US White House: "Korea-US Leaders to Clearly Affirm Extended Deterrence Enhancement"

U.S. President Joe Biden will clarify the extended deterrence commitment to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats during the summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 26th (local time), the White House announced. In addition to extended deterrence, the summit is expected to reveal outcomes related to investment, strengthening human ties, cyber cooperation, and climate change mitigation.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, said at a briefing on the 24th, "President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit commemorates 70 years of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and we celebrate the past 70 years of this alliance and look forward to the next 70 years."

Sullivan added, "Since the summit takes place at a critical time when North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities, the two leaders will closely discuss this," and said, "President Biden will strengthen and enhance the extended deterrence commitment to South Korea regarding the North Korean threat." While refraining from specific details, he mentioned, "We believe the U.S. will send clear and verifiable signals about its commitment to enhanced extended deterrence."

Furthermore, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is dedicated to seeking dialogue with North Korea to achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," leaving the door open for dialogue and humanitarian aid possibilities with North Korea. Earlier the same day, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, also stated at a State Department Foreign Press Club briefing that "extended deterrence will be on the summit agenda," adding, "The two presidents will announce it at an appropriate time, but you can definitely expect it."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the same day, Sullivan said, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is doing more in the region and globally than ever before," mentioning South Korea's support for Ukraine, participation in sanctions against Russia, and investment in the U.S.

He also revealed that the Ukraine war will be a major agenda item at the South Korea-U.S. summit, stating, "South Korea has firmly supported Ukraine since Russia's brutal invasion," and "It has pledged over $230 million (approximately 307 billion KRW) in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and joined the international community by implementing sanctions and export controls against Russia."

Sullivan emphasized that economic and human ties between the two countries will be central during President Yoon's state visit to the U.S. He said, "In just over two years under the Biden administration, South Korea has invested more than $100 billion (133.5 trillion KRW) in the U.S.," adding, "This investment includes Samsung's semiconductor factory, Hyundai Motor's electric vehicle plant construction, SK's large-scale new investments, and battery plant establishment." He also forecasted that significant investments in the economic sector will be announced through this South Korea-U.S. summit.

Sullivan said, "Under the Biden administration, the South Korea-U.S. alliance has grown far beyond the Korean Peninsula and has become a force for good in the Indo-Pacific and globally," adding, "The two leaders have built trust in less than a year since President Yoon took office and have already met four times." He also expressed expectations that the two leaders will cover topics ranging from the Ukraine war to climate change response.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, President Yoon arrived in Washington, D.C. on the same day, beginning a five-night, seven-day state visit. On the second day of the tour, the 25th, he will attend an investment signing ceremony, the South Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, and the South Korea-U.S. Advanced Industry Forum held in Washington, D.C. The summit and state dinner with President Biden will take place on the 26th. On the 27th, President Yoon is scheduled to deliver a joint address to the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and presenting a blueprint for the future alliance.

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