Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

By Yoon Sojung
Photos = Jeon Han

Minister of National Defense Shin Wonsik on March 18 said, "National security cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan will be further strengthened if North Korea's nuclear threat escalates."

In a news conference with foreign correspondents at KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District, he discussed trilateral cooperation in national security with Washington and Tokyo, Seoul's stance on support for Ukraine and policy toward Pyeongyang.

The minister said, "Cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan in North Korea's nuclear missile threat has a structure that will only consolidate if the threat expands or escalates."

Such cooperation is proceeding smoothly and the three sides are discussing military drills at sea, underwater and in the air previously done separately as the threat rises, he added, with such exercises to be added on an expanded scale.  

On national security cooperation with Japan, Minister Shin said, "Being stuck in the past will only hinder bilateral relations," stressing the importance of a future-oriented attitude.

"I hope Japan will not undermine progress in bilateral relations by raising territorial issues that the Republic of Korea cannot tolerate such as Dokdo Island," he added, urging Tokyo's efforts on this matter.

Turning to support for Ukraine, the minister said, "Our government's stance on providing humanitarian and non-lethal weapons support remains unchanged."

Recalling Russia's 2022 massacre of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, he said, "A (United Nations) member state, especially one on the U.N. Security Council, must set an example and abide by the fundamental U.N. principle opposing 'attempts to change the status quo by force.'"

"Breaking this principle will inevitably bring worldwide condemnation."

In July last year during his tour of Eastern Europe, President Yoon Suk Yeol on a top-secret trip went to Bucha and paid his respects to the victims upon arrival in Ukraine.

On North Korea's nuclear missile threat and his government's stance on this, Minister Shin said, "We are always open to and welcome dialogue with North Korea, but the government's resolute stance is to duly hold the North accountable when it makes the wrong decision."

He added that Korea and the U.S. are working closely to contain this threat, advance joint efforts to prepare for stronger cyberattack capacity by the North like hacking and will pledge cooperation with NATO.

arete@korea.kr