US and South Korean Foreign Ministers Warn "Prepared for Short- and Long-Term Military Readiness if North Korea Conducts Nuclear Test" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States issued a strong warning message, announcing preparations for short- and long-term military readiness in response to North Korea's 7th nuclear test.

Foreign Minister Park Jin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at a press conference held after the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting in Washington DC on the 13th (local time) that North Korea would face a swift and resolute response if it conducts a nuclear test.

Secretary Blinken said, "We are concerned about the possibility of North Korea's 7th nuclear test and are not letting our guard down at all," adding, "We are in very close contact with South Korea and Japan to respond quickly."

He warned, "The United States is prepared for all emergencies and is ready to adjust appropriate short- and long-term military readiness postures," and "We will maintain pressure until North Korea changes its course."

He reiterated, "We will continue and even increase pressure until North Korea engages in diplomacy and dialogue."

Regarding additional UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea, Secretary Blinken said, "If entities support North Korea's nuclear and missile program development, sanctions will continue to be imposed on related organizations and individuals, including China and Russia," targeting China and Russia, who opposed the UN Security Council's sanctions resolutions on North Korea.

Minister Park said, "North Korea has completed preparations for a nuclear test, and only a political decision remains," adding, "Provocations by North Korea, including nuclear tests, will face a united and resolute response from South Korea, the United States, and the international community, resulting in more deterrence, international sanctions, and isolation."

He also declared that if North Korea continues provocations, new UN Security Council sanctions would be pursued. Minister Park stated, "South Korea and the U.S. have agreed to reactivate the Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG) early," and "If necessary, the deployment of strategic assets will also be discussed within this consultation group."

In response, Secretary Blinken also pledged that this consultation group would be operational within weeks. He said they are consulting with South Korea on the expanded scope and scale of the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.

The reactivation of the EDSCG is a pledge of President Yoon Suk-yeol and was also agreed upon during the summit with President Joe Biden, who visited South Korea last month. At that time, the two leaders also agreed to begin consultations to expand the scope and scale of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises.

However, Secretary Blinken mentioned that diplomatic options regarding North Korea are still possible. He emphasized a diplomatic solution, saying, "The United States has no hostile intent toward North Korea," and "We are open to dialogue with North Korea without preconditions."

Minister Park also proposed a solution through dialogue and diplomacy, stating, "We seek dialogue without preconditions and a more flexible and open approach toward North Korea," urging North Korea to return to talks.

He emphasized that China must play a very positive role in persuading North Korea and mentioned the need to normalize the South Korea-Japan military information protection agreement (GSOMIA) for joint responses to North Korea's threats.

Additionally, the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers reaffirmed their willingness to provide humanitarian aid such as vaccines to North Korea, which has been affected by COVID-19, and called for North Korea's positive response.

Regarding economic security, Secretary Blinken said, "We are working very closely with South Korea on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which President Biden launched during his visit to Japan last month."

In response to concerns about possible Chinese retaliation due to South Korea's participation in IPEF, Minister Park said, "IPEF should not exclude or isolate any specific country," but added, "IPEF pursues new norms in trade, supply chains, clean energy, taxation, and anti-corruption. The real question is whether China is willing to accept these norms and regulations to have mutually beneficial relations in the region."

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