U.S. “There is no hostile intention to North Korea… The goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains”

The U.S. emphasized a diplomatic approach to North Korea. While affirming that it does not have any hostile intentions towards North Korea. This is a denial of the “hostile intentions of the United States” that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in his recent speech.

The U.S. State Department responded to a question asking for a position on Chairman Kim’s speech on the 12th (local time) in the name of a spokesperson, saying, “Our goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains.” “The United States has no hostile intentions toward North Korea. No,” he replied. “We are prepared to meet with North Korea without preconditions and engage in serious and ongoing diplomacy,” the State Department added. In his speech at the Defense Development Exhibition ‘Self-Defense-2021’ on the 11th, Chairman Kim pointed out the South’s will to strengthen military power, the South’s military expansion, and the US’s hostile attitude toward North Korea. In particular, he claimed that the United States is “frequently sending signals that it is not hostile, but there is no behavioral basis for believing that it is not.”

The US State Department’s response is interpreted as an extension of the existing position. The United States has maintained that it can discuss any agenda if it comes to the negotiating table without conditions, instead of giving a specific response or position to North Korea’s withdrawal of its hostile policy and raising issues such as double standards. It is known that the United States has contacted North Korea several times, but has not received much response.

The Ministry of National Defense took a similar position. “We will continue to support the Joe Biden administration’s prudent diplomatic approach to ensuring the denuclearization of North Korea and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a briefing. “This is the best interest not only for the Korean Peninsula, but also for the region,” said Kirby, reiterating the US military’s policy of supporting diplomacy with North Korea. “At the same time, we will continue to maintain our alliance with the Republic of Korea strong, and our ally, South Korea, also has the necessary capabilities to defend itself when necessary,” he said. It’s for the sake of it, and that’s always been the focus,” he added.

Jinwook Kim reporter kimjinuk@hankookilbo.com