US-ROK Diplomatic Security Experts: "Biden Pushes Multilateralism Strengthening... ROK to Become Key Partner in Health and Climate Change"

Discussion on Strengthening Biden Administration's North Korea Policy and Cooperation Measures

Public Online Discussion on the Topic of "Transition to the Biden Administration and Prospects for Korea-US Cooperation."

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 10th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a public online forum titled "Prospects for the Transition to the Biden Administration and Korea-US Cooperation," providing an opportunity for emerging Korea-US diplomatic and security experts to communicate on the outlook for the new US administration's North Korea policy and ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and the US in traditional and non-traditional security fields.

Seo Eun-ji, Director of the Public Cultural Diplomacy Bureau, in her congratulatory remarks, evaluated that "Korea and the US demonstrated solid trust and cooperation during the COVID-19 response process, and by promoting linkage cooperation between Korea's New Southern Policy and the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Korea-US relationship, which began as a military alliance, has developed into a multifaceted cooperative relationship based on shared values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."

In response, the participants also stated that today's discussion, which forecasts the new US administration's North Korea policy during the transitional period to the Biden administration and a time of high uncertainty due to COVID-19, and explores ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and the US in traditional and non-traditional security fields, is very timely.

On this day, participants discussed various North Korea policy options and areas where cooperation could be expanded in non-traditional security fields, while forecasting that the Biden administration will pursue the restoration of multilateralism and strengthen US leadership in multilateral frameworks. They also mentioned that Korea can become a trusted and important partner for the US in various fields such as health, climate change, and cyber security.

A Foreign Ministry official explained, "This forum provided an opportunity to candidly discuss new perspectives and views related to North Korea policy, including opinions that some aspects of the Trump administration's approach to North Korea, such as summit-level North Korea-US talks, should be developed further. It also confirmed the need to expand Korea-US cooperation in non-traditional security fields such as health and climate change, while discovering and nurturing experts who can present alternative viewpoints."

In Session 1, held under the theme 'Prospects for the Biden Administration's North Korea Policy and Seeking New Approaches,' Professor Jeong Gu-yeon of Kangwon National University stated, "As North Korea's nuclear capabilities advance, a return to 'strategic patience' seems to be ineffective," adding, "The Biden administration is expected to soon prioritize policy on the North Korea issue, which is one of the instability factors in the Indo-Pacific region."

Henri Perron, Senior Researcher at the Center for International Politics, said, "Rather than maintaining existing policy principles such as 'denuclearization first - sanctions relief later,' it is necessary to seek a realistic approach," and added, "We must lead China to play a constructive role in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue." Jessica Lee, Senior Researcher at the Quincy Institute, analyzed, "It is important for the new administration to send a clear political message to North Korea before provocations occur," and said, "A declaration to formally end the Korean War could contribute to building trust between the US and North Korea and restarting negotiations."

Additionally, Clint Work, Researcher at the Stimson Center, emphasized, "There is a lack of understanding within the US regarding some issues related to the Korea-US alliance, such as the transfer of wartime operational control," and stressed, "Without support from Congress and the public, foreign policy cannot be successfully pursued, so public diplomacy targeting the legislatures and citizens of both countries must be strengthened."

In response, Professor Son Han-byeol of the Korea National Defense University mentioned that as the deadlock in North Korea-US negotiations prolongs, North Korea strengthens its nuclear capabilities to increase its bargaining power, so the Biden administration should start negotiations with North Korea early. He advised that diplomatic solutions should be supported by military preparedness. Professor Jeong Seong-cheol also emphasized the need for analysis of the effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea, preparation of short-, medium-, and long-term roadmaps for North Korea's denuclearization, and ways to lead China and Russia to play constructive roles, highlighting the importance of close cooperation between Korea and the US in this process.

In Session 2, which focused on cooperation between Korea and the US in traditional and non-traditional security fields, Professor Sarah Moller of Seton Hall University predicted, "Unlike the Trump administration, the Biden administration is expected to pursue foreign policy in cooperation with allies," and added, "Especially in the process of implementing the Indo-Pacific strategy, the US will request Korea to strengthen its role in promoting regional stability through policies such as the New Southern Policy."

He also analyzed, "The NATO 2030 report recommends that NATO strengthen cooperation with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific such as Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand," suggesting that Korea's role as a middle power could increase. Professor Hong Mi-hwa of Kookmin University pointed out that Korea should also prepare for the possibility of being asked to take a clearer stance on sensitive issues such as human rights in North Korea and China during the process of expanding Korea's role.

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