US-ROK Foreign Ministers: "Pressuring North Korea-Russia Cooperation with China... Strengthening Alliance Amid Complex Crisis" (Comprehensive)

US Secretary of State Visits Korea After 2.5 Years
Mentions North Korea-Russia Close 'Two-Way Relationship'
Utilizes China Leverage, Strengthens ROK-US Cooperation
Emphasizes Complex Crisis Economic Partnership

The foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States held a face-to-face bilateral meeting in Seoul on the 9th, lasting 75 minutes. They agreed on the need to strengthen their response capabilities to North Korea-Russia military cooperation and to leverage China’s influence over North Korea to break the close North Korea-Russia ties. Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas armed conflict, they pledged to reinforce the Korea-US alliance and solidify their economic partnership. Secretary Blinken specifically described the North Korea-Russia military cooperation as “bilateral” and stated that they would apply “pressure” to halt it.

Foreign Minister Park Jin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks from 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the 17th-floor bilateral meeting room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul.

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, is delivering opening remarks at the joint press conference of the South Korea-U.S. Foreign Ministers held on the 9th at the annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

This visit by the US Secretary of State to Korea is the first in two and a half years since the Korea-US Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting on March 17, 2021. It is also the first since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. After meeting President Yoon, Secretary Blinken held a joint press conference following over an hour of talks with Foreign Minister Park. The issues discussed in this meeting will be addressed at the summit level. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will be held in San Francisco from the 11th to the 17th, where US-China, Korea-US, and Korea-China summit meetings are expected to take place, with the response to North Korea-Russia military cooperation likely to be on the agenda.

At the joint press conference, Secretary Blinken said, “I appreciate President Yoon Suk-yeol mentioning the risks of North Korea-Russia military cooperation,” adding, “We urge Russia not to transfer military technology to North Korea, and we agree that this is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.” He continued, “Based on Camp David consultations, we are conducting real-time sharing of North Korean missile data, trilateral military exercises, and practical cooperation against cyber provocations,” and added, “Details will be explained by Secretary of Defense Austin, who will visit Korea over the weekend.”

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, is delivering opening remarks at the joint press conference of the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers held on the 9th at the annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

Secretary Blinken stated that, together with South Korea and other like-minded countries, they will detect and respond to Russia’s attempts to acquire military equipment from North Korea. He specifically mentioned, “We discussed additional measures we can take to pressure Russia not to transfer military technology to North Korea, which violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions.” Minister Park also said, “Since Russia-North Korea military consultations violate UN Security Council resolutions and could pose a serious threat, both countries confirmed their firm resolve to respond decisively.”

The two countries also mentioned China’s role. In a situation where instability in Northeast Asia and threats from North Korea are escalating, China must exert influence over North Korea to prevent a security crisis. Secretary Blinken emphasized, “China should play a constructive role in getting North Korea to step back from irresponsible and dangerous actions.” Minister Park added, “I believe China is also not in a favorable position regarding the close ties and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.”

They expressed their commitment to strengthening the Korea-US alliance. Minister Park said, “Korea and the US will closely cooperate on global issues beyond the Korean Peninsula,” and added, “Both countries have a shared understanding that they are optimal partners in economic prosperity, economic security, and advanced technology sectors, and will support businesses accordingly.” He highly praised the recently announced final regulations of the US CHIPS and Science Act guardrails for reducing uncertainty for Korean companies. Secretary Blinken responded, “The US values its economic partnership with Korea very highly. Through close cooperation, we aim to reduce economic dependence.” He added, “Next week, the US will host the APEC summit, where we hope to discuss a strong, resilient, and sustainable future together.”

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken is delivering opening remarks at the joint press conference of the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers held at the annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 9th. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

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