Biden Condemns North Korea Provocations... Also Calls for UN Security Council Reform (Comprehensive)

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned North Korea's ongoing provocations during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York on the 19th (local time). While reiterating that Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine is an "illegal war of aggression," he also called for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which is effectively not functioning properly.

U.S. President Joe Biden is delivering a speech at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the 19th (local time). [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

As the second speaker in the general debate, President Biden stated, "We condemn North Korea's continued violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions," and added, "However, we remain committed to diplomacy for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Similar to last year, he consistently condemned North Korea's security-threatening actions in this year's UN speech as well.

He also criticized security threats from not only North Korea but also Iran and Russia. He emphasized, "The United States, together with its partners, is working to deter Iran's destabilizing activities regionally and internationally," and "Our commitment that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons remains firm."

Furthermore, President Biden described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an "illegal war of aggression," saying, "This gathering for peace is being overshadowed by the shadow of war." He received applause when he said, "If we allow Ukraine to be divided, which nation's independence will be guaranteed?" and declared that the U.S. and its allies will join Ukraine's fight for freedom. He continued, "The responsibility for this war lies solely with Russia," and demanded withdrawal, stating, "Only Russia has the power to end this war immediately."

Regarding China, with which the U.S. is engaged in a hegemonic competition, he confirmed that the goal is competition, not conflict. President Biden said, "We seek to responsibly manage U.S.-China competition to prevent it from escalating into conflict," and added, "We pursue de-risking, not decoupling from China." He further stated, "The United States and its allies have no intention to suppress any country," and "We will pursue freedom of navigation, security, and prosperity, but at the same time, we are ready to cooperate with China on agendas including climate change."

On this day, President Biden also emphasized the role of international organizations in expanding international solidarity, such as the UN Security Council and the World Bank. He said, "No country can face today's challenges alone," and "As proposed last year, the United States supports expanding both permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council." He added, "The United States has discussed this issue with many member states and will continue reform efforts," emphasizing, "The UN must maintain peace, prevent conflicts, and promote human rights, and we must embrace countries that open new horizons on difficult issues."

These remarks align with those of UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres, who, in his opening address, asserted the need to reform the Security Council, stating, "It is time to renew the UN to fit the economic landscape and political realities of the 21st century." The UN Security Council, based on consensus among member states, has faced increasing criticism for its lack of practical function in recent years due to the intensified U.S.-China-Russia dynamics.

Last year, the adoption of a resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine was blocked by Russia, a permanent member, and resolutions condemning North Korea's ICBM launches were repeatedly vetoed by China and Russia. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is widely regarded as a clear demonstration of the Security Council's loss of function.

Accordingly, President Biden made it clear, as he did last year, that he supports expanding both permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council. This is seen as a strategic move to check the permanent members China and Russia. Currently, Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa are known to be seeking permanent membership.

Additionally, President Biden called for reforming the World Bank to expand financing for low- and middle-income developing countries and urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to better reflect the voices of developing nations.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The general debate, which began on this day, is expected to focus heavily on the Ukraine war issue, as it did last year. In addition to President Biden, leaders from various countries are expected to mention the severe human casualties caused by the prolonged war and its negative impact on global security and the economy, urging a swift resolution. Climate change, human rights, and the food crisis are also anticipated to be major topics.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attending the UN General Assembly in person for the first time since Russia's invasion, also delivered his speech that morning. President Zelenskyy arrived at the assembly hall wearing his trademark military green T-shirt, and applause erupted upon his appearance. He expressed gratitude to the international community and appealed for continued additional support. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled to speak on the second day, the 20th, and is expected to deliver a message warning North Korea and Russia while calling for international solidarity.

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