US-ROK Chief Nuclear Envoys: "Cut Off North Korea's Nuclear Funding... Enhance Communication for China's Role"

Cutting Off Funding Sources for Illegal Cyber Activities and Nuclear Missile Development
Will Maintain Steady Communication with China, Which Has Influence on North Korea

Kim Gun, Head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters, and Sung Kim, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, strongly condemned the "continuous illegal nuclear and missile threats and provocations by North Korea, which are escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region" during the Korea-U.S. senior nuclear talks held that day.

Kim and Sung made these remarks during consultations held on the morning of the 21st in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

They also agreed to strengthen Korea-U.S. cooperation to cut off North Korea’s funding sources for nuclear and missile development, including illegal cyber activities, dispatch of overseas workers, and maritime transshipment. They recalled the importance of China’s responsible and constructive role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country with influence over North Korea, and agreed to continue communication with China.

(From the right) Kim Gun, Head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters, and Sung Kim, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Both sides criticized the North Korean regime for stubbornly allocating limited resources to nuclear and ballistic missile programs, worsening the suffering and human rights conditions of its people. They stated that Korea and the U.S. are enhancing joint deterrence and response posture efforts through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG). Based on a robust Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, they agreed to thoroughly prepare for any possible additional provocations by North Korea.

They said North Korea’s provocations only deepen its isolation from the international community. To make North Korea realize that it gains nothing from nuclear development and provocations, they agreed to continue strengthening solidarity with the international community based on close Korea-U.S. cooperation.

They also expressed deep regret over North Korea’s repeated rejection of dialogue proposals from the international community, including Korea, the U.S., and Japan, while continuing missile provocations and shifting all responsibility for rising tensions onto external parties. They urged North Korea to promptly abandon its wrong path and return to denuclearization talks.

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