South Korea and France Join Forces to Safeguard NPT, Emphasize Phased and Pragmatic Approach

North Korean Nuclear Issue Discussed at NPT Meeting by Both Countries
Theme: "North Korea's Nuclear Challenge: Safeguarding the Integrity of the NPT"

South Korea and France have once again brought the North Korean nuclear issue to the forefront at the United Nations, emphasizing cooperation to uphold the international nonproliferation regime.

On May 5 (local time), the South Korean government, together with the French government, held a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, United States, under the theme "North Korea's Nuclear Challenge: Safeguarding the Integrity of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)." This event was a side meeting held on the occasion of the NPT review conference. South Korea and France have continued related discussions since 2017.

UN located in Manhattan, New York. New York (USA) - Photo by Yoonju Hwang

The meeting focused on the threat posed to the global nonproliferation regime by North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements, as well as the growing military alignment between North Korea and Russia. Kim Sangjin, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Korea to the United Nations, who participated as a panelist, pointed out that North Korea is continuously strengthening its military capabilities and has further advanced its missile technology through experiences gained from the war in Ukraine.

Deputy Ambassador Kim went on to say, "Our government is responding in a very pragmatic and flexible manner," introducing a phased and practical approach that reflects both the commitment to peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and the reality that North Korea continues to reject dialogue.

He also highlighted the importance of the Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), which was established after the expiration of the UN Security Council Panel of Experts on North Korean Sanctions, stressing that thorough enforcement of sanctions is key to maintaining the nonproliferation regime.

Academia also pointed out the need for a realistic approach. Sharon Squassoni, Research Professor at George Washington University, who delivered a presentation titled "The Impact of North Korea's Nuclear Program on the NPT Regime," proposed 'pragmatic risk management' and 'multilateral cooperation' as ways to break the impasse.

Professor Squassoni stated that while maintaining the long-term goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, priority in the short term should be given to "risk reduction" measures to prevent nuclear war.

In particular, she argued that the four countries—North Korea, the United States, China, and Russia—should simultaneously ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to lead the establishment of a global norm against nuclear testing.

The South Korean government also emphasized the need to pursue both goals and strategies simultaneously. In his opening remarks, Hwi-Young Ha, Director-General for International Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "Tactics may change depending on circumstances, but our goals do not," urging for the complete denuclearization of North Korea and full compliance with the NPT.

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