Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, Emphasizes Multilateralism Over Trump-Style Approach to North Korean Nuclear Issue

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] Tony Blinken, the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, is expected to develop a cooperative plan for North Korean denuclearization through strengthening alliances such as the South Korea-U.S., U.S.-Japan, and South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral relationships. It is highly likely that the focus will be on cooperation with allied countries or nations surrounding the Korean Peninsula rather than bilateral talks between North Korea and the U.S.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Secretary Blinken has emphasized this multilateral approach. On the 26th (local time), following the approval of his confirmation by the U.S. Senate plenary session, he officially assumed the position of Secretary of State in the Joe Biden administration.

After a phone call with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on the same day, Blinken posted on Twitter, stating, "Minister Kang and I reaffirmed the enduring strength and importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and emphasized the significance of South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation," adding, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is the linchpin of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and the peace, security, and prosperity of the world."

Regarding his earlier phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Blinken explained, "We confirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone for peace, security, and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Blinken also introduced to Ministers Kang and Motegi that he "reiterated President Joe Biden's commitment to strengthen alliances and reengage in international affairs."

In this context, the U.S. State Department, through spokesperson Ned Price, announced that Secretary Blinken emphasized the ongoing trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, as well as the necessity of North Korean denuclearization during his calls with Ministers Kang and Motegi.

Japan's NHK reported that "the U.S. holds the position that trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan is essential to resolving issues related to North Korea and China," and that Secretary Blinken clearly conveyed this point during the calls.

Diplomatic circles are paying close attention to changes in U.S. North Korea policy following Blinken's appointment. As a close confidant of President Joe Biden, Blinken served as Deputy Secretary of State and Deputy National Security Advisor in the Barack Obama administration and is known as a 'diplomatic security expert' with significant interest in the Korean Peninsula and Asian regional affairs.

Since the Biden administration bases its policies on alliance prioritization and multilateralism, it is anticipated that the North Korea policy led by the 'Blinken State Department' will show considerable differences compared to the previous Donald Trump administration, especially regarding North Korean denuclearization.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the 19th, when he was a nominee, Blinken stated, "I will conduct a comprehensive review of North Korea policy," and described North Korea as "a difficult and worsening issue that has troubled U.S. administrations." This reaffirmed that the Trump administration's North Korea policy failed without results and that North Korea remains a challenging element in U.S. diplomacy.

He added, "We will look into increasing pressure to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table and explore other diplomatic options," and "This work will begin with close consultations with allies and partners, especially South Korea, Japan, and other countries, reviewing all possible measures."

According to Blinken's plan, a return to the Six-Party Talks framework involving South Korea, the U.S., North Korea, Japan, China, and Russia is also possible to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

However, since the Six-Party Talks have not produced significant results in the past, it is still premature to make definitive judgments.

Nonetheless, considering the North Korea perceptions and fundamental tendencies of Secretary Blinken and President Biden, it seems unlikely that the U.S. State Department will be led around by North Korea.

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