“NPT, the foundation of the international nuclear order… “Korea’s promise to refuse independent nuclear development is firm.”
“Serious concerns about North Korea-Russia cooperation… “Considering ways to strengthen and adjust response measures.”
In response to North Korea’s recent threatening rhetoric, even mentioning war, a senior U.S. State Department official sent a warning, mentioning the “end of the Kim Jong-un regime.”
Bonnie Jenkins, the Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, said in a Korea Society interview on the 22nd (local time), “Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States and its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim Jong-un regime.”
Following the provocations that have continued since last year, North Korea has recently been making threatening statements one after another. In his speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly last month, North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un defined South Korea as the number one hostile country and mentioned war, occupation, and pacification.
Deputy Secretary Jenkins reiterated, “Any nuclear attack by North Korea against South Korea will be met with a swift, overwhelming and decisive response.” He also reaffirmed his position that “the United States’ commitment to defend Korea remains ironclad.”
The US policy goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was also repeatedly stated. He also explained that the Joe Biden administration is taking a coordinated response with the alliance to North Korea’s increasing actions to escalate tensions.
Remarks were also made in consideration of the theory of Korea’s own nuclear armament, which has continued to arise within Korea. Deputy Secretary Jenkins said, “I would like to emphasize the long-standing commitment of the United States and Korea to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the foundation of the international nuclear order.”
He mentioned Korea’s commitment to comply with the NPT, saying, “South Korea’s promise to reject any intention to develop independent nuclear weapons was firm.” In addition, his country’s commitment to Korean security was also mentioned again in the same context.
Deputy Secretary Jenkins also said, “In today’s security environment, our efforts to maintain extended deterrence must go hand in hand with the imperative of continued diplomacy and dialogue to address difficult security challenges.”
In this context, he explained that his country and South Korea are making efforts for unconditional dialogue with North Korea, and also emphasized that diplomacy is the only way to achieve lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Jenkins pointed out that regarding cooperation such as arms trade between North Korea and Russia, which his country has consistently focused on, “I see it as a very serious concern and a serious threat,” and “It is a matter of strong concern for both sides.”
“Russia causes problems in many situations and in many places,” he said, adding that military cooperation between the two sides “not only destabilizes the region, but also provides Russia with many means to continue fighting in Ukraine.”
He also said, “We are looking at all the tools we have to deal with North Korea,” and “We are identifying ways to strengthen and adjust the tools we have to respond to this very concerning situation.”
On this day, Vice Minister Jenkins mentioned what North Korea wants in return for providing weapons to Russia, including fighter jets, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production facilities and raw materials, and cutting-edge technology.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.