S. Korea, US reaffirm denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
Seoul
South Korea and the United States have restated their shared and “irreversible” goal of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, regardless of North Korea’s position, officials said Wednesday. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac underlined that the aim “remains unchanged” and must be pursued step by step.
Speaking at a forum in Seoul, Wi explained South Korea’s three-stage plan for North Korea’s disarmament: freezing its nuclear and missile programs, reducing them, and eventually dismantling them. He stressed the importance of resuming dialogue, even though Pyongyang has ignored peace overtures by President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul has already taken limited steps to ease tensions while maintaining security and deterrence.
On the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Wi said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would not attend, but US President Donald Trump is expected to visit South Korea. He voiced concern about North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia, citing last year’s defense treaty that obliges both sides to provide immediate military aid if attacked. He warned the pact could destabilize inter-Korean relations and strain Seoul-Moscow ties.
Wi addressed reports that Russia may have supplied nuclear submarine reactors to North Korea, clarifying that the information is unverified. Turning to trade, he said Seoul is negotiating with Washington to safeguard national interests after agreeing to cut US tariffs in return for a USD 350 billion investment pledge.
He also spoke on Japan, noting talks to revive shuttle diplomacy. On Tokyo’s protests over Korea’s maritime surveys near Dokdo, Wi said such activities are routine and cautioned against creating the impression of a territorial dispute.
