Jang Donghyuk: "U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Lee's North Korea Policy, South Korea-U.S. Alliance... Efforts Needed to Restore Trust"

On April 19, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, said, "Many U.S. officials have expressed concerns over the Lee Jaemyung administration's ambiguous stance on North Korea policy and the South Korea-U.S. alliance," adding, "I had to make considerable efforts to explain the Korean people's support for the alliance and to restore trust."

Attending the Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that morning, Jang stated, "During this trip, I had busy meetings with key figures who drive the U.S., including members of the U.S. Congress, the National Security Council at the White House, the State Department, and major think tanks." Jang returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport that morning after completing an 8-night, 10-day trip to the United States.

Yonhap News Agency

원본보기 아이콘

Jang first noted, "Even yesterday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea. This time, there is even speculation about the possibility of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)," adding, "Despite this, information sharing from the U.S., which is our most vital security asset regarding North Korea, remains limited."

He went on to say, "This is because of the irresponsible remarks and silence of Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung, and because President Lee Jaemyung is complicit in this. North Korea is threatening us with nuclear weapons and missiles, and yet the South Korea-U.S. alliance that should prevent this is being undermined."

Jang further stated, "As our economy faces growing difficulties due to the Middle East war, it is more important than ever to strengthen a trade network based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. However, the U.S. is raising the level of pressure by proceeding with an investigation under Section 301 of its trade law," adding, "The Lee Jaemyung administration’s anti-U.S. and anti-business policies are holding back our economy."

Jang also said, "The conservative party network established with the U.S. Republican Party and the communication channels with the U.S. administration built during this trip will serve as valuable assets for strengthening the alliance and expanding economic cooperation. However, no matter how hard the opposition works, if the government and ruling party are stubborn, it is of no use in practice. Even now, President Lee Jaemyung must completely revise the framework of North Korea and foreign policy to prioritize national security and the national interest."

Jang emphasized, "President Lee Jaemyung’s addiction to social networking services (SNS), which is even shaking up diplomacy, must also be corrected immediately," adding, "The People Power Party will do everything possible, including diplomatic efforts, to protect the safety of our people and revive the national economy."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.