[Q&A] Jeong Eui-yong "No Quad Discussions"... Blinken "Close Cooperation with Korea on Quad Issues"

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook are taking a commemorative photo with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before the Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held on the morning of the 18th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 18th, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, who held the Korea-US Foreign and Defense Ministers' (2+2) meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, stated that there was "no direct discussion" regarding the informal security consultative group centered on the US, the 'Quad.' Secretary Blinken responded, "We continue to closely cooperate with South Korea on Quad-related issues."

At the joint press conference following the 2+2 meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Chung answered a reporter's question by saying, "There was no direct discussion about the Quad during the visit of the US Secretary of State and Defense Secretary. However, we discussed various ways in which our New Southern Policy and the US Indo-Pacific Strategy can coordinate to achieve common goals."

The Quad is an informal security consultative group consisting of the US, Japan, Australia, and India. Although there had been multiple speculations that the US side might request South Korea to join the Quad during this 2+2 meeting, the government dismissed such claims by stating that "there was no discussion."

Regarding this, Secretary Blinken said, "The Quad is a gathering of informal like-minded countries," adding, "It is a platform for cooperation on various issues, and we continue to closely cooperate with South Korea." He showed a slight difference in tone. He further added, "These gatherings align with the trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan, and bring significant benefits."

On the same day, the two countries also discussed the statement by North Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Minister Chung said, "(The consecutive statements) indicate that North Korea is closely monitoring the high-level consultations between South Korea and the US during the US's review of its North Korea policy," adding, "We briefly discussed this intention today as well."

Minister Chung further stated, "Our government continues to support the Biden administration's efforts to engage North Korea and hopes that negotiations for denuclearization between North Korea and the US will resume promptly."

On the morning of the 18th, ahead of the South Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin are heading to their seats. / Photo by Joint Press Corps

The following is a Q&A session.

- I would like to ask Ministers Chung and Blinken. Do you think the Singapore Agreement should be upheld? What is your position on Vice Foreign Minister Choe's statement that "there will be no dialogue unless hostile acts against North Korea are withdrawn"? Also, Minister Chung, did you receive any request to join the Quad during your visit? Secretary Blinken, do you think South Korea has a role to play in the Quad? Additionally, what did you request from the South Korean side regarding the improvement of Korea-Japan relations, and what kind of active engagement do you plan for alliance relations to promote Korea-US-Japan cooperation?

▲(Chung Eui-yong) Regarding North Korea policy, the Singapore Agreement confirmed the basic principles for improving North Korea-US relations, establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, and resolving denuclearization, so our government believes it should still be fully considered at this stage. We are paying close attention to the consecutive statements by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party, and Vice Foreign Minister Choe. These indicate that North Korea is closely monitoring the high-level consultations between South Korea and the US during the US's review of its North Korea policy. We assess that North Korea sent a message to us and the US in its own way through the 2+2 meeting. We briefly discussed this intention today, and the two countries agreed to cooperate in this area. Our government continues to support the Biden administration's efforts to engage North Korea and hopes that negotiations for denuclearization between North Korea and the US will resume promptly.

There was no direct discussion about the Quad during the visit of the US Secretary of State and Defense Secretary. However, we discussed various ways in which our New Southern Policy and the US Indo-Pacific Strategy can coordinate to achieve common goals. Our government holds the position that cooperation is possible in any consultative body as long as it aligns with our principles of inclusiveness, openness, transparency, serves our national interests, and contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity.

▲(Blinken) Regarding North Korea, we are conducting a comprehensive review of our North Korea policy. It will be completed within weeks, but it is being carried out in close coordination with South Korea and Japan. We already share common concerns and interests. I believe there are areas where we can coordinate policies very effectively. We are working to reduce threats to the US and our allies and to reduce North Korea's missile and nuclear threats, as well as to improve the lives of North Korean people. We will continue to coordinate closely with South Korea on this.

The Quad is an informal gathering of like-minded countries aiming to cooperate on various issues. We continue to closely cooperate with South Korea. These gatherings align with the trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan, and bring significant benefits. One thing I want to emphasize is that the reality we face now requires considering all issues, and these affect our lives. Whether it is new technologies or pandemics, various issues impact everyone, and no single country can handle them alone. Strengthening cooperation has become more important. That is why we are taking these actions and emphasizing trilateral cooperation. The same applies to the Quad and ASEAN. This is our current reality. I am pleased that we can work like this today because it shows our will to strengthen and revitalize our alliance. I believe it demonstrates our strong determination to solve problems.

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong is attending the Korea-US Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 18th. Photo by Joint Press Corps

- North Korea has not yet responded to the US's engagement efforts. Vice Foreign Minister Choe called them "cheap tricks" and said there is no basis for the US to demand denuclearization in this way. Have you considered whether it would be better for both sides to adopt a deterrence policy? Also, have you made any specific demands to China? Minister Chung, you mentioned reevaluating relations with North Korea and the US. Do you think North Korea has become more dangerous compared to previous administrations? What requests have you made to the US regarding China?

▲(Blinken) The most important effort regarding North Korea is engagement through allies. That is why we are here. We are conducting the North Korea policy in close coordination, with close input from South Korea, Japan, and other allies. It is difficult to comment on the crisis now, but I can say that it is ongoing. China can play a very important role here. It can persuade North Korea to denuclearize. China has a unique relationship with North Korea. It is no exaggeration to say that all economic relations and trade are conducted through China. There is a clear common interest: North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles are dangerous. I believe there is ample room for cooperation, and I hope China will effectively use its influence to help North Korea move in the right direction toward denuclearization.

▲(Chung Eui-yong) We have achieved many results in easing tensions. Since 2018, especially the comprehensive military agreement between North and South Korea in September 2018, which is quite significant, and it is noteworthy that both sides still basically adhere to it. Over the past three years, South Korea and the US have demonstrated through close coordination that continued engagement with North Korea can resolve denuclearization issues. We agreed to establish and implement a fully coordinated strategy regarding North Korea policy. We believe that if we effectively engage North Korea, complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula is achievable.

On the morning of the 18th, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to his seat ahead of the South Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

- I would like to ask Minister of National Defense Suh Wook. Has there been any proposal for real-time military information sharing or joint operational training as cooperation with the US and Quad countries strengthens? Were there any discussions related to Korea-US-Japan military cooperation? Please share the government's position. Also, a question for Secretary Austin. Regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to enhance our defense posture and security capabilities, has there been any sharing of such power introduction for combined defense posture? Has there been any consideration of supporting nuclear submarines and related capabilities? Also, what is China's role?

▲(Suh Wook) Regarding military information sharing among Quad countries, there was no such discussion. At this meeting, there was a broad explanation and discussion about situation awareness to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but nothing specific as the reporter mentioned. Regarding Korea-US-Japan military cooperation, the US side repeatedly emphasized that security cooperation among the three countries is very important, considering new security threats and the international situation. We also shared that although there are historical issues with Japan, Korea-US-Japan security cooperation is important for the safety and peace of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. The Ministry of National Defense explained that it will continue to maintain and strengthen high-level meetings and exchanges among Korea, the US, and Japan through bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The issue that the US Department of Defense is reviewing, including the redeployment of US forces, was not discussed. There was no discussion about the current deployment or role of US Forces Korea. The US Department of Defense is reviewing the strategy and mission of US force deployment, but this was not discussed. At the Korea-US Defense Ministers' meeting, we emphasized that US Forces Korea are very important for peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Northeast Asian region. We assured that the US defense commitment is firm.

▲(Austin) Regarding nuclear submarines and other capabilities, if South Korea plans to introduce them, it is more appropriate for the South Korean government to speak rather than me, and Minister Suh's answer is correct. What I want to say is that we are committed to ensuring that the capabilities needed to defend the alliance and South Korea's defense capabilities are secured. We regularly cooperate and have many discussions focusing fully on our strength. We have many capabilities and will continue to expand our operations as a combined force.

▲(Blinken) Regarding China, I believe China also has clear interests and understanding. Therefore, China has a clear stake in pursuing North Korea's denuclearization, which is both a source and element of instability. The danger applies not only to us but also to China. China also has responsibilities. According to UN Security Council resolutions, China has the responsibility to fully implement them. Therefore, we must respond to North Korea's programs and provocations. We expect China to do its part, which aligns with everyone's national interests.

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook are taking a commemorative photo with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before the Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held on the morning of the 18th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

- A question for Secretary Austin. You mentioned maintaining military readiness, but Korea-US joint military exercises have been downsized over the past 3-4 years. How has this affected readiness concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons program? Will the scale of exercises return to previous levels in the future? Also, a question for Secretary Blinken. Vice Foreign Minister Choe said there is no will for North Korea-US dialogue unless the US ends its hostile policy. How would you respond? What is the end state for North Korea's denuclearization? What do you think about the four-year stalemate? A question for Minister Chung. Regarding North Korea's denuclearization, from South Korea's perspective, is it correct to define it as denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula or only North Korea?

▲(Austin) For me and my staff, readiness is the top priority. It is also the top priority for our counterparts in South Korea. We are always looking for ways to improve training, and we will continue to cooperate with South Korean leadership regarding future training plans and patterns.

▲(Blinken) Regarding North Korea's statements, this relates to the alliance. That is why we are here. We are reviewing North Korea policy accordingly.

▲(Chung Eui-yong) We have declared the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, meaning both North and South Korea. According to that declaration, we agreed on seven specific points, including manufacturing, proliferation, deployment, and use. This is the definition of denuclearization and complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Our government has already declared that it will not possess nuclear weapons. We use the term denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula because we have denuclearized, and we intend for North Korea to denuclearize together with us according to the 1991 agreement. North Korea fully understands our intention. Since the international community can more confidently demand denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula rather than just North Korea, we believe the expression "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" is more appropriate internationally.

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