North Korea launches an issue when the Biden government is launched

The Korean Federation of Koreans in Japan (Cho Chongryon), which represents the position of North Korea, published a statement calling for the cessation of joint training between Korea and the United States on the 7th. As North Korea began to become an issue in earnest ahead of the ROK-US joint exercises in early March, there are concerns that a disagreement may arise between South Korea and the US Biden administration, which are trying to respond to North Korean demand as much as possible.

Helicopters moored at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do last August [뉴스1]

According to the Chosun Shinbo, the Japanese Regional Committee for the Implementation of the June 15 Joint Declaration Youth Student Council issued a statement on the 6th entitled’The Biden government and the South Moon Jae-in regime should stop joint military exercises at once.’ The council said in a statement, “The new Biden government is trying to start with a joint military exercise that goes against history while advocating the adoption of a new strategy for the North.” “We have to withdraw from the interference immediately.”

In a statement on the 5th, the Japan Regional Committee for the June 15 Joint Declaration also said, “The Biden administration has newly emerged, but this military exercise prayer reveals in detail that the US’s aggressive nature and identity as a disruptor of peace have not changed.” The regional committee also criticized that “(ROK-US joint training) is a betrayal of the South-North Joint Declaration that affirms the principle of national independence and national self-determination, as well as a betrayal of the nation’s destiny, which degenerates the nation’s fate into foreign powers.”

The June 15 Joint Declaration urged by the Japan Regional Committee Youth Student Council to stop the ROK-US joint training [조선신보 캡쳐]

Previously, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presented the development of US strategic assets on the Korean peninsula and the suspension of joint training between the United States and the United States as prerequisites for improving inter-Korean relations at the 8th Labor Party Congress held last month. Regarding the ROK-US joint exercise, he pointed out that “the South Korean authorities are countering the implementation of the North-South Agreement on ensuring peace and military stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

After Chairman Kim’s request to stop training, the Korean government cited flexibility and suggested the possibility of adjusting training. President Moon Jae-in proposed a dialogue to the North at a New Year’s press conference on the 18th of last month, saying, “If necessary, we can consult with North Korea through the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee (ROK-US joint training).” Then, Unification Minister Lee In-young also said at a press conference on the 25th of last month, “We look forward to finding a solution wisely and flexibly so as not to lead to serious military tensions.” Foreign Minister Eui-yong Eui-yong also said at a personnel hearing on the 5th, “We are discussing very closely with the US because large-scale joint exercises have various implications for the situation on the Korean Peninsula.” It can be seen as a statement reflecting the concern that if the annual training is conducted as before, it could stimulate North Korea.

President Moon Jae-in’s New Year press conference on the 18th of last month

The key question is how much the South Korean government’s position will be reflected in the first joint exercises conducted after the launch of the Biden administration, which emphasizes enhancing defense capabilities to respond to the North Korean nuclear threat. If the US decides to conduct training at the existing level, it could be a factor of friction between alliances. In a report on the US-Korea relations on the 2nd (local time), the US Congressional Investigation Bureau said, “The most urgent challenge facing the ROK-US is to decide whether to resume the ROK-US joint training.” It could be contrary to US policy to say that the joint exercises could be discussed with North Korea.” However, there are observations that it is inevitable to reduce the scale of training or change the method, considering not only the North Korean opposition but also the situation of Corona 19.

Reporter Park Hyun-joo [email protected]