Before Visiting Korea, Blinken Emphasizes US-Japan-South Korea Relations: Can North Korea Policy Coordination Be Achieved?

[Asia Economy reporters Inho Yoo and Jieun Lee] Ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken's (photo) visit to South Korea and Japan, the U.S. State Department explained that the trip aims to "revitalize trilateral (Korea-U.S.-Japan) cooperation on various global issues, including North Korean denuclearization."

This visit marks the first face-to-face meeting between the South Korean government and the Joe Biden administration, drawing attention to how our government will address challenges such as restarting the Korean Peninsula peace process and responding to U.S. requests for participation in China containment alliances.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 14th (local time), the U.S. State Department stated regarding Blinken's tour of South Korea and Japan, "No relationship is more important than the one between Japan and South Korea," emphasizing this point.

The State Department also assessed that strong and effective bilateral and trilateral relations among the three countries are crucial for joint security and shared interests, including the defense of freedom and democracy, the promotion of human rights, and the advancement of peace, security, and the rule of law across the Indo-Pacific and the world.

Secretary Blinken, along with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, will begin their visit to Japan on the 15th and then visit South Korea on the 17th and 18th. During the visit to South Korea, Blinken and Austin will hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook, respectively, followed by a 2+2 meeting.

However, it remains uncertain whether the South Korean and U.S. governments can narrow their differences in approach and opinions on North Korea policy during this 2+2 meeting.

While our government plans to restart the Korean Peninsula peace process based on the 'Singapore Declaration,' the U.S. emphasizes alliance consultations and intends to combine incentives and sanctions depending on North Korea's attitude.

Our government prioritizes dialogue between North Korea and the U.S., as well as trilateral talks among South Korea, North Korea, and the U.S., whereas the U.S. insists that North Korea's denuclearization measures come first.

In any case, the Biden administration is likely to complete its review of North Korea policy soon after the Korea visit, possibly by late March or early April at the latest.

Regarding this, Sung Kim, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said during a conference call on the 12th about Blinken and Austin's Korea-Japan tour, "There is no exact timetable for when the North Korea policy review will end, but we are moving quickly," adding, "It could be completed within a few weeks."

The issue is that the U.S. side is highly likely to emphasize Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation for China containment or demand participation in efforts to counter China.

On the 12th, President Biden also discussed China containment measures at the first summit of the so-called 'Quad,' which includes Japan, Australia, and India.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "Considering the Biden administration's tendencies, it is necessary to resolve Korea-Japan relations by addressing the comfort women issue as a human rights matter," adding, "Regarding demands to join China pressure, maintaining ambiguity is necessary."

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