US: "We Will Continue to Cooperate with Korea on Taiwan Issues"

by Lee Seungjin

Published 22 Apr.2023 08:44(KST)

Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State. (Photo by U.S. Department of State Twitter)

Regarding China's criticism of President Yoon Suk-yeol's remarks on Taiwan, the U.S. State Department expressed its position to cooperate with South Korea for the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue.

Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, responded on the 21st (local time) during a regular briefing to a question about China's criticism targeting President Yoon, saying, "The United States supports the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues consistent with the wishes and interests of the people of Taiwan," adding, "This will be done in coordination with our important allies and partners, and of course, South Korea is one of those countries."

He continued, "We will continue to coordinate with our friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific to advance what we consider important values for our shared prosperity and security, including maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Patel also reaffirmed the position that China should cease military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan.

When asked whether North Korea's attempt to attract Chinese investment in the Kaesong Industrial Complex is a violation of the UN Security Council's resolutions on North Korea, he said, "If any country assists North Korea in the supply or development of ballistic missiles or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, it is a clear violation of multiple Security Council resolutions."