Lee In-young "Korean Peninsula Peace Process Could Become an Opportunity for US-China Cooperation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, expressed optimism that the Korean Peninsula peace process could serve as an opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and China, and stated that rather than merely observing the situation on the Korean Peninsula, they intend to proactively create change.

At a foreign press briefing held at the Press Club on the afternoon of the 3rd, Minister Lee said, "The Korean Peninsula peace process could become an opportunity for the U.S. and China to share a will for peaceful coexistence."

Minister Lee acknowledged that "there are concerns that future U.S.-China relations could significantly impact the Korean Peninsula issue," but cited the recent phone call between South Korean President and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed support for inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. talks, presenting this optimistic outlook.

He stated, "The Biden administration is judged to be approaching its policy toward the Korean Peninsula very seriously and calmly, including a comprehensive review of North Korea policy encompassing existing sanctions and diplomatic measures," and added, "Based on a shared recognition of the importance of the Korean Peninsula issue, South Korea and the U.S. will be able to fully engage in consultations regarding North Korea."

He continued, "Our government aims to proactively create change by discovering opportunities for inter-Korean relations development and expanding spaces for cooperation rather than just observing the situation."

To the North, he proposed, "We hope North Korea will respond with dialogue and cooperation in areas such as immediate family reunions via video calls and humanitarian cooperation, which can be undertaken by both Koreas," and added, "We hope to jointly embark on a new starting point for discussions toward peace and prosperity, including issues of interest to the North during this process."

Regarding the law banning the distribution of leaflets to North Korea (Partial Amendment to the Act on the Development of Inter-Korean Relations), which has faced criticism from the international community, he clarified, "Based on our Supreme Court precedents, I want to clearly state that this is to protect the lives and safety of 1.12 million residents in border areas."

Minister Lee explained, "Contrary to some misunderstandings, this law does not apply in third countries," and added, "We are steadily preparing for law enforcement to ensure the legislative intent is properly implemented."

Regarding the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises scheduled for March, he maintained the existing position, saying, "Considering comprehensive factors such as the COVID-19 situation, the Tokyo Olympics, the new U.S. administration’s North Korea policy, and the transfer of wartime operational control, the government will organize its stance in a direction consistent with denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace."

He added, "However, I hope both South Korea and North Korea will respond wisely and flexibly so that military exercises do not escalate into serious conflict situations on the Korean Peninsula."

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