Biden: "US Diplomacy Is Back"... No Plans to Reduce US Forces in Korea

Review of Global US Troop Deployment... Halt Withdrawal of US Forces from Germany
Strengthening Alliances... Tough Pressure on Russia and China
No Mention of North Korea and Iran

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 4th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden visited the State Department for the first time since his inauguration and presented his foreign policy to the world. President Biden focused on strengthening alliances and pressuring China, Russia, and Myanmar, but did not mention North Korea or Iran.

◇ Emphasizing Alliances... Empowering the State Department = President Biden delivered a speech at the State Department that afternoon, saying, "America is back. Diplomacy has returned to the center of foreign policy." He stated, "Alliances are one of our greatest assets," and "Leading with diplomacy means standing shoulder to shoulder once again with our allies and key partners and engaging adversaries and competitors diplomatically."

President Biden also introduced that he had spoken with the closest leaders from the UK, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea over the past two weeks. He explained that this was also to rebuild the strength of democratic alliances that had weakened over the past four years.

President Biden separately encouraged the State Department staff, whose status had significantly declined during the Trump administration. He said, "In our administration, you will be trusted and empowered to do your work," reinforcing the role of the State Department.

◇ Suspension of U.S. Troop Redeployment in Germany... Impact on U.S. Troops in South Korea? = President Biden focused on announcing changes in foreign policy. First, he announced a review of the global posture of U.S. troops and the suspension of the redeployment of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, a decision made during the Trump administration.

He stated that under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a review of U.S. troop deployments would be conducted to ensure that the deployments align appropriately with foreign policy and national security priorities.

Accordingly, concerns about a reduction of U.S. troops in South Korea, which were raised during the Trump administration, are expected to significantly decrease. Although some impact may occur as the global U.S. troop deployment is reviewed, it is certain that there will be no pressure to reduce U.S. troops in South Korea citing defense cost-sharing negotiations as the Trump administration did.

◇ "China is the Most Serious Competitor"... Suspension of Support for Yemen War = President Biden identified China as the most serious competitor and confirmed his determination to counter China's attacks on human rights, intellectual property (IP), and global governance. However, he said the U.S. is prepared to cooperate with China if it aligns with U.S. national interests. Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Council (NSC) Advisor, also asserted in a pre-briefing that "the U.S. must address China's human rights and trade violations."

President Biden also took active measures to pressure China, Russia, and Myanmar, with whom the U.S. has recent conflicts. He demanded the unconditional immediate release of Alexei Navalny, the opposition figure to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Regarding Middle East issues, President Biden announced the suspension of all support for offensive operations in the Yemen war, including arms sales to Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that support necessary for Saudi Arabia to defend its sovereignty would continue.

President Biden emphasized the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, stating, "The Burmese military must relinquish power, release detainees, lift communication restrictions, and exercise restraint from violence." He also raised the U.S. annual refugee admission cap to 125,000.

◇ Sullivan: "Discussing North Korea Issues with South Korea and Japan" = President Biden did not mention North Korea or Iran in his speech that day. However, when asked about the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit, NSC Advisor Sullivan did not give a direct answer but said, "We are reviewing North Korea policy. We do not want to get ahead of that review." Instead, he added that discussions on North Korea issues are ongoing with South Korea and Japan. President Biden also did not mention the Iran nuclear deal, which he had pledged to rejoin upon taking office.

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