South Korea and US: "North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation Will Definitely Have Consequences"

4th Korea-US EDSCG Held in Seoul on the 15th
"All Diplomatic, Intelligence, Military, and Economic Means Will Be Fully Mobilized"

South Korea and the United States strongly warned that there will be a "proportionate price" for the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Regarding the escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, they announced a policy to mobilize all means across diplomacy, intelligence, military, and economy to deter them.

Jang Ho-jin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticized, during a joint press conference after the 4th Extended Deterrence Strategy Committee (EDSCG) meeting held in Seoul on the 15th, that "the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a serious violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions." The meeting was attended by Vice Minister Jang Ho-jin and Vice Minister Shin Beom-cheol of the Ministry of National Defense from South Korea, and from the U.S. side, Deputy Secretary Jenkins and Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Policy Sasha Baker participated as chief representatives. This was the first time the EDSCG meeting was held in South Korea.

Jang Ho-jin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, explaining the results of the Korea-US Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation [Photo by Yonhap News]

Vice Minister Jang stated, "Russia, as a party to the non-proliferation regime and a permanent member of the Security Council, must act responsibly, and (South Korea and the U.S.) agreed on this point," adding, "We will closely share information between South Korea and the U.S. to ensure that clear consequences follow."

Boni Jenkins, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, also condemned "the increased political cooperation between Russia and North Korea," saying, "In this meeting, we discussed Russia facilitating North Korea’s illicit nuclear program and North Korea supporting the war in Ukraine."

South Korea and the U.S. evaluated the threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), as well as the regional situation, and discussed cooperation at diplomatic, economic, and military levels to strengthen extended deterrence operations. Vice Minister Shin Beom-cheol emphasized, "South Korea and the U.S. will utilize all means, including diplomacy, intelligence, military, and economy, to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats."

Vice Minister Jang Ho-jin explained, "We agreed that going forward, the EDSCG will operate complementarily with the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), which specializes in nuclear strategic planning, to contribute to strengthening the alliance’s extended deterrence efforts." The NCG was launched in July following the 'Washington Declaration' agreed upon by the South Korea-U.S. leaders last April, containing measures to enhance U.S. extended deterrence.

Our side's Jang Hojin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shin Beomcheol, Vice Minister of National Defense, and the U.S. side's Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, and Sasha Baker, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, are shaking hands after the 4th Korea-U.S. Extended Deterrence Strategy Committee (EDSCG) meeting on the afternoon of the 15th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Deputy Secretary Jenkins warned, "The United States confirms that if North Korea launches a nuclear attack against U.S. allies or partner countries, including South Korea, it will not be tolerated and will lead to the regime’s end." He added, "We appreciate South Korea’s repeated emphasis on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," and said, "The two governments will cooperate for a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Additionally, the four chief representatives from both countries will visit the Navy 2nd Fleet Command located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, in the afternoon. They plan to pay tribute to the 46 sailors who sacrificed their lives in the Cheonan ship sinking caused by a North Korean torpedo attack and board the newly commissioned frigate, Cheonan. Vice Minister Shin said, "We will confirm South Korea’s advanced military power and demonstrate deterrence against North Korea."

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