U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to Japan 2+2
“Re-examination of all options on the North Korea River”
Denuclearization, emphasis on Korea-US-Japan cooperation
Order for the need to improve Korea-Japan relations
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blincoln is attending a meeting of the U.S., Japanese foreign and defense ministers (2+2) held in Tokyo, Japan on the 16th. Tokyo/AP Yonhap News
“It’s not very familiar, but it’s a very interesting comment.” At a press conference on the 16th, US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln, who is visiting Japan, responded that it was interesting regarding the personal discourse of ‘Pyeonpyeonjam’ (comfortable sleep) by Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party Kim Yeo-jeong. On this day, Vice Minister Kim warned about the US-Korea military practice just before the meeting of the US-Japan diplomatic and defense ministers (2+2), saying,’If you want to sleep comfortably, do not make a sleepover job. The U.S. and Japan held a meeting of the Security Council (2+2) meeting in Tokyo, Japan, followed by a bilateral meeting with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, in which all four members attended, reaffirming the realization of the “complete denuclearization” of North Korea. Emphasizing the importance of cooperation. US Secretary of State Blincoln and Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi attended the event. In a joint presentation after the ‘2+2’ meeting, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to complete denuclearization of North Korea, recognizing that North Korea’s armament is a threat to international peace and stability. I urged them to follow all their obligations.” In addition, he added, “We also confirmed the need for immediate resolution of the abduction issue of (Japanese in North Korea). Secretary of State Blincoln said at a press conference that “the US strategy for North Korea is currently being reviewed, including all possible options.” Regarding Joe Biden’s administration’s policy toward North Korea, he explained, “We are reviewing all means of pressure or stubborn measures,” and “I will do this with allies and partners.” He emphasized, “I will take action in relation to the nuclear missile program and human rights violations in particular.” The US-Japan has once again confirmed the importance of cooperation between the US and Japan. In a joint presentation, the two countries stated that “cooperation between the three countries of Korea, the United States, and Japan is essential to the safety, peace, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region that we share.” The emphasis on Korea-US-Japan cooperation in the US-Japan talks can be interpreted as reflecting the US’s demand for improvement in the worst-case ROK-Japan relations. Secretary of State Blincoln and Secretary of Defense Austin visit Seoul on the 17th to 18th to hold a meeting of the US and ROK Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense (2+2). By Kim So-yeon, staff reporter