Park Jin: "Korean Peninsula Peace Process Revealed Its Limits... Policy Change Needed" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Park Jin, the nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 18th that “now is the time for a substantial policy change regarding North Korea” in relation to the Moon Jae-in administration’s promotion of the Korea Peninsula Peace Process. This effectively signals an intention to abandon the policy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the same day, as Park arrived at the hearing preparation office set up in Naesudong, Seoul, he told reporters, “Despite its intentions, the Peace Process has shown its limitations.”

Park emphasized, “The Yoon Seok-yeol administration will pursue a balanced policy toward North Korea based on common sense,” adding, “We will maintain policy consistency through pressure and persuasion toward North Korea, while striving for North Korea’s denuclearization and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

Regarding North Korea’s test launch of a new tactical guided weapon, publicly revealed the day before and suggesting the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, he pointed out, “North Korea’s actions to escalate the security situation on the Korean Peninsula run counter to our peninsula’s security, peace, and stability.”

About the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit promoted by the Presidential Transition Committee, he said, “Given the grave situation on the Korean Peninsula and the rapidly changing international situation, there is a need for an early South Korea-U.S. summit,” but added, “The schedule or agenda for the summit has not yet been finalized.”

He continued, “South Korea and the United States must prepare close cooperation measures regarding North Korea’s heightened threats. Also, as the global supply chain is rapidly changing, important tasks include promoting economic security and technological alliances in response.”

He added, “Pursuing global partnerships to address climate change and COVID-19 is a common interest of both countries,” and “South Korea and the United States must jointly make efforts for Ukraine’s democracy, peace, and independence.”

When asked whether the reactivation of the Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG) between South Korea and the U.S. would be included in the summit agenda, he replied, “Strengthening the execution of extended deterrence is a very important part of security on the Korean Peninsula. It is necessary to maintain strong cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in terms of enhancing extended deterrence.”

Regarding the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) among the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India, he said, “The Quad is a gathering of democratic countries and a consultative body contributing to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” adding, “Although South Korea is not a formal member of the Quad, it is important to expand cooperation with the Quad in leading areas where we have strengths.”

He further argued, “In particular, it is necessary to explore gradually expanding South Korea’s participation through the Quad working groups in areas such as COVID-19, climate change, and emerging technologies.”

Park referred to the “spirit of mutual respect and cooperation” mentioned by President-elect Yoon in his March phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said, “China is an important partner for us. China is a significant counterpart not only in economic and trade matters but also in cultural exchanges. It is also an important country in terms of strategic communication.”

Regarding South Korea-Japan relations, Park said, “South Korea and Japan share democracy and market economy and have many areas to cooperate for peace and stability in Northeast Asia, especially on the Korean Peninsula,” and added, “We will dispatch a South Korea-Japan policy consultation delegation to improve the deadlocked relations.”

He continued, “Also, since both countries share a common alliance with the United States, if relations between South Korea and Japan continue to stagnate and become uncomfortable, both sides will suffer losses. I hope that the improvement of South Korea-Japan relations will greatly contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

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