U.S. Secretary of Defense: "Diplomacy Is Best to Resolve Deadlock with North Korea" (Update)

"Will Continue to Fully and Verifiably Pursue North Korea's Denuclearization"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Mark Esper, U.S. Secretary of Defense, emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the deadlock with North Korea while speaking about security in the Asia-Pacific region during an event held in Hawaii on the 27th (local time).

According to major foreign media, Secretary Esper stated at the event in Hawaii, "The United States will continue to pursue the complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea," and added, "The U.S. military must maintain readiness against North Korea." He further noted, "Diplomacy is the best way to resolve the deadlock with North Korea."

He continued his criticism of China, saying, "China is obstructing global efforts to overcome COVID-19," and pointed out, "China is not complying with international law and is desperate to expand its influence worldwide."

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Secretary Esper would visit Palau, Hawaii, and Guam to review this year's Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), which has been underway since the 17th and will continue until the 30th of this month. He is also scheduled to attend the 75th anniversary ceremony commemorating the end of World War II in Hawaii on the 2nd of next month. The RIMPAC exercise is the world's largest joint military exercise, with navies from 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea, participating annually.

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