Face-to-face with US Blinken in two weeks… “Russia is watching for possible military support to North Korea”
Ahead of Trump’s transfer of power, “We will work together to successfully complete the remaining issues.”
First meeting with Japan Iwaya… “Manage bilateral issues wisely, take a leap forward in relations”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol met with the diplomatic leaders of the United States and Japan and agreed to closely cooperate while keeping a close eye on the return (price for dispatching troops) from North Korea’s deployment to Russia.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 15th, Minister Cho Tae-yeol and Secretary of State Tony Blinken exchanged these opinions at the ‘ROK-US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting’ in Lima, Peru, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting was held on the afternoon of the 14th (local time).
Minister Yang expressed concern, saying, “Illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia seriously threatens the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.”
In particular, we decided to respond in close cooperation while keeping a close eye on the possibility of Russia providing military support to North Korea as compensation for sending North Korean troops. Previously, the National Intelligence Service and the U.S. State Department formalized the North Korean military’s participation in combat in Kursk Oblast, southwestern Russia, which is partially controlled by the Ukrainian military.
The two Ministers also agreed to cooperate to successfully resolve any remaining issues between Korea and the United States ahead of the transfer of power following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Secretary Blinken said, “Bipartisan support in the U.S. for the ROK-U.S. alliance is strong, and I believe that the major results of cooperation between Korea and the U.S. so far will be well passed on to the next administration,” and said that he would work closely with Korea to achieve this.
It has been 15 days since the meeting between the ROK and US foreign ministers was held on the occasion of the ‘ROK-US Foreign Affairs and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting’ on the 31st of last month (local time). This is their first meeting since the US presidential election.
The two Ministers shared the same view that North Korea’s recent deployment of troops to Russia is a serious threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and around the world, and agreed to closely cooperate between Korea and Japan and Korea, the United States and Japan on Russian-North Korean military cooperation and North Korea and North Korea nuclear issues. .
In addition, he evaluated that the first foreign ministers’ meeting since the inauguration of Japan’s new cabinet was held quickly and agreed to communicate and cooperate closely as heads of diplomacy on a regular basis to develop relations between the two countries.
In particular, ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations next year, it was decided to materialize various commemorative projects that the people of both countries can experience through close consultation between the ‘Task Forces (T/F)’ between the two countries.
We decided to manage bilateral issues between Korea and Japan wisely and strive to take the relationship between the two countries to the next level. It appears that Japan was taking into account difficulties in negotiating a memorial service for Korean workers, which had been promised by Japan in the process of registering the Sado Mine, the site of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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How can historical grievances between Japan and South Korea influence their trilateral cooperation in addressing regional security threats?
Interview: Analyzing the Dynamics of East Asian Security
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment! We’re thrilled to have Dr. Sarah Kim, an expert in international relations and East Asian security, with us today. Dr. Kim, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Kim (DSK): Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
TNE: There’s a lot of pressing news regarding the recent meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken and South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yeol. What are the major takeaways from this meeting?
DSK: Absolutely! One of the key points is the heightened concern over military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Both ministers expressed their apprehension about North Korea’s troop deployment in Russia and the implications for security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
TNE: Yes, the statement about Russia possibly providing military support to North Korea is particularly alarming. How significant do you think this alliance could be for both countries?
DSK: This cooperation could be quite impactful. It signals a worrying trend that both countries are willing to deepen their military ties despite international pressure. Moreover, it raises questions about North Korea’s intentions regarding its nuclear capabilities and poses a serious challenge not just for South Korea but also for U.S. allies in the region.
TNE: In the context of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, Blinken remarked that bipartisan support is strong. How do you see this alliance evolving, especially with the upcoming U.S. administration change?
DSK: The bipartisan support is crucial for maintaining a unified front in dealing with North Korea and related security issues. Blinken’s confidence that results of cooperation will transition to the next administration indicates a level of continuity in policy. However, the effectiveness of this alliance will depend on how well the incoming administration aligns with these established agendas.
TNE: Moving to Japan, the talks emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation. What role do you think Japan plays in these discussions, especially considering the historical context?
DSK: Japan’s role is increasingly pivotal, especially with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization approaching. The historical tensions, particularly surrounding issues like forced labor during the colonial period, complicate this relationship. However, Japan recognizes the need for robust security partnerships amid the growing threats from North Korea and Russia. They are motivated by both security needs and a desire to advance diplomatic relationships.
TNE: You mentioned historical tensions. How can these nations manage their past grievances while working toward a common security goal?
DSK: It requires a delicate balance of diplomacy and acknowledgment of each country’s historical issues. Open communication and regular dialogues, as mentioned in the recent meeting, are essential. They need to address these grievances sensitively while emphasizing shared security interests. Commemorative projects, like those planned for the 60th anniversary, could serve as a bridge to foster better understanding.
TNE: Lastly, given the increasing military collaborations among these nations, what measures do international bodies and the U.S. need to take to ensure a stable and secure Indo-Pacific?
DSK: Strengthening alliances is vital, but it’s equally important to engage with and involve other regional players, including ASEAN countries, in dialogue. The U.S. should also leverage multilateral forums to address emerging threats and enhance cooperation on non-military fronts, such as economic and cyber security measures. Balancing deterrence with diplomatic engagement will be key to fostering long-term stability in the region.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights on this complex and evolving situation. It’s clear that the geopolitical landscape in East Asia requires careful navigation.
DSK: Thank you for having me! It’s an important time for international relations, and I look forward to seeing how these dynamics develop.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with us for more updates on these critical global issues!