Despite US Beijing Boycott, Blue House Emphasizes 'End-of-War Declaration'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Although the United States has declared a ‘diplomatic boycott’ of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year, there is no sign of change in the Blue House’s determination to pursue a declaration of the end of the war. The Blue House and government officials believe that the Beijing Olympics and the declaration of the end of the war are not directly connected.

After the boycott was officially announced, on the afternoon of the 7th, President Moon Jae-in once again emphasized the significance of the declaration of the end of the war in a video congratulatory speech at the ‘2021 Seoul UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting,’ making it clear that despite the changed diplomatic environment, there will be no change to the existing policy. President Moon said, "The declaration of the end of the war is the first step toward peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "Through the declaration of the end of the war, I hope the international community will join us in creating a new order of reconciliation and cooperation, achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula, and further peace in Northeast Asia and the world."

Despite the fact that the ‘declaration of the end of the war triggered by the Beijing Olympics,’ which had been mentioned in some diplomatic circles, has become virtually impossible, President Moon’s strong expression of his will to pursue the declaration is interpreted as a commitment to continue pushing forward regardless of the nature of the Beijing Olympics. Inside the Blue House, there is a trend to separate the Olympics and the declaration of the end of the war, noting that there has never been an official mention of making the declaration at the Beijing Olympics.

With New Zealand and Australia, members of the ‘Five Eyes,’ joining the U.S. boycott, attention is also focused on the South Korean government’s decision; however, since China’s support is essential for the declaration of the end of the war, the possibility of their participation seems low. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. informed South Korea through diplomatic channels just before the boycott decision but did not demand participation in the boycott. Meanwhile, the White House stated that it is working closely with the South Korean government regarding the declaration of the end of the war. Kurt Campbell, U.S. National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific Coordinator, told reporters on the 7th (local time), "We are working very closely with South Korea (on the declaration)," and added, "We are jointly developing a strategy on the best way to engage North Korea."

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