US: "Washington Declaration, a cautious measure to strengthen deterrence against North Korea"

The U.S. Department of State dismissed North Korea and China's criticism of the Washington Declaration, which codifies extended deterrence, and emphasized the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson, said during a briefing on the 1st (local time) when asked about North Korea's backlash against the Washington Declaration, "President Joe Biden believes that a series of prudent measures to strengthen deterrence are necessary in response to North Korea's illegal efforts to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities and its dangerous rhetoric that undermines stability," adding, "This is concretized through the Washington Declaration."

He continued, "As clearly stated in the Washington Declaration, President Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol continue to pursue diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea," and added, "We share the common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding a question about why China is opposing the Washington Declaration despite the U.S. having briefed China in advance, he said, "I will not specify details about diplomatic activities or the manner of notification and engagement with other countries."

He added, "Our relationship with our ally South Korea is deeply rooted," and said, "As you know, last week we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the state visit was an important opportunity to commemorate this historic moment," emphasizing, "There is no reason for China to overreact."

Earlier, North Korea reacted against the adoption of the Washington Declaration by South Korea and the U.S. to strengthen extended deterrence, calling it "a concentrated product of the most hostile and aggressive intentions, reflecting an atrocious anti-DPRK hostile policy."

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized, saying, "One should not deliberately create tension and exaggerate threats."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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