Blinken: "Cooperating with Allies for North Korea's Denuclearization... North Korea's Extensive Abuse of Its Citizens" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, who visited South Korea for the first time since the Biden administration took office, met with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and expressed his intention to "cooperate with allies including South Korea and Japan for the denuclearization of North Korea." He pointed out that North Korea is committing widespread abuses against its own people and criticized China for its encroachment on Hong Kong and territorial claims in the South China Sea.

On the 17th, before the meeting with Minister Chung at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Blinken stated in his opening remarks, "We will cooperate with South Korea and other allies, including Japan, as well as partners, for the denuclearization of North Korea."

Secretary Blinken emphasized that choosing South Korea and Japan as the first destinations of his trip was not a coincidence, highlighting that the alliance between the two countries is a linchpin not only for them but also for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. He also stressed cooperation to jointly respond to COVID-19, economic issues, climate change, and cyber threats.

He also presented North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs as another common challenge and stated his intention to cooperate with allies and partners.

Emphasizing that the ROK-U.S. alliance is a value-based alliance sharing the value of "democracy," he pointed out human rights issues in Myanmar, China, and North Korea. Secretary Blinken said, "We share the value of democracy, and as we witness the erosion of democracy in Myanmar, it is important that we support the value of democracy."

Secretary Blinken said, "China is encroaching on Hong Kong’s economy through coercion, weakening Taiwan’s democracy, violating human rights in Tibet, and asserting territorial claims in the South China Sea. The North Korean regime continues systematic and widespread abuses against its own people." He added, "We must support fundamental rights and freedoms and stand against those who suppress them."

Before beginning his opening remarks that day, Secretary Blinken expressed condolences for the shooting incident that occurred in Atlanta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had revealed that four of the eight victims who died in the shooting were Korean-American women. He said, "I offer my deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the Korean community shocked by the shooting incident."

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