Jung Mong-jun on Rumsfeld's Passing: "Feels Like Losing Korea's Most Helpful Friend"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Chung Mong-joon, Honorary Chairman of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, mourned Ronald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense who passed away on the 30th of last month, saying, "It feels like we have lost a friend who was most helpful to our country."

In a tribute posted on the Asan Institute for Policy Studies website on the 2nd, Chairman Chung recalled, "Upon hearing the news of his passing, memories of meeting him in Washington 10 years ago came to mind."

Chairman Chung said he met former Secretary Rumsfeld in Washington in October 2011 and exchanged views on various issues including Korea-U.S. relations, noting, "His attitude of looking at reality coldly without being pressured by circumstances was impressive."

According to Chairman Chung, in the conversation, former Secretary Rumsfeld emphasized, "I do not think the North Korean regime will give up its nuclear weapons," and "Power is necessary to maintain peace." He also said, "If I were Korean, I would hope the government invests more in defense spending to build the power to persuade or deter North Korea and become stronger."

Regarding China, former Secretary Rumsfeld predicted, "While China will not pose a military threat to the U.S., it will be a potential threat to the world," and stated that many democratic countries surrounding China should prevent China's coercive actions. Chairman Chung evaluated this as "a foresight that accurately predicted 10 years ahead."

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