "The United States' commitment to the defense of South Korea is ironclad." Earlier, the State Department had emphasized in a statement that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is ironclad on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War.

He particularly emphasized, "We must remind ourselves of the origins of the Korean War," pointing out that the war began when North Korea invaded South Korea to take control, with support from China, launching a critical attack on China.

He noted that a museum in Dandong, China, states that the war began when U.S. and allied forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded the North, saying, "We all need to help them understand the importance of telling the truth," criticizing China's historical denial.

Regarding the deadlock in North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks, he said, "Looking at the U.S. administration's policy toward North Korea, we have created an environment for productive dialogue," adding, "The ball is in their (North Korea's) court. We are ready to continue those discussions."

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