US North Korea Policy Review Completed: "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula Through Diplomatic Approach"

Seeking Diplomatic Solutions Through Practical and Coordinated Approaches
No Mention of Sanctions

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government has completed its review of North Korea policy. The goal of the North Korea strategy finalized to coincide with the 100th day of the Joe Biden administration is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a phased solution through diplomatic approaches.

With the North Korea policy review completed ahead of the South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for May 21, a full-scale move by South Korea and the U.S. toward dialogue with North Korea is expected.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on the 30th (local time), "The North Korea policy review has been completed." She said, "The goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains," adding, "Our policy will not focus on achieving a comprehensive agreement nor rely on strategic patience."

This is interpreted as a refusal to repeat the criticism that the Obama administration’s strategic patience policy led to a passive response that bought time for North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.

She continued, "Our policy is open to diplomacy with North Korea and is a practical and coordinated approach seeking (diplomacy)."

Psaki did not mention expanding sanctions on North Korea. The U.S. side has previously stated that the North Korea policy review is considering various measures including strengthening sanctions and diplomatic means.

Psaki added that consultations with allies such as South Korea and Japan have been ongoing and will continue.

President Biden also defined North Korea’s nuclear weapons as a serious threat in his first congressional address on the 28th of last month and mentioned responding through diplomacy and strong deterrence.

The Biden administration has reviewed North Korea policy by gathering opinions from former government officials responsible for North Korea policy and external experts. It also listened to the views of South Korea and Japan through meetings such as the South Korea-U.S.-Japan National Security Advisors meeting, the U.S.-Japan summit, and the South Korea-U.S. and U.S.-Japan foreign ministers’ meetings.

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