US: "Communicating with Allies Who Leak Secrets... Our Commitment to Han Is Unbreakable"

Documents revealing that U.S. intelligence agencies have been eavesdropping on the diplomatic and security lines of allied countries were leaked, and the U.S. government stated that it is communicating to reassure its allies. Regarding the eavesdropping allegations involving the South Korean presidential office, the U.S. emphasized reaffirming trust between the two countries and made it clear that the issue should not escalate into a problem within the alliance.

On the 10th (local time), Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, said during a briefing that when asked about the potential impact on U.S.-South Korea relations if it were true that the U.S. had eavesdropped on South Korean diplomatic and security officials, "The United States' commitment to South Korea is ironclad."

He added, "U.S. officials are engaging at high levels with allies and partners to reassure them that the U.S. is dedicated to protecting sensitive information and maintaining security in relationships with allied and partner countries."

Addressing criticism in South Korea that the U.S. has eavesdropped on its ally, he emphasized, "South Korea is one of the most important partners in the region, and we share many values with South Korea." He continued, "A significant part of the vision shared by both countries is not only a free and open Indo-Pacific based on norms but also broadly applying a rules-based order globally."

Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State (left).
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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When asked whether the document leak would affect President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit, he said, "Our relationship with South Korea is very deep. President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and the First Lady (Dr. Jill Biden) look forward to welcoming their counterparts and partners in South Korea during the state visit."

Regarding which department leads dialogue with allies, he explained, "Naturally, the State Department plays a role in communicating with our allies and partners. However, the dialogue is conducted across the whole government, and U.S. officials engage with allies and partners at the highest levels."

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council (NSC), also stated during the briefing that "U.S. officials have been communicating at high levels with relevant allies and partners over the past few days" concerning the document leak. When asked if South Korea and Israel were contacted, he replied, "We have been in contact with relevant allies and partners."

Neither Coordinator Kirby nor Principal Deputy Spokesperson Patel disclosed the specific countries contacted by the U.S., but considering that South Korea was prominently mentioned in the leaked documents as a key ally, it is likely that communication with South Korea has already taken place.

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