South Korea and the United States head to head on ‘cooperation with North Korea’… Strengthening technology alliances such as semiconductors (comprehensive)

At the summit between President Yoon Seok-yeol and US President Joe Biden on the 21st, agendas such as the ‘upgrade’ issue of the ROK-US alliance, the North Korean nuclear issue, and global cooperation issues will be discussed.

Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the National Security Office, explained the agenda for the summit meeting with these contents as the main point at a briefing at the Yongsan government building on the 18th and said, “Except for one or two issues, most of the joint declaration or the contents to be discussed, agreed upon and implemented by the two countries are in the final stage. is coming,” he said.

◇Korea-US alliance, military alliance → economic alliance → technology alliance

Deputy Director Kim said, “We will promote strategic cooperation between Korea and the United States, and based on the value alliance, the military alliance that has been passed down has spread to an economic alliance through the Korea-US FTA.

Deputy Director Kim said that the US has the best technology in semiconductor design, and South Korean companies, including Samsung, have the best technology in the foundry and manufacturing process, so there are areas for cooperation. .

In particular, Deputy Director Kim predicted that advanced future batteries, eco-friendly green technology cooperation, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and space development would be on the agenda.

Deputy Director Kim also said that the two countries are aiming for a global comprehensive strategic alliance, and set the optimal and best alliance for how to overcome the challenges facing the ROK and the United States in the midst of the Ukraine crisis that occurred this year, the surge in international prices, and the crisis in the exchange rate market, in accordance with the national interest. The phase was explained as a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Deputy Director Kim also introduced the line of communication between the White House and the President’s Office, saying that Wang Yun-jong, economic and security secretary of the National Security Office, and Taron Chabra, senior adviser for national security, decided to have a phone call on the 20th.

Deputy Director Kim added that it is expected that free discussions will take place on economic and security cooperation issues, the Indo-Pacific region cooperation agenda, and global cooperation issues at the expanded summit between the two leaders.

◇North Korea issues, regional cooperation issues in East Asia

“The small-group summit will begin immediately after President Biden arrives at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 21st,” Kim said.

In particular, regarding the spread of Corona in North Korea, Deputy Director Kim said, “There is no answer that North Korea will respond to health cooperation such as support for a coronavirus vaccine, and the United States has also tried to ask North Korea’s will, but I know that there has been no response so far.” The problem is that it will be difficult to discuss concretely before North Korea responds.”

The two leaders are expected to discuss countermeasures against North Korea’s successive provocations, but Deputy Director Kim did not disclose a specific agenda.

However, Deputy Director Kim said, “The possibility of North Korea’s nuclear test by the weekend is evaluated as relatively low, but preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), are understood to be imminent.”

Deputy Director Kim said, “It is certain that issues on the Korean Peninsula, including security, will be addressed first in a single meeting.

Regarding the Extended Deterrence Strategies Council (EDSCG), Deputy Director Kim said, “I think that discussions about strengthening the practical response capability of extended deterrence by making this council regular and expanding the agenda will be held at this meeting.”

Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, he said, “It is simply complete denuclearization. Even if you don’t say CVID (complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization), it is included in the word complete denuclearization.”

yos547@news1.kr