Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 75

Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 75

The Armed Forces Day Arirng Yoon Jung-min:  coverage with a stronger message from South Korea's Commander-in-Chief for the 75th Armed Forces Day.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has warned that North Korea's regime will come to an end if it decides to use nuclear weapons as he called for a strong military.

Arirang Presidential office correspondent Oh Soo-young:  South Korea and the United States will end the North Korean regime, if the reclusive leadership there ever uses its nuclear weapons.

That's according to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who attended the country's largest Armed Forces Day celebration to be held in a decade, which showcased South Korea's latest combat power in an unprecedented public parade.

As the North's nuclear program continues to pose "an existential threat" to the South, and a challenge to world peace, Yoon said Seoul would immediately retaliate against any provocations from Pyongyang, noting that the country was swiftly ramping up its response, including its 3-axis Kill Chain preemptive strike system, Korean Air and Missile Defense, and the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation plans.

In a nod to some 300 U.S. troops participating in the parade, the South Korean leader noted their bilateral security alliance is now nuclear-based, following the creation of the Nuclear Consultative Group.

He said the two sides will establish a unified response system that combines Washington's nuclear assets and Seoul's conventional assets,. as they also strengthen joint drills, and expand cooperation in the outer space and cyber domains.

In that regard, Yoon warned that North Korea's use of nuclear weapons would trigger an "overwhelming response" from the ROK-U.S. alliance, leading to the regime's downfall, adding that nuclear weapons will never guarantee the North's security.

He also noted that the North Korean regime's "obsession" with its nuclear program only adds to the suffering of its people, whose human rights are compromised for weapons development.

As Seoul widens its scope of security interests beyond the Korean Peninsula, Yoon vowed to double government support for the defense industry, raising the need to promptly innovate and adopt cutting-edge technology for future battlefields, including space, cyber, and electromagnetic weaponry.

Yoon further expressed his respect and gratitude to servicemembers, and their families throughout the decades, pledging greater support and benefits.

Marching across the streets of central Seoul, Yoon became the first leader in Korean history to take part in a street parade with members of the public and the military.

The president requested public interest in and support for the armed forces, saying history has shown how "only a strong military can guarantee true peace."

 Ariring News: Seoul, there was a massive display of South Korea’s latest and cutting-edge military weapons, ranging from K2 battle tank to a homegrown long-range surface-to-air missile.

This as the nation held a massive military parade in downtown, a big upgrade from the last one held ten years ago.

Arirang News defense correspondent Choi Min-jung:

South Korea on Tuesday held a large-scale military parade on the streets of Seoul for the first time in ten years, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Armed Forces Day.

It was held in the main commercial and business district in Gwanghwamun.

Over 4-thousand 6-hundred troops participated, with some 1-hundred 70 pieces of military equipment on display up close for the public for the very first time.

Under the theme “A Strong Military, Robust Security and Peace through Strength," the grand parade was aimed at showing off the full might of South Korea's military, while sending a strong message to the enemy.

It's the first time for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to showcase their assets to the public in central Seoul at the same time.

Key players leading the parade were South Korea's infantry fighting vehicle, the K21, the country's main battle tank, the K2 Black Panther,. and the K9 self-propelled howitzer.

At the heart of the parade was South Korea's three-axis system,.. which ties together three military concepts, that counter North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats.

One of the key weapons mobilized to highlight the system was, the country's homegrown long-range surface-to-air missile, designed to shoot down North Korea's ballistic missiles.

The country's domestically developed ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo, was also revealed to the public for the very first time.

The missile is known to have the ability to strike all areas of North Korea with very high precision.

Surveillance drones were also deployed,. and the Navy's cutting-edge Aegis destroyer, Jeongjo the Great, took part through Augmented Reality.

The landmark parade was, for the first time ever, joined by some 3-hundred U.S. combat troops based in the country.

Their participation signified the 70th anniversary of the Seoul and Washington alliance.

The last time a street parade was held on Armed Forces Day was in 2013.

It had been held every five years, but the parade had been scaled down in 2018, in consideration of inter-Korean relations.

 Ref: ROK:  Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 75 (translated unofficial)

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Call with
the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Republic of Korea

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

National Security Advisor Sullivan held a trilateral call with National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan and National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yong of the Republic of Korea to exchange views on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including the recent summit meeting between Russian President Putin and DPRK leader Kim. The three NSAs reaffirmed the importance of trilateral coordination consistent with their commitment to consult. They noted that any arms exports from the DPRK to Russia would directly violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions that Russia itself voted to adopt. They reiterated their cooperation toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

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AUGUST 18, 2023

Commitment to Consult

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
 

Among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States

We, the leaders of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States, commit our governments to consult trilaterally with each other, in an expeditious manner, to coordinate our responses to regional challenges, provocations, and threats affecting our collective interests and security.  Through these consultations, we intend to share information, align our messaging, and coordinate response actions.

Our countries retain the freedom to take all appropriate actions to uphold our security interests or sovereignty.  This commitment does not supersede or otherwise infringe on the commitments arising from the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between Japan and the United States and the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea.  This commitment is not intended to give rise to rights or obligations under international or domestic law.

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August 18, 2023

Remarks by President Biden,
President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea,
and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan
in Joint Press Conference

Camp David, MD

SPEECHES AND REMARKS

Commanding Officers Loop

Camp David, Maryland

3:14 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Camp David.

If I seem like I’m happy, it’s because I am.  (Laughter.)  This has been a great, great meeting.

Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, I — we meet in this historic place to make a historic moment.  And I believe that to be true.  The — this is a new era in partnership between Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States — our new Camp David trilat.  (Laughs.)  That’s what we have here.

And — but before we dive into the progress we’ve made today — if you excuse, we used to say in the Senate, “a point of personal privilege” — I want to start by expressing my appreciation for the contribution that your countries have made toward the relief following the devastating wildfires in Hawaii.  I want to thank you both on behalf of the American people.

I also want to note that my team is closely monitoring Hurricane Hilary, which is — has the potential to bring significant rain and flooding to southern California.  FEMA has pre-positioned personnel and supplies in the region, and they’re ready to respond as needed.  I urge everyone — everyone in the path of this storm to take precautions and listen to the guidance from state and local officials.

And you’ve heard me say it before: The Republic of Korea and Japan are capable and indispensable allies.

Now, to the purpose of why we’re here.

America’s commitment to both countries is ironclad, and my personal commitment to bringing these three nations together was real from the very beginning.  

Since last summer, we’ve met on the margins of the NATO Summit in Spain, the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, and the G7 Summit in Japan.  And today, we’ve made history with the first-ever standalone summit between the leaders of our three countries, as well as our commitment to meet together on the leader level annually and to have all of our relative Cabinet-member people meet on a regular basis for — from this point on; not just this year, not next year — forever.  That’s the i- — that’s the intention.

And so, I want to recognize the important work that both of you have done and the political courage — and I mean this sincerely — the political courage that you’ve both demonstrated to resolve difficult issues that would’ve stood in the way for a long time of a close relationship between Japan and Korea and with the United States.

Your leadership, with the full support of the United States, has brought us here, because each of you understands that our world stands at an inflection point — a point where we’re called to lead in new ways: to work together, to stand together.  And today, I’m proud to say our nations are answering that call.  

First, we’re elevating our trilateral defense collaboration to deliver in the Indo-Pacific region.  That includes launching annual multidomain military exercises, bringing our trilateral defense cooperation to an unprecedented levels.

We’re doubling down on information sharing, including on the DPRK’s missile launches and cyber activities, strengthening our ballistic missile defense cooperation.

And, critically — critically, we’ve all committed to swiftly consult with each other in response to threats to any one of our countries from whatever source it occurs.  That means we’ll have a hotline to share information and coordinate our responses whenever there is a crisis in the region or affecting any one of our countries.

And today, we’ve reaffirmed — all reaffirmed our shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and addressing ec- — and addressing economic coercion.  

We’re going to continue to counter threats from the DPRK, including cryptocurrency money laundering to the tune of billions of dollars; potential arms transfer in support of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.

And together — together, we’re going to stand up for international law, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.  

Second, we’re expanding our economic cooperation to build an Ino — an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful and prosperous.

Today, we’ve committed to launch a new — what we call a “Supply Chain Early Warning System” — excuse me, a Supply Chain Early Warning System Pilot and — which will alert our nations to disruptions of certain products and materials, like critical minerals or batteries, so we can get ahead of the issues as we — they appear with the experience — that we’ve experienced in — during the pandemic.

(Referring to a piece of audio equipment.)  Excuse me, this is falling off.  There you go.

And — and building on the G7-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we’re deepening cooperation between our development finance institutions to mobilize more financing for quality infrastructure and secure communications technology to help low-income and middle-income countries throughout the region take on the challenges that matter most to their people.  

And finally, our partnership is about building a better future for our people.  That’s why we’re deepening our cooperation on global health and launching a trilateral expert exchange in support of the U.S. Cancer Moonshot initiative.  That’s going to, I believe, change cancer as we know it.

It matters a great deal to me and to families all across our three countries.  In the United States, we are revolutionizing the way we do cancer research.  And together, the three of us, I am confident we can harness our shared spirit of innovation and end cancer as we know it.

We’re also launching a new collaboration between our National Laboratories and advance our science knowledge and technological capabilities together.  As we do, we’ll work in lockstep to set the standards for safe, secure, and trustworthy emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, which a lot of work has to be done on.  

Let me close with this.  Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, this is the first summit I’ve hosted at Camp David as President.  I can think of no more fitting location to begin the next era — our next era of cooperation — a place that has long symbolized the power of new beginnings and new possibilities.

In the months and years ahead, we’re going to continue to seize those possibilities together — unwavering in our unity and unmatched in our resolve.  This is not about a day, a week, or month.  This is about decades and decades of relationships that we’re building.

Mr. Prime Minister and Mr. President, I want to thank you for your leader, and I — leadership — and I say it again — for your courage that brought us together.  And I look forward to working with you both of you ahead.

Now I yield to — who am I yielding to?  

MODERATOR:  Distinguished guests —

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  There you go.

MODERATOR:  — the President of the Republic of Korea.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  We needed the voice of God to tell us that.  (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  First of all, I’d like to thank President Biden for his warm hospitality.  It is a great pleasure to visit Camp David along with Prime Minister Kishida.  Camp David is a site that bears historical significance where important diplomatic decisions were made at critical junctures of modern history.

In order to respond to today’s unprecedented polycrisis, the ties between our three countries, which are the most advanced liberal democracies in the region and major economies leading advanced technology and scientific innovation, are more important than ever.

From this moment on, Camp David will be remembered as a historic place where the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan proclaimed that we will bolster the rules-based international order and play key roles to enhance regional security and prosperity based on our shared values of freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

Today, we, the three leaders, held the very first standalone trilateral summit marking a new chapter in our trilateral cooperation.  Today, we have agreed on the Camp David principles that will function as the enduring guidelines for our trilateral cooperation.  In addition, we have developed the Spirit of Camp David, which is a document embodying the vision of our trilateral cooperation and ways to translate our will to cooperate into action.

First of all, to facilitate the stable development of our trilateral cooperation, we have built the institutional basis for the trilateral cooperation at multiple levels and sectors.  In addition to making our trilateral summit regular, we have agreed to have our governments’ personnel at all levels — including foreign ministers, defense ministers, and national security advisors — meet every year to closely coordinate our trilateral cooperation.

In particular, we, the three leaders, have agreed to establish a communication channel so we can swiftly coordinate and respond together in case an urgent issue occurs in the region.

Furthermore, to bolster our trilateral strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, our three countries will establish the ROK, U.S., Japan Indo-Pacific dialogue, which will discover new areas of cooperation.  Also, along with the economic security dialogue led by our three countries’ NSCs, we have agreed to found a consultative body for development policy coordination and also build cooperation frameworks in various sectors including global health and women empowerment.

We have also decided to hold our ROK, U.S., and Japan Global Leadership Youth Summit to strengthen ties between our future generations.

Second, we have agreed to step up our security cooperation to ensure our people’s safety and peace in the region based on the now institutionalized Cooperation Framework.

First of all, to this end, we have consulted on practical ways to cooperate, aimed at improving our joint response capabilities to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, which have become sophisticated more than ever.  The real-time sharing of DPRK missile warning data, which was agreed upon during the Phnom Penh summit last November, will be activated within this year.  And this will make a significant progress in strengthening our three nations’ capabilities to detect and track North Korea’s missiles.

In countering the DPRK’s nuclear and missile threats, we concurred the trilateral defense exercises were crucial.  As such, annual plans will be established for the ROK, U.S., Japan drills we committed to.

In the meantime, as North Korea funds its nuclear and missile programs by exploiting labor and human rights, efforts to monitor and stem such activities will be redoubled.  To deter the DPRK’s illicit funding activities, a new trilateral working group on DPRK cyber activities will be established.

Moreover, Korea, the U.S., and Japan, in their pursuit of Indo-Pacific strategies, oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, among others, undergird a rules-based international order that we resolve to safeguard by intensifying our collaboration.

As part of such endeavors, our three nations agreed to support ASEAN and Pacific Island countries with their maritime security capacity-building efforts.

Furthermore, to help Ukrainians regain freedom and pursue reconstruction, we are determined to increase our three-way coordination.

Next, we, the three leaders, discussed how to work together to promote shared prosperity and future growth.  First of all, in the field of economic security directly linked to our national economies of the three countries, we will work to expand our strategic partnership.

To ensure global supply chain resilience and energy security, we pledged to bolster our trilateral cooperation.  To manage global supply chain risks, an early warning system will be established together.

In addition, we decided to broaden our collaboration in the field of cutting-edge technologies to secure future growth engines.  Specifically, in AI, quantum, bio, and next-generation telecommunications and space sectors, cooperation among our three countries will deliver powerful synergies.

Korea, the U.S., and Japan committed to have their national laboratories expand joint R&D and personnel exchanges, providing a cornerstone for the three countries’ leadership in science and technology innovation.

Moreover, for the sake of shared prosperity in the Asia Pacific, in line with the needs of ASEAN and Pacific Island countries, effective support measures will be sought and implemented collectively.

Today, we, the three leaders, affirmed our commitment to the trilateral partnership towards a new era and possibilities thereof.

Grounded in the core values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, a strong alliance of values among Korea, the U.S., and Japan will help build a world that’s more peaceful and prosperous by serving as a sturdy foundation.

Mr. President, I thank you once again for your hospitality.  Next time, I hope that we will be reunited in the Republic of Korea.

Thank you.  (Applause.)

MODERATOR:  Distinguished guests, the Prime Minister of Japan.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  President.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you.  First of all, in Maui, Hawaii, wildfires caused devastating damage.  I express my sympathy, and I really pray for the peace of those who have lost their lives.

In order to offer support, a total of $2 million worth of support by our country has been decided.  And the full — the relief for the affected people and for the earliest recovery of the affected areas, Japan will proactively do our contribution.

Today, I have visited Camp David, and the three of us have spent a truly meaningful time.  I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to Joe for the kind invitation.

Together with Joe and President Yoon, this has been a precious opportunity for myself to further deepen the relationship of trust and confidence.  For the first time ever, instead of in the sidelines of multilateral conferences, we have held the trilateral summit on a standalone basis.

Here at Camp David, numerous historical meetings have taken place.  And it is a huge honor to have printed a fresh page in its history with this meeting.

The foundation of the trilateral collaboration are the solid, firm, bilateral relationships.  The three of us have understood this more than anyone else and have executed our understanding in practice.

In January of this year, I visited the United States, and later, President Yoon visited Japan in March and then to the U.S. in April.  And in May, I myself traveled to South Korea, and we have bolstered our mutual relationship.

At the moment, the free and open international order, based on the rule of law, is in crisis.  Due to Russia’s aggression of Ukraine, the international order is shaken from its foundation.  The unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas are continuing.  And the nuclear and missile threat of North Korea is only becoming ever larger.

Under such circumstances, to make our trilateral strategic collaboration blossom and bloom is only logical and almost inevitable and is required in this era.

The three of us here today declare our determination to pioneer the new era of Japan, U.S., ROK partnership.

How we will advance the cooperation of our three countries going forward, I will discuss from three perspectives.

Firstly, the coordination between the Japan-U.S. and the U.S.-ROK alliances will be reinforced, and trilateral security cooperation will be brought to a new height.

At this meeting, we agreed to hold the Japan-U.S.-ROK multidomain joint exercises on an annual basis.  Furthermore, regarding the real-time sharing of North Korea’s missile warning information that we agreed last November, the initial steps have been implemented and an important first step has been advanced towards the launch of the mechanism by the end of the year.

We also agreed on the establishment of the working group on North Korea cyber activities, considered to be the source of finance for nuclear and missile development and on other matters.

The second point is the promotion of cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea and the expansion of their areas of cooperation regarding the response to North Korea.

In addition to strengthening regional deterrence and response capabilities, the three countries agreed to strengthen cooperation for the full implementation of sanctions and to work closely together in the U.N. Security Council, where all three countries will be members in 2024.

At the same time, we shared our recognition that the way is open for dialogue with North Korea.  I then stated that the abduction issue is a humanitarian issue with time constraints and once again received the strong support of Joe and President Yoon for the immediate resolution of this matter.

We also agreed to work together through the Indo-Pacific dialogue and the development cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and, in particular, to coordinate capacity-building support in the domain of maritime security, particularly with regard to ASEAN and Pacific Island countries.

Furthermore, we agreed to promote cooperation in the field of economic security, including critical and emerging technologies and supply chain resilience.

Third, developing a framework for trilateral cooperation.  This will create a foundation for continuous and stable enhancement of coordination among the three countries.

After confirming that the three countries will promote multi-layered cooperation at all levels, it was agreed that the trilateral summit meeting will be held at least once a year.

And likewise, the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and national security advisors will each also meet at least once a year.  And the financial minister, as well as the industry and commerce ministers, will be meeting.

We will consider the Camp David principles issued today at a historic turning point for the international community to be a new compass for trilateral cooperation, and we will vigorously implement the concrete cooperation outlined in the Camp David statement of Japan, ROK, and U.S. on our partnership.

Together with Joe and President Yoon, we will continue to work to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the three countries in order to safeguard a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Thank you.  (Applause.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Thank you.  Now we have time for questions.  President Biden, please select your reporter first.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Aamer, with the AP.

Q Thank you, Mr. President.  I have a question for each of the leaders.  They will be brief and — but related.

President Biden, first for you: How confident should Asia be about a robust American commitment to a nuclear umbrella when the Compa- — Commander-in-Chief who preceded you and is looking to succeed you spoke openly about reducing the U.S. footprint in the Korean Peninsula?

President Yoon, how much confidence can Japan and the U.S. have about Seoul’s long-term commitment to rapprochement when polls show the solid majority of Korea disapproves of your handling and mending of the forced labor issue?

And, Prime Minister Kishida, what assurances can you give to your country’s citizens who fear bolstering your security cooperation in this matter could lead to — the country into an economic cold war with China?

And if you’ll indulge me, Mr. President, on a domestic matter: What is your reaction to the Special Counsel appointment last week into your son?

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  (Laughs.)  Well, first of all, look, there’s not much, if anything, I agree on with my predecessor on foreign policy.  His America First policy, walking away from the rest of the world, has made us weaker, not stronger.

America is strong with our allies and our alliances, and that’s why we will endure.  And it’s a strength that — quite frankly, that increases all the — three of our strengths.

This is just about one summit.  What makes today different is it actually launches a series of initiatives that are actually institutional changes in how we deal with one another — in security cooperation, economic cooperation, technology cooperation, development cooperation, consultation exercises.  And all of this will create (inaudible) momentum, I believe, year by year, month by month, to make the relationship stronger and more certain to remain to be in place.

And with regard — on these esult- — results, I think you’re going to keep it going.  And I think you’re going to benefit all our countries.

And with regard to the second question, I make — I have no comment on any investigation that’s going on.  That’s up to the Justice Department, and that’s all I have to say.

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  To the question that was directed to me, I would like to say that the treaty made between Korea and Japan that was made in 1965 and the following measures by the government and the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2015 have some differences.  But we have already implemented measures to bridge the gaps among them.

And in South Korea, of course, there is public opinion that is opposed to the government’s measures like that.  However, from a perspective that’s forward-looking, strengthening ties and improving relationships between Korea and Japan are important and there is a shared understanding that this matters to our bilateral relationship, as well as our future.  And this is something we need to continue working on.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you for the question.  First of all, at today’s meeting, the rules-based international order and activities inconsistent to such rule-based international order and activities. Other concerns have been shared, and the rule-based, free and open international order must be defended.  And going forward, the U.S., Japan, ROK strategic collaboration will be reinforced even further.  Such endeavors will continue going forward.

Our country and for the surrounding countries, the response capabilities, as well as defense capabilities, will be bolstered.  And by doing so, the lives and livelihood of our population will be protected and the sense of assurance must be raised.  These are the important activities.

Having said that, with regard to China, last year, in November, there was the Japan-China Leaders Summit, and there was a positive momentum.  By maintaining the positive momentum, what has to be asserted will be asserted.  And we shall strongly request responsible conduct.  And we will continue an accumulative conversation about multiple issues.  We will cooperate with regard to common challenges.  Such constructive and stable relationship will be established by mutual effort.

That is my administration’s consistent policy.  Based on this perception towards regional stability, our efforts will continue.

Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  President Yoon, next question, please.

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  Please go ahead and ask a question.  The reporter from Money Today — reporter named Jongjin Park.  Please go ahead with your question.

Q    (As interpreted.)  Hi, I’m Jongjin Park of Money Today.  First of all, I would like to ask a question to President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea.  I heard that you said that a new chapter has opened in our trilateral cooperation with the two countries.  Compared to the previous summits, what would be the most significant outcome that you gained through this summit?

And also, from the perspective of our people, what would be the benefit that the people of Korea would feel from these strengthening of ties?

And now my question goes to President Biden.  During this summit, the issues of detainees or prisoners of wars — and you mentioned that there will be further cooperation in these human rights issues.  And you also said you will support the free and peaceful Korean Peninsula in the region.  And what kind of shift would there be in your policy?  And what kind of specific solutions do you have in this regard?

Lastly, I would like to direct my question to Prime Minister Kishida.  Today, we had a historic trilateral summit.  However, there was much backlash and many concerns in Korea.  However, President Yoon showed his political courage to do so.  That’s the international community’s evaluation.

However, there are still concerns that Japan is making very passive efforts to resolve our issues that still remain.  And also, how would you be able to show your truthful willingness to resolve and improve our bilateral relations going forward?

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  First of all, this trilateral cooperation amongst our three countries has opened a new chapter, and we made that announcement today to talk about the differences from the past cooperation.

For instance, in the past, it was about individual issues that we sought cooperation among ourselves.  But now, as we have opened a new chapter in our cooperation for security, economy, science and technology, and development cooperation for the Global South, health, and women — across all of these issues, our three countries decided to closely work together.  So it’s much more comprehensive in nature.

Such comprehensive cooperation has been launched by us today because currently we face complicated crisis and the threat from the DPRK.  And across the world, we believe that we can together make a contribution to freedom and peace around the world.

So that is our foundational understanding and our common and shared interests of the three countries.  And not just for exclusionary interests of ourselves.  Our interests are well aligned with the universal interests of the members of the global community.  That’s where we find our shared interests lie.

And at the same time, this framework of comprehensive cooperation among our three countries will contribute to global supply chain resilience, global financial market stability, cooperation in the frontier technology sectors and science.

Our three countries together have the best-in-class expertise in science and technology.  And we are the ones who are implementing liberal democracies.

Naturally, progress in science and technologies will bring benefits — tangible benefits to our people, not just in terms of security, but also in terms of economy and science and technology.

But what is most important here is not about our own interests only.  When we put our forces together, I believe that we can make a contribution to the advancement of freedom and peace in the world.  And that’s exactly where our interests are aligned.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I — look, back in May of 2022, I met with the families of the Japanese abductees during my visit, heard their stories, and empathized with them and got a sense of the pain they’re feeling.  It’s real.

We know there are many families out there who still wait and worry and wonder.  We’re not going to forget about them or their loved ones.

And there’s clear language on this on our joint statement.  The bottom line is this: that we share a common position.  We’re committed to working together to see the return of all prisoners of war and — and those who’ve been abducted and detained.

And by the way, one of the things we get asked many times — and it wasn’t directly asked, but implied — is what makes us think any of this is positive.

Success brings success.  When other nations see cooperation in the region, they make judgments about: Would they be better off if they made commitments?  Will they move?

Think about — as students of history, all of you — and you are — think about how many times successes have generated other successes when you don’t anticipate it.

And so, I — I just think this is a — we’re not going to forget, we’re not giving up, and we’re going to continue to make the case for the freedom of all of those detainees.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (As interpreted.)  With regard to your question for me, first of all, I have strong feelings about strengthening bilateral relationships between the ROK and Japan.  I share that with President Yoon.  The two countries, in dealing with international challenges, should cooperate.  We’re both important neighboring countries.  And so, friendship with President Yoon and a relationship of trust, based on this, both countries as partners should open up a new era.  And that is my thinking.

This year, President Yoon came to Japan, and I visited the ROK.  At international fora, we have repeated meetings — we have had repeated meetings.  And between our two countries, including the economy and security, we’ve had forward-looking and concrete approaches which were started.  It’s already in motion, dynamically.

Economic security dialogue was started — or it has been decided on.  In the area of export control, there have been progress.  And also financial ministers and defense ministers have had meetings.

And so, we’ve had this very positive, forward-looking developments.  And these are seen not only in the public sector.  Also in the private sector, we see a slate of developments, human exchanges, and exchanges between business circles.  We’re seeing very active developments in all of these areas, and that is a reality.

Going forward, we hope to accumulate these approaches along with President Yoon to strengthen our bilateral relations even further.  By generating results, we hope that people will understand Japan’s feelings towards our bilateral relations.  And we’d like to continue such efforts.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.  Then, let me see.  From Kyodo — Tajiri-san, Kyodo News.

Q    (As interpreted.)  Tajiri, Kyodo News.  At Camp David with history.  I do have a question to each of the leaders.

President Biden, it was mentioned at this summit meeting that Russia’s aggression of Ukraine is continuing.  So, what role do you expect of Japan?

Prime Minister Kishida has mentioned that as China’s threat in Asia is rising, Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow.  What do you think about this comment, President Biden?

And the situation in Asia, where China’s threat is rising — what is the meaning and significance of the trilateral relationship with Japan, U.S., ROK becoming stronger in multiple layers?

President Yoon Suk Yeol, I have a question to Your Excellency.  North Korea’s nuclear missile development is a major security threat to Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.  As North Korea’s provocations continue to escalate, what is the meaning and significance of the three countries declaring a new era of partnership?

Regarding the release of treated water at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, did Prime Minister Kishida explain the matter at the trilateral or the bilateral summit today?

To the recent Japan-ROK summit meeting, Your Excellency, you expressed your intent to respect the IAEA report despite the strong domestic opposition.  Why do you demonstrate your understanding for the policy of Kishida administration?  I ask for that reason.

And to Prime Minister Kishida, this is the first time that a trilateral summit is held on a standalone basis rather than on the sidelines of international meetings.  You have said that the trilateral cooperation will be raised to new heights for the security environment in East Asia.  And without the resolution of abduction, North Korea is continuing nuclear missile development.  What is the meaning for North Korea?

And in eastern South China Seas, by maritime advancement, China is continuing unilateral attempts to change the status quo.  What is the meaning for China?

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  And you have a great imagination.  One question ends up being six.  But, thank you.  I’ll try to answer all of it.  (Laughter.)  I’m glad I didn’t have you as my law professor when he said “one question.”  (Laughs.)  At any rate, they’re all legitimate questions.

Look, on Ukraine, I and my country and the leadership of my country in both parties are very grateful for everything Japan is helping to deal with in Ukraine.  And I mean that sincerely.  You’ve showed strong leadership through the G7 as well and contributed to a significant amount of financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as well as nonlethal military equipment.

And, you know — and they joined so many other nations in holding Russia accountable through their international sanctions.

If my memory serves me well — and I think it does, Mr.  Prime Minister — we found ourselves in a circumstance where, when I called you about Ukraine, I didn’t have to convince you of anything.  I started off to make the case that Ukraine was a circumstance where — to think, in the first quarter of the 20th century, another country would amass over 150,000 forces on the border of another country — or 150,000 forces and invade that country — invade that country without any rationale other than — if you read Putin’s speech after he invaded, he talked about Kyiv being the motherland.  You know, I mean, it just was ridiculous, I think.  And he talked about being Peter the Great.  It was —

Just imagine if we had done nothing.  Imagine if we had done nothing.

And the point was immediately recognized, if I’m not mistaken, by you, Mr. Prime Minister, that we’re

in a situation where it could happen anywhere.  If we stand — if we had stood still, what signal would that send to China about Taiwan?  What signal would that send around the world if nations weren’t powerful on borders?

But here’s the deal.  You contributed significantly to what, I think, is already the —

Let me put it this way.  Russia has already lost.  It cannot meet its original objective which it stated.  It’s not possible.

But — and they’ve joined so many other nations in holding Russia accountable for international sanctions.  But Japan’s leadership, from day one, it has been critical for making it clear that the consequences for war extend well beyond Europe — well beyond Europe.

I say it in reverse.  What would happen if an Asian country with 150,000 troops invaded another?  You think that would not affect the interests, the economy, and — and the foreign policy of nations in Europe and Latin America all across the world?  It would have profound impact.

And with Japan’s leadership, from day one, it has been critical to making clear the consequences of this will extend well beyond Europe — well beyond Europe.  It’s a global issue that has impacts everywhere.  And the Prime Minister’s comments at Shangri La capture that.

And by the way, you know, we talked about this being an inflection point.  The world is changing.  The world is changing.  And about every six or seven generations, it makes significant change.  And there’s a lot happening.

And the idea that we’re going to sit down, the rest of the world, and say, “Well, that’s only a European problem.”  There hasn’t been that kind of invasion since World War Two.

And so — as for peace, we all want that, of course.  Ukrainians want it most of all.  And my team has been working very closely with the — President Zelenskyy’s team and further peace formula, noting that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

But nonetheless, we’re meeting with them constantly — constantly.

And your other two questions about China — I’ll just say this: This summit was not about China.  That was not the purpose of the meeting.  But it did come — China obviously came up.  Not to say we don’t share concerns about the economic coercion or heightened tensions caused by China, but this summit was really about our relationship with each other and deepening cooperation across an entire range of issues that went well beyond just the immediate issues we raised.

It was about more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific — a region, quite frankly, that would benefit everyone living there and around the world if we get it right.  It’s not just here.  It has a phenomenal impact.

Think about what’s — at any rate, I won’t get going.  I’ll take too long.

But as you’ve seen from the initiatives we’re announcing here, today is just how committed we are to see this vision take place.  And I think this relationship that we put together and I think we’re going to — you’re going to see it expand.  It’s not merely what we did today.  This is a historic meeting.

But we’re about to — we’ve laid in place a long-term structure for a relationship that will last and have a phenomenal impact not just in Asia, but around the world.

Someone once said in a different context that — about a health- — a healthcare provision in my country a while ago: This is a big deal.  This is a big deal.

Thank you.

Q    President Biden, how soon do you anticipate meeting with President Xi —

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  They have to answer their questions.

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  Yes, let me address the questions directed to me.

First, as to North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations and the threats that are posed and how we plan to counter those threats together among our three countries, let me address that question.

Of the cooperative frameworks among our three countries is the most — what is most symbolic out of those is our cooperation in defense area.  Any provocations or attacks against any one of our three countries will trigger a decision-making process of this trilateral framework, and our solidarity will become even stronger and harder.

And at the same time, missile information will be shared in a real-time basis, and systematic training and drills will be implemented in accordance with systematic annual schedules, regular schedules, and regular trainings that we plan to carry out together against the DPRK’s missile provocations.  That will be our response.

And at the same time, regarding your question concerning the water release from the Fukushima plant, as a matter of fact, that issue was not addressed during our summit because it was not on the agenda.

But still, let me try to address that question.  The Fukushima plant’s treated water, if it’s going to have some type of impact, it would flow through the entire Pacific Ocean having an impact not just on our three countries, but all countries around the world.

As such, for the sake of safety and health of the people of our three countries and all members of the international community, that should be something that we need to place the highest priority on.

Regarding this treated water, based on scientific principles, all of the processing should be carried out accordingly.  And at the same time, internationally recognized and reliable IAEA’s investigation results are something that we can trust.

And I would like to make sure that everything is conducted and carried out in accordance with the procedures established by the IAEA.  Together with the international community and also together with the Koreans, transparent data disclosure would be necessary, in my opinion.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you.  The question to myself.  As you mentioned, nuclear and missile development by North Korea or unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas are ongoing.  And the security environment surrounding our three countries, it has becoming increasingly harsh day after day.

Under this backdrop, on this occasion, we agreed to enhance the coordination between the U.S.-Japan and the U.S.-ROK alliances and to bring the trilateral security cooperation to new heights.

This is indeed the requirement of this era.  And by this summit, I am sure that the trilateral security cooperation will further advance and reinforce the regional peace and stability.

In particular, with regard to North Korea, we were able to put forward concrete results, such as the implementation of annual Japan, U.S, ROK multidomain and joint exercises and the establishment of a working group to address North Korea’s cyber activities.

I also stated that the abduction issue is a humanitarian issue with time constraints.  And Joe and President Yoon reiterated their strong support for the immediate resolution of this matter.

We also shared our recognition that the path to dialogue with North Korea is open.

Furthermore, once again, the presidents of both countries aligned with me in strongly opposing unilateral changes to the status quo through the use of force.

We will continue our efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership among the three countries in order to defend the free, open, and international order based on the rule of law.

That is all.  Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  This concludes —

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  To answer your question, I expect and hope to follow up on our conversation on Bali this fall.  That’s my expectation.  Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  This concludes our press conference. Please — please stay seated as the — the leaders depart, please.  Please stay seated.

Q    Mr. President, are you winning the competition with China?

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  We’re winning all the competition.

4:08 P.M. EDT

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JULY 28, 2023

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Upcoming
Trilateral Leaders Summit of
the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
 

President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea for a trilateral leaders summit at Camp David on August 18, 2023.  At the summit, the leaders will celebrate a new chapter in their trilateral relationship as they reaffirm their strong bonds of friendship and the ironclad alliances between the United States and Japan, and the United States and the Republic of Korea.  The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond – including to address the continued threat posed by the DPRK and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands.  The summit will advance a shared trilateral vision for addressing global and regional security challenges, promoting a rules-based international order, and bolstering economic prosperity.

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In line with the April 2023 Washington Declaration and the historic decision by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President Yoon Suk Yeol to establish the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), the national security authorities of the United States (U.S.) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) launched the inaugural meeting of the NCG on July 18, 2023, in Seoul. The NCG will be an enduring mechanism for strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance and enhancing our combined deterrence and response posture. As a result, the collective strength of our two nations will directly contribute to the continued peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The inaugural NCG meeting was convened by Dr. Kim Tae-hyo, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the ROK; Dr. Kurt Campbell, Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC); and Ms. Cara Abercrombie, Coordinator for Defense Policy and Arms Control at the NSC. ROK and U.S. defense officials led at the assistant secretary-level, and foreign affairs officials took part in the meeting.

This inaugural NCG meeting afforded the United States an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear. Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime, and the U.S. and ROK sides highlighted that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. Both sides affirmed that the NCG will play an integral role in discussing and advancing bilateral approaches, including guidelines, to nuclear and strategic planning and responses to DPRK aggression. To that end, both sides established a range of workstreams to bolster nuclear deterrence and response capabilities on the Korean Peninsula, including the development of security and information sharing protocols; nuclear consultation and communication processes in crises and contingencies; as well as coordination and development of relevant planning, operations, exercises, simulations, trainings, and investment activities. In particular, the U.S. and ROK discussed joint planning and execution of ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations as well as how to enhance visibility of U.S. strategic asset deployments around the Korean Peninsula.

Both sides committed to promptly executing these workstreams and other efforts within the NCG, and to report progress up to the ROK and U.S. presidents through their respective chains-of-command in the coming months. The NCG will be held quarterly at appropriate levels, and the next principal-level meeting will take place later this year in the United States.

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North Korea preparing and testing the Nuclear weapons have led many detonations for the neighboring countries:

The 2006 North Korean nuclear test was the detonation of a nuclear device conducted by North Korea on October 9, 2006.

On October 3, 2006, North Korea announced its intention to conduct a nuclear test. The blast is generally estimated to have had an explosive force of less than one kiloton, and some radioactive output was detected.  United States officials suggested the device may have been a nuclear explosive that misfired.

An anonymous official at the North Korean Embassy in Beijing told a South Korean newspaper that the explosive output was smaller than expected.  Because of the secretive nature of North Korea and small yield of the test, there remains some question as to whether it was a successful test of an unusually small device (which would have required sophisticated technology), or a partially failed "fizzle" or dud. A scientific paper later estimated the yield as 0.48 kilotons.

Reportedly the Government of the People's Republic of China was given a 20-minute advance notification that the test was about to occur.  China sent an emergency alert to Washington, D.C., through the U.S. embassy in Beijing at which time President George W. Bush was told by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley "shortly after" 10 p.m. (UTC-5) that a test was imminent.

-

2018

20 April: North Korea Leader, Kim Jong Un announces he would immediately suspend nuclear and missile testing and shut down the Punggye-ri site that was used for six earlier nuclear tests..

31 October: South Korea's National Intelligence Service conducts first ever inspection of North Korea's nuclear program and recommends international experts accept North Korea's invitation for an international inspection.

2019

1 December: North Korea announced it had recently conducted a "very important test" at its Sohae site. Some analysts believed the test involved a new ICBM engine, as the country was believed to be migrating from its liquid-fueled missiles to new solid-fueled versions that were easier to transport, conceal and launch.

14 December: The country announced it had conducted a "crucial test' at the Sohae site.

21 December: The New York Times reported that "American military and intelligence officials tracking North Korea’s actions by the hour say they are bracing for an imminent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching American shores, but appear resigned to the fact that President Trump has no good options to stop it." Pyongyang had previously promised a "Christmas gift" if progress was not seen on relaxation of American sanctions. NBC News published commercial satellite photos showing what appeared to be the production and modification of ICBM launchers at a Pyongsong site.

31 December: The Korean Central News Agency announced that Kim had abandoned his moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, quoting Kim as saying, "the world will witness a new strategic weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future."

2020

17 January: John Hyden, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, states that North Korea is "building new missiles, new capabilities, new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet."

10 October: North Korea unveiled a massive ICBM during a military parade for the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, with CNN reporting that it is one of the world's biggest road mobile ballistic missiles.

2023

North Korea announced a new nuclear warhead called Hwasan-31 (Volcano 31) and 8 diagrams of weapons that can carry this warhead.  The 8 Weapons were KN-24, KN-25, KN-23 Larger Variant, KN-23 SLBM Variant, KN-23 Smaller Variant, Haeil, Hwasal-1 and Hwasal-2.

GEO4 stated that The North Korea’s recent flurry of missile tests, in particular of short-range missiles, has put the spotlight on its efforts to develop new capabilities in this range and to replace Soviet-inherited

weapons with modern and accurate systems. Especially, the development of the KN-23, the KN 24 and the KN-25 is bound to be significant in Pyongyang’s capacities and strategy. This study

focuses on the new systems introduced, and assesses their potential impact as conventional

weapons and as non-conventional weapons. Through an analysis of the possible capacities of these systems, this study examines their consequences on North Korean strategy. It concludes

by exploring what this change of strategy may lead to, in military terms, and in political terms, on the Korean peninsula.

YOU MUST KNOW THE NUCLEAR DETONATIONS WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO THE WORLD AND  DRAMATICALLY DAMAGING  EARTH AND KILLS  PEOPLE WHICH CAUSES THE CLIMATE CHANGES. THE FOLLOWING VIDEO WILL SHOWS IT ALL:

Arirang News dated July 19th, 2023 Oh Soo-young:

Seoul and Washington ramp up their commitment to extended deterrence against North Korea, kicking off their first session of the Nuclear Consultative Group here in Seoul.

In line with that, an American nuclear submarine in making port in Busan, for the first time in more than 40 years.

Our top office correspondent Oh Soo-young has the details.

South Korea and the United States have launched a bilateral platform to take a "unified" nuclear response to North Korean threats, deemed an "unprecedented step" for Washington since the days of the Cold War.

On Tuesday,.. Seoul's Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo and his U.S. counterpart Kurt Campbell co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Seoul.

"We discussed ways to jointly respond to N. Korea's nuclear threats. We also decided to materialize nuclear and strategic planning, and provide mechanisms and the architecture that can expand information-sharing on nuclear and conventional forces."

According to Kim, the first meeting focused on creating a secure dialogue channel, and identified five main areas for continual discussion, including the allies' joint planning and nuclear posture, and how to operate Washington's nuclear assets, with Seoul's non-nuclear assets together, deploying U.S. strategic assets to the South, along with crisis management and training nuclear experts in South Korea.

The NCG was formed as part of Presidents Yoon and Biden's Washington Declaration in April after North Korea launched an unprecedented number of missile tests last year and experts warned that a seventh nuclear test could be imminent.

With recent public opinion surveys finding over seventy percent feel the need for South Korea to develop its own nuclear weapons, Seoul and Washington in April agreed to bolster their joint capabilities and confidence in executing the U.S. Extended Deterrence policy of defending allies who fall under conventional or nuclear attack.

"We have not done anything like this since early periods in the Cold War, but it is a testament to several things. One, we understand the challenges here and how important it is to send a signal and commitment and confidence. Second, it is the nature of the strength of our alliance and partnership with South Korea "

Both Kim and Campbell stress that any nuclear attack by the North against the South will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response, resulting in the end of the Kim Jong-un regime.

Also, as security cooperation efforts with Japan continue, Campbell did not rule out the expansion of the NCG to other areas or countries,.. though emphasizing that the "lazer-sharp" focus right now would be bilateral.

"On that note, Seoul said a trilateral summit of leaders is being arranged for August in Washington, D.C.,.. with the agenda to cover regional and economic security, after which the NCG will convene a working-level meeting."

Hot Link

ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee arrived in Washington D.C.on 25 April 2023 to mark 70 years of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States. He visited Arlington National Cemetery to honor the lives lost in the Korean War. He also visited NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, with US Vice President Kamala Harris.

The following day,  ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol  was greeted by President Joe Biden at the White House for his state visit. During their meeting, the two stressed the importance of bilateral ties and deterring threats from North Korea. Later in the day, at his request, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX scheduled a meeting with Yoon in Washington to discuss potential opportunities for Tesla production in South Korea. In the evening, Yoon was honored at a state dinner hosted by Biden. During the dinner, Biden remarked that he knew one of Yoon's favorite song's was Don McLean's “American Pie”, Yoon then sang the ballad in front of rapturous applause. Yoon was then presented a guitar signed by the singer Don McLean.

After two days later, on 27 April 2023, ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol  addressed a joint session of the United States Congress in the Capitol Building. In his speech, Yoon emphasized the long standing relationship between the United States and Korea, noting how past language barriers were no longer an issue thanks to cultural ties. He affirmed their alliance was ‘stronger than ever’.

President Joseph R. Biden of the United States of America and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on this 26th day of April, 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. The Alliance between our two nations has been forged in shared sacrifice, fortified by enduring security cooperation, and nourished by our close kinship that has enabled both countries to leverage their diplomatic resources to peaceably achieve crucial, strategic outcomes. What began as a security partnership has grown and expanded into a truly global Alliance that champions democratic principles, enriches economic cooperation, and drives technological advancements. Our Alliance has been tested many times, and in every instance we have risen to the occasion and responded to the changing threats on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific.

To commemorate this historic year for our Alliance, President Biden and President Yoon have committed to develop an ever-stronger mutual defense relationship and affirm in the strongest words possible their commitment to the combined defense posture under the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. The United States and the ROK are committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the measures we take together are in furtherance of that fundamental goal.

The ROK has full confidence in U.S. extended deterrence commitments and recognizes the importance, necessity, and benefit of its enduring reliance on the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The United States commits to make every effort to consult with the ROK on any possible nuclear weapons employment on the Korean Peninsula, consistent with the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review’s declaratory policy, and the Alliance will maintain robust communication infrastructure to facilitate these consultations.  President Yoon reaffirmed the ROK’s longstanding commitment to its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nonproliferation regime as well as to the U.S.-ROK Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

The Alliance commits to engage in deeper, cooperative decision-making on nuclear deterrence, including through enhanced dialogue and information sharing regarding growing nuclear threats to the ROK and the region. The two Presidents announced the establishment of a new Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) to strengthen extended deterrence, discuss nuclear and strategic planning, and manage the threat to the nonproliferation regime posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). In addition, the Alliance will work to enable joint execution and planning for ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency and improve combined exercises and training activities on the application of nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. In keeping with the Presidents’ commitments, the Alliance has established a new bilateral, interagency table-top simulation to strengthen our joint approach to planning for nuclear contingencies.

President Biden reaffirmed that the United States’ commitment to the ROK and the Korean people is enduring and ironclad, and that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming and decisive response.  President Biden highlighted the U.S. commitment to extend deterrence to the ROK is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear. Going forward, the United States will further enhance the regular visibility of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, as evidenced by the upcoming visit of a U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine to the ROK, and will expand and deepen coordination between our militaries. Furthermore, the United States and ROK will strengthen standing bodies for consultations on extended deterrence, including the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, to better prepare the Alliance to defend against potential attacks and nuclear use and conduct simulations to inform joint planning efforts.

President Yoon affirmed that the ROK will apply the full range of its capabilities to the Alliance’s combined defense posture. This includes working in lockstep with the United States to closely connect the capabilities and planning activities of the new ROK Strategic Command and the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command. Such activities will include a new table-top exercise conducted with U.S. Strategic Command.

In view of these critical developments, President Biden and President Yoon send a firm message to the international community that the United States and the ROK will stand together in the face of any and all threats to their shared security, and continue their close consultations on further steps to strengthen extended deterrence. In parallel, both Presidents remain steadfast in their pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy with the DPRK, without preconditions, as a means to advance the shared goal of achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

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APRIL 26, 2023

Leaders’ Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and
the Republic of Korea

Today President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the United States (U.S.) and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Washington to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. This is the second State Visit of the Biden-Harris Administration. While our two nations are inseparably tied by our deep and unwavering security cooperation—reinforced today by the Presidents’ commitments in the Washington Declaration to develop ever-stronger mutual defense and deterrence—the greatest success of the Alliance is its clear and expanding focus on achieving a secure and brighter future for the American and Korean people. Together, we will increase our comprehensive global cooperation, deepen our robust regional engagement, and broaden our ironclad bilateral ties during the next 70 years of our Alliance to face the 21st century’s most difficult challenges head-on. Guided by our shared commitment to defend universal human rights, freedom, and the rule of law, the United States and the ROK are constructing an Alliance that will provide future generations with a firm foundation upon which to build prosperity and security.

Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance

As the linchpin for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, our Alliance has grown far beyond the Korean Peninsula, reflecting the vital role of our two countries as global leaders in advancing democracy, economic prosperity, security, and technological innovation. The two Presidents reiterated their commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. President Biden applauded the ROK’s initiative to embrace greater global responsibilities, including by hosting the next Summit for Democracy, further developing the partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the G7 on the basis of shared values, and continuing to expand contributions to UN peacekeeping activities. For his part, President Yoon expressed support for the United States’ cooperative efforts to ensure peace and security in the region, including through the launch of AUKUS. President Biden and President Yoon see global development cooperation as a key way to advance global stability and welcomed the signing of new institutional frameworks that strengthen U.S.-ROK development cooperation and beyond.

President Yoon and President Biden join the international community in condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The United States and the ROK stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the two Presidents condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s actions against civilians and critical infrastructure. Both countries have responded resolutely to Russia’s clear violations of international law by promoting accountability through sanctions and export control measures, and we are continuing to support Ukraine through the vital provision of political, security, humanitarian, and economic assistance, including to increase power generation and transmission and rebuild critical infrastructure.

President Biden and President Yoon reiterate their commitment to diplomacy with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as the only viable means of achieving lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and call on the DPRK to return to negotiations. The two Presidents are committed to build a better future for all Korean people and support a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace. The United States and the ROK stand ready to provide humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans and will strengthen cooperation to promote human rights in the DPRK as well as to resolve the issues of abductions, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war. President Biden reaffirmed his support for the goals of the ROK’s Audacious Initiative. The United States and the ROK condemn the DPRK’s blatant violation of human rights and the dignity of its own people and its decision to distribute its scarce resources to weapons of mass destruction development, which presents a crucial security challenge for the Alliance. In this vein, the two Presidents condemn the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and call on the DPRK to halt their development. The United States and the ROK are committed to working with the UN Security Council and the international community to address actions by the DPRK and individuals and entities that violate UN Security Council resolutions. President Biden and President Yoon reiterate their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and reaffirm that a DPRK nuclear test would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community.

The Presidents expressed their deep concern regarding the growing impact of climate change and biodiversity loss, and they committed to galvanize global action to address the climate crisis. President Yoon and President Biden reaffirmed their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and 2050 net-zero targets. Recognizing the need for ambitious power sector decarbonization to meet these goals, the Presidents agreed to significantly enhance the clean electricity share, including renewables and nuclear energy.  The Presidents committed to cooperate in the development and deployment of carbon reduction, renewable, and hydrogen technologies and enhance energy efficiency in industry, construction, and transportation. The Presidents seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation in clean hydrogen, methane abatement in the fossil fuel sector, green shipping, and accelerating the deployment of light-duty, zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs).

Our two nations are committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The two leaders affirmed the importance of nuclear energy as a key means for overcoming the energy security crisis and achieving their goal of net zero emissions. The Presidents reaffirmed that both countries are committed to engaging in global civil nuclear cooperation consistent with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol, while mutually respecting each other’s export control regulations and intellectual property rights. They committed to promoting the responsible development and deployment of civil nuclear energy globally by leveraging financing tools, building capacity in recipient countries, and establishing a more resilient nuclear supply chain.

President Yoon and President Biden commit to strengthen the U.S.-ROK collaboration on research and development leading to increased investment that promotes the growth of digital content and cloud computing. The United States and the ROK acknowledge the importance of the free flow of data with trust across borders through an open, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. The Presidents view high-standard digital trade rules as a path toward an open and fair digital economy. Recognizing the importance of telecommunications security and vendor diversity, the Presidents also commit to work together to develop open, transparent, and secure 5G and 6G network devices and architectures using Open RAN approaches, both at home and abroad.

Expanding Cooperation Throughout the Indo-Pacific

The two Presidents recognized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient and committed to strengthening mutual cooperation across the region. In this regard, President Biden welcomed the ROK’s first Indo-Pacific Strategy as a reflection of our shared regional commitment. The two Presidents affirmed that the two countries will cooperate in implementing their respective Indo-Pacific strategies and acknowledged the importance of Indo-Pacific voices in multilateral forums, especially in addressing climate change, sustainable energy access, and food insecurity.

The United States and the ROK are committed to an inclusive, free, and fair trading system and to working with likeminded partners against threats to ensure a prosperous future for the Alliance and the Indo-Pacific region. We share deep concerns about and express opposition to harmful uses of economic influence, including economic coercion as well as use of opaque tools with respect to foreign firms, and will cooperate with like-minded partners to counter economic coercion. The two nations are committed to building regional partnerships and coordinating measures to detect and address potential supply chain disruptions and strengthen resiliency. The United States and the ROK intend to provide resources for technical assistance, capacity building, and other cooperative initiatives to support high-standard outcomes in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and will make efforts to secure related financial resources for these purposes. President Biden welcomed President Yoon’s announcement that the ROK will host the fourth IPEF negotiating round in Busan later this year. The two nations also committed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The two Presidents emphasized the importance of U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation, guided by shared values, driven by innovation, and committed to shared prosperity and security. President Biden welcomed President Yoon’s bold steps toward improving ROK-Japan relations and extended strong support for expanding ROK-Japan collaboration, which opens the door to deeper trilateral cooperation on regional and economic security. The Presidents welcomed the progress made in sharing DPRK missile warning data in real-time and affirmed the regularization of anti-submarine and missile defense exercises to deter and respond to the DPRK’s advancing nuclear and missile threats more effectively. They also discussed plans for restoring maritime interdiction and anti-piracy exercises and identifying additional forms of trilateral training for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

The Presidents reiterated the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the region. They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, including through unlawful maritime claims, the militarization of reclaimed features, and coercive activities. President Yoon and President Biden also reaffirmed their commitment to preserve unimpeded commerce, freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful use of the sea, including in the South China Sea and beyond, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two Presidents committed to increase cooperation with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries to promote resilient health systems, sustainable development, climate resilience and adaptation, energy security, and digital connectivity. They shared a commitment to ASEAN centrality as well as to enhancing cooperation on the provision of regional development assistance—including through new staff exchanges and peer-to-peer learning—and direct collaboration on programs, particularly in the Mekong sub-region. Both Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the Pacific including through the Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative as well as the ROK’s decision to host the first ROK-Pacific Islands Summit in May.

Strengthening Ironclad Bilateral Collaboration

The U.S.-ROK relationship is marked by our longstanding investment, trade, technological, and people-to-people ties, which have led to significant economic opportunity and prosperity for both countries and will continue to do so for the next 70 years. The United States and the ROK committed to address trade concerns through the committees of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and other relevant channels, including for semiconductors, steel, and other critical goods. The United States and the ROK will continue to consult closely on foreign exchange market developments to promote sustainable growth and financial stability, reaffirming their recognition of foreign exchange market cooperation.

President Biden and President Yoon affirmed the need to make bold investments to build clean energy economies and to build and strengthen mutually beneficial supply chain ecosystems for our critical technologies. In that regard, the two leaders appreciated the recent efforts made by the ROK and the United States to alleviate concerns of Korean businesses over the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act. The two Presidents committed to continue close consultations with a view to ensuring those Acts encourage mutually beneficial corporate investment in the United States by creating predictable conditions for business activities. They also committed to identifying opportunities for research and development collaboration in the fields of leading-edge semiconductors, advanced packaging, and advanced materials.

The two Presidents pledged to further improve our economic security by deepening and broadening cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including through the establishment of a Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue led by their National Security Advisors. They committed to more closely aligning on the spirit of digital technology standards and regulations to enhance public and private cooperation on leading-edge semiconductors, batteries, and quantum. They also noted cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, medical products using AI, and biomanufacturing. They reaffirmed the importance of deepening cooperation between our foreign investment screening and export control authorities, recognizing the necessity to take appropriate measures to ensure national security, while maintaining resilient global semiconductor supply chains and keeping up with rapid technological advancement. The two Presidents welcomed the signing of a joint statement on U.S.-ROK cooperation in quantum information science and technology, and they called for efforts to conclude a U.S.-ROK Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement to strengthen cooperation in the global defense industry.

President Yoon and President Biden recognized that the Alliance applies to cyberspace and committed to establish a U.S.-ROK Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework. The United States and the ROK commit to using this framework to expand cooperation on deterring cyber adversaries, increase the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, combat cybercrime, and secure cryptocurrency and blockchain applications. The Presidents expressed concern regarding the DPRK’s illicit cyber activities that fund its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs and committed to expanding information sharing and enhancing international awareness to combat DPRK cyber threats and block its cyber-enabled revenue generation.

Our Alliance also applies to space, and President Yoon and President Biden committed to further strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance across all sectors and through multiple channels of space cooperation. The two Presidents welcomed the ROK’s intention to expand its investments in space exploration and announced plans to study concepts for cooperation on the exploration of the Moon and Mars. The United States welcomed the ROK’s new Korea Aero Space Administration, anticipating collaborative projects. Both sides called for strengthening U.S.-ROK commercial space cooperation and welcomed the United States’ recent clarification of its export control policies on satellites and satellite components, which provides a foundation for expanded bilateral commercial and governmental space cooperation. Both sides welcomed the potential for industrial collaboration on future commercial space stations. The two Presidents also welcomed deepening space security cooperation, including the ROK’s commitment not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing. Both sides will work towards advancing bilateral space situational awareness cooperation in response to growing space risks and threats, and ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment through further development of norms of responsible behaviors.

The United States and the ROK are committed to deepening their people-to-people ties and educational cooperation for future generations in the fields of humanities and social sciences, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with the shared objective of fostering greater and deeper understanding through excellence in education. The Presidents announced a new educational exchange initiative amounting to $60 million, funded jointly, that aims to serve 2,023 Koreans and 2,023 Americans, symbolic of the year 2023 and in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Alliance. The initiative will include 200 grantees under the Fulbright scholarship program, making it the largest number of grantees selected for STEM in Fulbright’s history. President Biden and President Yoon noted that our mutual prosperity and global competitiveness depends on our ability to empower all our people, particularly women, to participate in and contribute to our economy, in all sectors and at all levels.

From developing resilient supply chains and investing in critical technologies and strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and critical minerals, to combating the climate crisis and accelerating the clean energy transition—our two nations are deepening and broadening all aspects of our relationship at a breakneck speed. These next 70 years of the U.S.-ROK Alliance will be the brightest yet. President Biden and President Yoon reaffirmed their joint commitments to working tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties as an Alliance in action toward the future.

President Yoon expressed his gratitude for President Biden’s warm hospitality and extended an invitation for President Biden to visit the ROK again at a time of mutual convenience.

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APRIL 26, 2023

White House Releases State Dinner Guest List

This evening, the President and the First Lady of the United States will host President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea and Mrs. Kim Keon Hee, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, for a State Dinner.  

The following is a complete list of expected guests:   

THE PRESIDENT AND DR. BIDEN

HIS EXCELLENCY YOON SUK YEOL, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND MRS. KIM KEON HEE

Mr. Michael Arden

The Honorable Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense & Mrs. Charlene Austin

Mr. Joe Bae & Mrs. Janice Lee

The Honorable Charlie Baker, Former Governor of Massachusetts

The Honorable Stephen K. Benjamin, Senior Advisor to the President for Public Engagement & The Honorable DeAndrea Benjamin

The Honorable Ami Bera, U.S. Representative & Dr. Janine Bera

The Honorable Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the First Lady

The Honorable Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky & Mrs. Britainy Beshear

Mr. Frank Biden & Ms. Mindy Ward

Mr. Dong-Bin Shin

Mr. Arthur Blank & Ms. Jennifer Hale

The Honorable Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State & The Honorable Evan Ryan, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary

His Excellency Park Bo Gyoon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Honorable Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, National Security Council & The Honorable Dr. Lael Brainard, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council

Dr. Victor Cha, Former National Foreign Policy Advisor & Mrs. Hyun Cha

His Excellency Lee Chang Yang, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy

Mr. Taewon Chey

Mr. David J. Cho

Mr. Walter Cho

The Honorable Judy Chu, U.S. Representative & Mr. Dean Chu

Mr. Euisun Chung

Mr. Kisun Chung

The Honorable Jen O’Malley Dillon, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff & Mr. Patrick Dillon

The Honorable Michael C. Donilon, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the President & Mrs. Patricia Donilon

The Honorable Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator & Mr. Bryan Bowlsbey

Mr. Andrew Emhoff & Dr. Judy Lee

The Honorable Kim Eun Hye, Senior Secretary to the President for Public Relations, Office of the President

The Honorable Jon Finer, Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor & The Honorable Kate Berner, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director

Mr. Byong Joon Kim

Mr. Hyun Joon Cho

Mr. Marcus Freeman & Mrs. Chong Freeman

Mrs. Joanna Gaines & Mr. Chip Gaines

The Honorable Suzy George, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of State & Mr. Nate Tibbits

The Honorable Ralph James Gessner Jr., Chairman, Mohegan Tribe & Mr. Charles F. Bunnell

The Honorable Rufus Gifford, Chief of Protocol of the United States, U.S. Department of State

The Honorable Philip S. Goldberg, Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Korea

The Honorable Dr. Philip Gordon, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President & Mrs. Rachel Gordon

The Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence & Mr. David Davighi

The Honorable Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States & Mr. Douglas Emhoff

Ms. Meena Harris & Mr. Nikolas Ajagu

The Honorable Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator & Mr. John Yang

The Honorable Joo Ho Young, Floor Leader of the People Power Party

Mrs. Chrisette Hudlin & Mr. Reginald Hudlin

His Excellency Cho Hyundong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States & Ms. Kim Soyeon

The Honorable Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President and Press Secretary

The Honorable Jeong Jeomsig, Member of the National Assembly

His Excellency Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Min Jin Lee & Mr. Christopher A. Duffy

Ms. Angelina Jolie & Mr. Maddox Jolie-Pitt

His Excellency Lee Jong Ho, Minister of Science and ICT

Mr. Kim Junpyo, Director-General for North American Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Honorable Edgard Kagan, Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, National Security Council & Ms. Cynthia L. Gire

Ms. Yongmee Michele Kang

The Honorable Andrew Kim, U.S. Representative & Mrs. Jae Kim

Ms. Chloe Kim & Ms. Jeanne Yang

Mr. Dongkwan Kim

The Honorable Young Kim, U.S. Representative & Mr. Charles Kim

Mr. Christopher Koo

The Honorable Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State & Mrs. Nami Kritenbrink

His Excellency Choo Kyungho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance

Mr. Sohn Kyung-Shik

The Honorable Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President and Director of Communications

The Honorable Mitchell Landrieu, Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator & Ms. Grace Landrieu

Mr. Jay-Hyun Lee

Ms. Jung Lee

Mr. Norm Lewis

The Honorable Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative & Mrs. Betty Lieu

Mr. George Marcus & Mrs. Judy Marcus

General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff & Mrs. Hollyanne Milley

Ms. Sarah Min & Mr. Matt Pincus

Ms. Seung Min Kim & Ms. Mi Ryung Chang

His Excellency Park Min Shik, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

Mr. Kwang Mo Koo

Mrs. Janet Murguia & Mr. Mauro A. Morales

The Honorable Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey & Mrs. Tammy Murphy

Mr. Ki Mun Kim

The Honorable Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, Texas & Ms. Erika Prosper

The Honorable Victoria Nuland, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, U.S. Department of State & Dr. Robert Kagan

Mr. Carl Page & Mrs. Barbara Kay Page

Mr. Chan Ho Park & Mrs. Rie Park

The Honorable Penny Pritzker, Former Secretary of Commerce, & Ms. Vivian Riefberg

The Honorable Michael S. Purzycki, Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware & Mrs. Elizabeth J. Purzycki

The Honorable Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff & Mr. Ryan Quillian

The Honorable Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce & Mr. Andy Moffit

The Honorable Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff & Ms. Bonnie LePard

The Honorable Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President and Counselor to the President & Mrs. Amy Ricchetti

The Honorable Susan Rice, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council & Mr. Ian Cameron

The Honorable Julie Chávez Rodríguez, Assistant to the President, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs & Mr. Aqeela Sherrills

The Honorable Mitt Romney, U.S. Senator & Mrs. Ann Romney

Mr. Jin Roy Ryu

Dr. Choi Sang Mok, Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs, Office of the President

Ms. Lea Salonga

The Honorable Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

The Honorable Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont & Mrs. Marian DuBois

Mrs. Beth Shaw & Dr. David E. Shaw

The Honorable Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor

Mr. Jin Shik Choi

Mr. William Singer & Ms. JoAnna Cicchelli

Mr. Jacob Snow & Ms. Samantha Cohen

The Honorable Gene Sperling, White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President

The Honorable Michelle Steel, U.S. Representative & Ms. Siobhan Steel

The Honorable Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative & Mr. Patrick J. Erwin

The Honorable Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Ms. Maggie Goodlander

The Honorable Park Sung Min, Member of the National Assembly

The Honorable Kim Tae Ho, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, National Assembly

Dr. Kim Tae Hyo, First Deputy Director of National Security, Office of the President

The Honorable Lee Choongmyon, Secretary to the President for Foreign Affairs, Office of the President

The Honorable Kim Taejin, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Honorable Cho Taeyong, Director of National Security, Office of the President

The Honorable Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative & Mr. Robert Skidmore

The Honorable Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States to the United Nations

The Honorable Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President and Director of Oval Office Operations

The Honorable Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, U.S. Department of State & Mrs. Melineh Verma

The Honorable Lorraine Voles, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President & Mr. Dan Smith

Ms. Jessica Vosk

The Honorable Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma, Washington & Mr. Scott Breckenridge

Ms. Eun Yang & Mr. Robert Kang

Mr. Jae Yong Lee

Mr. Gideon Yu & Mrs. Susie Min Yu

The Honorable Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the President & Mrs. Deborah Zients

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APRIL 26, 2023

Remarks by President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea in Joint Press Conference

Rose Garden

1:43 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President, it’s good to see you again, my friend.

We’ve met several times over the last year.  And each time, we have deepened our nations’ partnership and for the benefit, I think, of both our peoples.  And today is no exception.

Our nations’ relationship is a — has a been a great success story.  The alliance formed in war and has flourished in peace.

Seemingly every day, we’ve launched new areas of cooperation on cyber, strategic technologies, space, democracy, and all the areas that matter most to our future.

Because of its core, our alliance is about building a better future for all of our people.  And there’s no better example than our economic relationship and partnership, which has — is delivering incredible benefits to both our nations.

Through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, we’re advancing economic growth grounded in high standards for our workers, for the environment, and for communities throughout the region.

We’re standing together against economic influence being leveraged in coercive ways.

And since I took office, Korean companies have invested more than $100 billion in the United States, driving innovation and spurring good new jobs for Americans and Korean workers.

Our mutual defense treaty is ironclad, and that includes our commitment to extended deterrence, and — and that includes the nuclear threat and — the nuclear deterrent.

They are particularly important in the face of the DPRK’s increased threats and the blatant violation of U.S. [U.N.] sanctions.

At the same time, we continue to seek serious and substantial diplomatic breakthroughs with the DPRK to bolster stability on the Peninsula, reduce the threat of proliferation, and address our humanitarian and human rights concerns for the people of the DPRK.

The Republic of Korea and the United States are working together, including through our trilateral cooperation with Japan, to ensure the future of the Indo-Pacific is free, is open, prosperous, and secure.

I want to thank you again, Mr. President, for your political courage and personal commitment to — to diplomacy with Japan.

I’ve worked on these issues for a long time, and I can tell you it makes an enormous difference when we all pull together.

I also welcome and support your administration’s new Indo-Pacific strategy.  It’s a strategy that affirms how aligned our two nations are and our visions of the region, and how similar they are.

Today, we discussed our work together on promoting peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and beyond.

(Clears throat.)  Excuse me.

I also affirmed our shared commitment — we, together, shared our affirmed shared commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine against Russia’s brutal assault on their freedom, their territorial integrity, and democracy.

And the Republic of Korea’s strong support for Ukraine is important, because Russians’ flagrant — Russia’s flagrant violation of international law matters to nations everywhere in the world, not just in Europe.

When I — when it comes right down to it, it’s about what you believe, what you stand for, what kind of future you want for your children and grandchildren.

And right now, I believe the world is at an inflection point.

The choices we make today, I believe, are going to determine the direction of our world and the future of our kids for decades to come.

That’s why this partnership is so important, Mr. President — because we share the same values, the same vision.

And I greatly appreciate, Mr. President, that the Republic of Korea co-chaired the second Summit on Democracies last month and that you will host the third Summit on — for Democracies.

We both understand that our democracies and our people are our greatest sources of strength.  And working together, they make our nations stronger and more effective.

From tracking the climate crisis and strengthening our effort to fight it, and strengthening global health, no two countries are better suited to meet the challenges ahead than the Republic of Korea and the United States.

I want to thank you again, Mr. President, for your friendship, your partnership, and all you’ve done to help build a future of shared strength and success.

The floor is yours, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  President Biden, thank you for your special and warm hospitality.  I am very pleased to be making a state visit to the United States during this meaningful year that marks the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Our two countries have overcome challenges and crises during the past 70 years based on the deep roots of freedom and democracy, building a value alliance that is strong, resilient, and sustainable.

We are now being threatened by an unprecedented polycrisis.  The ROK-U.S. Alliance is jointly overcoming this crisis also coming from North Korea as a righteous alliance that contributes to world peace and prosperity.

We will further expand the depth and denotation of the ROK-U.S. global comprehensive strategic partnership and march forward to the future.

Today, President Biden and myself engaged in constructive dialogue to discuss ways to materialize this shared vision.  The outcome of our dialogue is well outlined in the joint statement adopted today.

The first key outcome is extended deterrence.  Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically.  Our two leaders have decided to significantly strengthen extended deterrence of our two countries against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats so that we can achieve peace through the superiority of overwhelming forces and not a false peace based on the goodwill of the other side.

Such a will and commitment is captured in the Washington Declaration.  President Biden has reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to extended deterrence towards the Republic of Korea.

Our two countries have agreed to immediate bilateral presidential consultations in the event of North Korea’s nuclear attack and promised to respond swiftly, overwhelmingly, and decisively using the full force of the alliance including the United States’ nuclear weapons.

Our two countries have agreed to establish a Nuclear Consultative Group to map out a specific plan to operate the new extended deterrence system.

Now our two countries will share information on nuclear and strategic weapon operations plans in response to North Korea’s provocations and have regular consultations on ways to plan and execute joint operations that combine Korea’s state-of-the-art conventional forces with the U.S.’s nuclear capabilities, the results of which will be reported to the leaders of our two countries on a regular basis.

In addition, our two countries have agreed to further advance tabletop exercises against a potential nuclear crisis.

In addition, deployment of the United States’ strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula will be made constantly and routinely.

President Biden and I will continue to cooperate to strengthen extended deterrence between our two countries based on our historical and concrete agreement reached during our summit.

Second, our two leaders have agreed to further strengthen the strategic partnership in economic security, which is directly related to the national economies of our two countries.

President Biden and I welcomed the expansion of our firms’ bilateral mutual investment and advanced technology including semiconductors, electric vehicles, and batteries.

President Biden has said that no special support and considerations will be spared for Korean companies’ investment and business activities in particular.

We have agreed to consult and coordinate closely so that the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act can further strengthen supply chain cooperations between the two countries in advanced technology.

Furthermore, we plan on ramping up partnerships in cutting-edge technology.

We have agreed to establish a dialogue for next-generation emerging and core technology between the U.S. National Security Council and the Korea Office of National Security, pertaining to chips, batteries, biotechnology, quantum science, and other cutting-edge technologies, with the aim of promoting joint R&D and experts exchange.

We have also adopted a separate joint statement for strengthening cooperation in the rapidly emerging quantum science and technology domain.

President Biden and I have also agreed to get the ball rolling on discussions about expanding our alliance into cyber and space by applying the Mutual Defense Treaty in cyberspace and space as well.

We have also agreed that the Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework adopted this time around will serve as the foundation on which we address cyber threats together and boost cooperation and information sharing, collection, and analysis.

Space is another area that shows great promise for cooperation between our two countries.  During my time here, I was able to visit the NASA Goddard Space Center.  President Biden welcomed the establishment of KASA, and we have agreed to promote cooperation between KASA and NASA.

We have also agreed to accelerate discussions on reaching a reciprocal defense procurement agreement, which is equivalent to an FTA in terms of national defense.

Meanwhile, President Biden and I have agreed to promote exchange between the future generations of our two countries.  To this end, we have launched the U.S.-ROK special exchange initiative for youths.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance this year, our two countries plan to invest a total of $60 million to support exchanges between 2,023 youths majoring in STEM, humanities, and social sciences.  And this also includes the largest Fulbright program to date, which will provide scholarships for 200 students.

Last but not least, President Biden and I have agreed that South Korea and the United States, as key partners in achieving stability and building peace in the Indo-Pacific region, will put our heads together as we implement our Indo-Pacific strategies to strengthen our cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.

In particular, President Biden expressed strong support for efforts made by the Korean government to normalize Korea-Japan relations, and we have agreed to continue our efforts in strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation.

Furthermore, we reaffirmed that the use of force to take the lives of innocent people — an example of which would be Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — can in no circumstances whatsoever be justified.

In that sense, we agreed to continue our cooperation and efforts alongside the international community to support Ukraine.

During this meeting, we also discussed plans through which our two countries can take a leadership role in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, international development, and energy and food security.

I am delighted that through today’s meeting, we’ve opened up a new chapter for the next 70 years of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

I hope President Biden and I, with the support of people in our two countries, can fully deliver on the blueprint that we have mapped out today with the aim of our — founded in the reaffirmation of the value of freedom and our universal values.

Thank you.  (Applause.)

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.

Now we’re going to take some questions.  The first question is from Courtney of the Los Angeles Times.

Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  Your top economic priority has been to build up U.S. domestic manufacturing in competition with China.  But your rules again- — against expanding chip manufacturing in China is hurting South Korean companies that rely heavily on Beijing.  Are you damaging a key ally in the competition with China to help your domestic politics ahead of the election?

And one for President Yoon: There have been concerns since last year that North Korea will soon be conducting its seventh nuclear test amid growing domestic support in your country for your own nuclear weapons.  Meanwhile, Russia has suggested it could send its latest weapons to North Korea if South Korea sends lethal aid to Ukraine.  How do you seek to manage the North Korea risk amid obligations to Ukraine and NATO?

Thank you.