Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Wednesday that South Korea will continue to develop its alliance with the United States as the cornerstone of its foreign and security policy amid concerns about a potential rift between the two nations over key issues. Cho made the remarks in a keynote speech, read by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina at a policy forum at the National Assembly in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized that the speculations and concerns over South Korea-U.S. relations stem from a deep sense of concern and attachment to the alliance. He assured that South Korea would accommodate diverse views in a balanced manner, manage pending issues through close and frequent communication based on mutual respect, and strengthen trust and friendship in line with common sense and principles.
Cho highlighted South Korea's efforts to take a more proactive role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula. This includes strengthening advanced defense capabilities, pursuing the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, and advancing the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON). He also stated that South Korea would enhance trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while also developing ties among South Korea, China, and Japan.
The concerns over a potential rift between Seoul and Washington have been fueled by the U.S. restricting intelligence sharing on North Korea. This decision was based on what the U.S. perceives as a leak of classified information on a uranium enrichment facility in Kusong by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young. There are also disagreements over claims of unfair treatment of e-commerce giant Coupang, which is under investigation in Seoul following a massive data breach.
On the topic of North Korea, Cho advocated for a phased approach to addressing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile capabilities through dialogue. He emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to pursue a phased approach aimed at halting, reducing, and ultimately dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities. He highlighted the significance of communication to prevent accidental clashes or misunderstandings from escalating into tensions, especially during a time when the international order faces challenges and inter-Korean dialogue has been stalled.
In light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting challenges and uncertainties, Cho committed to efforts to build global economic networks. This includes seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to diversify markets and minimize trade uncertainty. He noted the importance of expanding cooperation with regional hub countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia.