Jeong Eui-yong, "Both Korea and the U.S. Fully Recognize the Importance of Alliance Values" Emphasizes Korea-U.S. 'Communication'

[Asia Economy Reporters Inho Yoo and Jieun Lee] Jeong Eui-yong, the nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 28th, "The governments of South Korea and the United States fully recognize the value and importance of the ROK-US alliance."

Foreign Minister nominee Chung Eui-yong is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the confirmation hearing office set up in a building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by Jang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

Jeong met with reporters in front of the Daewoo Building near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Seoul, in the morning and said that the two countries are communicating and sharing information regarding the Korean Peninsula policy.

This is interpreted as a step further from his message on his first commute after the announcement of his nomination on the 21st, where he said, "I will do my best to ensure that the Korean Peninsula peace process takes root."

Jeong said, "I believe that continuing to develop the ROK-US alliance, which is the foundation of our diplomacy, in a healthy and mutually beneficial way is one of the most important tasks," adding, "From this perspective, it is very encouraging that communication has been promptly conducted between National Security Office Chief Suh Hoon and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Minister Suh Wook and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and yesterday between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Secretary of State Antony Blinken since the Biden administration took office."

He continued, "I heard that there was an honest and serious discussion on major issues regarding the development direction of the ROK-US alliance during the call between Minister Kang and Secretary Blinken," emphasizing, "I also expect a call between the leaders of the two countries to take place soon."

Accordingly, after the confirmation hearing scheduled for the 5th of next month, Jeong is expected to fully activate the diplomatic and security line, including holding a ROK-US foreign ministers' meeting.

With less than a year left in the Moon Jae-in administration, time is tight to establish the Korean Peninsula peace process. Jeong’s diplomatic plan toward the U.S. is to create a driving force that will lead to high-level ROK-US talks and even a summit between the two leaders.

There is also a forecast that a hectic cross-diplomatic battle involving the U.S., South Korea, Japan, China, and others will unfold over Korean Peninsula policy.

The Biden administration has already swiftly launched a diplomatic and security team to lead Korean Peninsula policy and has engaged in rapid diplomatic efforts targeting countries such as South Korea, the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, and North Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, Secretary Blinken, immediately after completing the U.S. Senate confirmation process on the 26th (local time), held phone talks with foreign ministers of key allied countries including South Korea and Japan, delivering a strong message of commitment to cooperation for North Korea’s denuclearization through the ROK-US alliance, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and trilateral diplomacy among South Korea, China, and Japan.

In this process, a subtle difference in tone between South Korea and the U.S. can be felt. South Korea emphasized the Korean Peninsula issue, while the U.S. placed emphasis on trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. From South Korea’s perspective, issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s nuclear problem, are the most urgent diplomatic matters, but the U.S. appears more interested in strengthening alliances to counter China than focusing on North Korea.

The difference in tone is clearly reflected in the press releases issued after the phone call between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Secretary Blinken on the morning of the 27th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Both ministers agreed that the North Korean nuclear issue must be urgently addressed under the Biden administration and decided to closely consult between the two countries to resolve this issue."

The U.S. Department of State explained in its press release, "The two ministers reaffirmed the enduring strength and importance of the ROK-US alliance," adding, "Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of continued trilateral cooperation among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, the ongoing need for North Korea’s denuclearization, and President Biden’s commitment to strengthening alliances."

Professor Kim Han-kwon of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy said, "The Biden administration is improving relations with allied countries and strengthening its China pressure policy centered on cooperation," adding, "China will continue to express its desire for countries with smooth relations or high economic interdependence with China to maintain a neutral stance in response."

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