Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Official Visit of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko of Japan
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko of Japan for an Official Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on April 10, 2024. The visit will underscore the enduring strength of our Alliance partnership, the unwavering U.S. commitment to Japan, and Japan’s increasing global leadership role. President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida will discuss efforts to strengthen our political, security, economic, and people-to-people ties so that our Alliance is postured to address evolving challenges and advance our shared vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and world.
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Biden, Kishida to meet in April seeking to strengthen cooperation with S. Korea
Arirang News
Arirang News Dated January 26, 2024: The leaders of the U.S. and Japan will be meeting this spring, as Washington seeks to strengthen Indo-Pacific alliances.
The White House said Thursday local time that President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 10th for an "official visit" to the United States.
U.S. national security spokesman John Kirby said they will likely discuss a range of issues in Asia, including how to improve cooperation with South Korea.
Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo have been boosting efforts to handle North Korea's evolving nuclear threats, and its military cooperation with Russia.
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Kim Jong-un says Korean reunification no longer possible
South China Morning Post
On January 15, 2024, DPRK Leader Kim Jong Un announced that peaceful reunification was no longer possible and proposed identifying South Korea as a hostile state in the North Korean constitution. It was also announced that North Korea would dissolve the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau and the Mount Kumgang International Tourism Administration
The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea (CPRK) was a North Korean state agency aimed at promoting Korean reunification. The committee was tasked with relations with South Korea, which could not be handled through official channels because the North considers the South Korean government illegitimate. The committee operated from 1961 until 2024, when North Korea stated that it no longer seeks reunification.
Guardian News dated January 15, 2024
In a speech, the North Korean leader has called for constitutional change to identify the south as ‘number one hostile state’
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has called for a change to the constitution to identify South Korea as the “number one hostile state”, ending the regime’s commitment to unifying the Korean peninsula.
In a speech to the supreme people’s assembly – North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament – Kim said he no longer believed unification was possible and accused the South of attempting to foment regime change and promote unification by stealth.
In another sign of quickly deteriorating ties between the two Koreas, which ended their 1950-53 war with a truce but not a peace treaty – Kim said: “We don’t want war, but we have no intention of avoiding it.”
The state-run KCNA news agency said on Tuesday that North Korea would close three agencies that oversee unification and inter-Korean tourism: the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau and the Mount Kumgang International Tourism Administration.
S Korea vows "multiple times stronger" response after North says Seoul seen as "primary foe" CNA
CNA: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has vowed to punish North Korea "multiple times stronger", in the event that it carries out any act of provocation against the South. He was speaking shortly after North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un announced he would do away with a long-standing goal of reunification, seeking instead to amend the constitution to ensure that Seoul is seen as Pyongyang's "primary foe". North Korea has also said it will also abolish all agencies that promoted cooperation with South Korea. Lim Yun Suk reports.
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North Korea's provocative path is raising concerns among its neighbors
DW News: The international community needs to find a way to deter North Korea from continuing its provocations as it is threatening to destabilize the region.
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JANUARY 04, 2024
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby,
PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:12 P.M. EST
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hey, everybody. Good afternoon.
Q Good afternoon.
Q Good afternoon, Karine.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hi. Hi, Weijia. (Laughter.)
The President is tracking the tragic school shooting at Perry Middle and High School in — in Iowa. Our hearts break for the families of the victims in yet another act of senseless gun violence.
We are grateful for the brave first responders who are on the scene. And unfortunately, there is no longer an active threat to the school — I should say fortunately, not unfortunately.
Senior White House staff have been in touch with the governor’s office, and federal officials are working with local law enforcement to support their investigation. We will know more as they complete their work.
It’s only the fourth day in the year — in the new year, and we are already faced with yet another horrific school shooting. And the question that we ask is: When will enough be enough? The questions that families ask and the victims of families [families of victims] ask is: When will it be enough? When will enough be enough?
Our students and teachers deserve to know that their schools are safe spaces and to focus on learning, not duck-and-cover drills.
While the President and this administration have taken historic action to reduce gun violence, more must be done to keep our schools and communities safe.
Congress must act to enact universal background checks, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of firearms, end the gun industry’s immunity from liability, and pass a national red flag law.
We cannot allow these tragedies to continue. We have to do something.
With that, as you can see, the Admiral is back with us in the room to discuss some new information we have today on Russia’s pursuit of ballistic missiles to enable its brutal war in Ukraine and answer some questions on that topic.
All right, Admiral.
MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Karine.
Good afternoon, everybody.
Q Good afternoon.
MR. KIRBY: Over the course of five days around the New Year’s holiday, Russia launched repeated waves of aerial attacks against Ukraine. These massive bombardments used drones and missiles to strike cities and civilian infrastructure all across the country. Strikes reportedly hit a maternity hospital, a shopping mall, residential areas — killing dozens of innocent people and injuring hundreds more.
As Russia continues to launch these brutal attacks, the United States has new information to share about the support that Russia is receiving from third countries.
Due in part to our sanctions and export controls, Russia has become increasingly isolated on the world stage and they’ve been forced to look to likeminded states for military equipment. As we’ve been warning publicly, one of those states is North Korea.
Our information indicates that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several [dozen] ballistic missiles.
On the 30th of December 2023, Russian forces launched at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine. This missile appears to have landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region.
And on January 2nd, Russia launched multiple North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, including as part of its overnight aerial attack. We’re still assessing the impacts of these additional missiles.
We’re releasing a graphic here, which you can see behind me, that documents the launch of these missiles from Russia into Ukraine. And as you can see, the graphic shows the area from which Russia launched the North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles on those two dates as well as the impact location inside Ukraine of the missile that was launched on the 30th of December. And, as I said, we’re still assessing the impacts of the other additional missiles that were launched on the 2nd.
We expect Russia and North Korea to learn from these launches, and we anticipate that Russia will use additional North Korean missiles to target Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and to kill innocent Ukrainian civilians.
These North Korean ballistic missiles are capable of ranges of approximately 900 kilometers. That’s about 550 miles.
This is a significant and concerning escalation in the DPRK’s support for Russia.
Now, in return for its support, we assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia, including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies. This would have concerning security implications for the North — I’m sorry — for the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.
We’ve also said publicly that Russia is seeking to acquire close-range ballistic missiles from Iran. At this time, we do not believe that Iran has delivered close-range ballistic missiles to Russia. However, the United States is concerned that Russian negotiations to acquire close-range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively advancing.
According to press reporting, in September of 2023, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps — the IRGC — hosted Russian Defense Minister Shoigu in Iran and showcased its Ababil close-range ballistic missile and other missile systems. This event marked the first public display of ballistic missiles to a senior Russian official visiting Iran since February of 2022.
More recently, in mid-December, the IRGC Aerospace Force deployed multiple ballistic missile and missile support systems to a training area inside Iran for display to a visiting Russian delegation. We assess that Russia intends to purchase missile systems from Iran.
So, in response to Russia’s activities with Iran and North Korea, we are taking a range of steps with our allies and our partners.
First, Russia’s procurement of ballistic missiles from the DPRK directly violates multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. We will raise these arms deals at the U.N. Security Council alongside our allies and partners, and we will demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligations.
Second, we will impose additional sanctions against those working to facilitate arms transfers between Russia and the DPRK and between Russia and Iran.
Third, we will continue to release information to the public and expose these arms deals, as we are doing today, because we will not allow countries to aid Russia’s war machine in secret.
But here’s the bottom line. The most effective response to Russia’s horrific violence against the Ukrainian people is to continue to provide Ukraine with vital air defense capabilities and other types of military equipment. To do that, we need Congress to approve our supplemental funding request for Ukraine without delay.
Russia is relying upon its friends to replenish its military stockpiles and enable its war against Ukraine. Iran and the DPRK are standing with Russia.
Ukrainians deserve to know that the American people and this government will continue to stand with them. So, it’s critical that Congress meets this moment and responds by providing Ukraine with what they need to defend themselves. The time for Congress to act is now.
Thank you.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Colleen.
Q Thank you. John, can you talk a little bit about how you obtained the information? Where did it come from? And then, also, do you have any idea whether there are more the — the — that Ukraine or — sorry — that Russia has more from the DPRK coming as well? Or have they sort of exhausted DPRK and now they’re moving on to Iran — to Iran?
MR. KIRBY: So, on your first question, I’m — I have to be — and I think you understand — I have to be very careful here. We have been able to downgrade this information to provide to you today. As you know, intelligence is a mosaic, and we get information from many different sources that are corroborated and knit together to create the fabric that you saw today.
So, I’m not going to really be able to go into great detail about all the pieces that — that helped us put this together. But it was a wide range of intelligence sources over a period of time.
As for their inventory now, again, I want to be careful here, but we — I would just put it this way — that we — we haven’t seen anything that would tell us that Russia is not still reliant on munitions and missiles from — from North Korea. And, as you remember, we also downgraded some information months ago about their procurement of artillery shells.
So, this is a relationship that has been ongoing. And we’re obviously deeply concerned that it appears to still be in force. And that’s why we’re going to take those — those actions here at the — at the U.N.
Q And in regards to Iran, how close is Russia to obtaining or to purchasing missiles from Iran?
MR. KIRBY: All I can tell you is what I said at the top, which is we have not seen them consummate a deal for close-range ballistic missiles.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Michael.
Q Admiral, the in- — I think you said in your topper that you sort of attributed part of the reason that — that Russia is having to go to these sources to the success of American sanctions in — aimed at their domestic production. But in our — our reporting suggests that intelligent — that there is intelligence that the domestic production of missiles inside of Russia has largely recovered and, in fact, now the daily production of missiles inside Russia by Russia’s own manufacturing system has — now exceeds what it was prewar.
So, it — how much does the U.S. government believe they really need these North Korean and Iranian systems? Or is it just that that is the, sort of, more scary part, that — that they’re getting some different systems than they have the capability to build?
Or what’s — what — what difference does it make that they’re — that they’re getting them from North Korea if they have the production capabilities to do it themselves?
MR. KIRBY: Well, there’s a lot — awful lot there, Mike.
Q I’m sorry.
MR. KIRBY: It’s — so, first of all, it’s not just U.S. sanctions and export controls. It’s really an international effort to put pressure on his war-making ability. And we do believe it has been effective.
I mean, he — he’s now — he’s now able to produce Iranian-designed drones on Russian soil because of this deal he’s got with Iran. And as we’ve talked about, he’s going to countries like North Korea for additional munitions and missiles and artillery shells.
I can’t speak to the degree to which his defense industry has somehow managed to overcome the pressure. I would argue that we don’t believe that it has fully circumvented and — and been able to thrive under the international economic pressure that — that he’s under. We still believe that the export controls and the sanctions that we and our partners have put in place have had a detrimental effect on his ability — his defense industrial cap- — capacity.
That does not mean that he hasn’t tried to improve and increase that capacity. He has. We’ve talked about this many times. I mean, his war-making machine is still capable.
And to the last part of your question, it’s not — we’re not seeing anything that would tell us that these particular capabilities add something he doesn’t already have. He had — already had a pretty sophisticated missile capability before he decided to invade Ukraine, but it certainly is additive to his capability.
And as he tries to — again, without getting into a debate about how much he has or hasn’t improved his defense industrial base — as he certainly tries to recover from the pressure he’s under, this — these are additive elements to his ability to continue to hit civilian infrastructure.
It is, though, of a piece of a larger effort by — by Mr. Putin to weaponize the winter, to — to target specific civilian infrastructure and — and facilities to try to break the back of the Ukrainian people.
Q John, I want to go back to something you said yesterday. You said Hamas still has a significant force posture inside Gaza. And I’m wondering how you square that with the civilian casualties. I mean, if an estimated 22,000 people have died and you’re saying that Hamas still has a significant presence in Gaza, aren’t you essentially saying that this campaign is not effective?
MR. KIRBY: No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. First of all, we’re not — we’re not chipping in from the sidelines here and giving — and giving them a report card on all their operations.
You can — you can still be effective against the leadership of an organization and still have many members of the organization survive. They have gone after the leadership at various levels. And they will continue to do that.
But — but I don’t — I don’t see the dissonance there.
Q You don’t — so, you — you deny that the civilian casualties are disproportionate to achieving their objective of eliminating Hamas?
MR. KIRBY: We have been very clear about civilian casualties, Mary. Zero is the right answer. We want to see them do more to reduce the impact on the civilian population and to — and to protect innocent lives. I mean, we don’t want to see a single more civilian killed here.
Q I guess, when the civilian casualty outweighs the losses to Hamas this significantly, this drastically, if that many people have died and you still have a significant presence inside of Gaza, at what point do you say, “This strategy isn’t working”?
MR. KIRBY: That would be for the Israelis to speak to. This is their operation, not the United States’ operation. They would have to make those kinds of decisions.
I will tell you that they believe that they still have a viable threat by Hamas, that the Israeli people are still under a threat by Hamas — an organization that has vowed to do October 7th over and over and over again, that doesn’t believe that Israel should exist as a nation.
And so, they’re prosecuting against that threat. And we are continuing to talk to them about how they do that. Because, as Secretary Blinken has said, how they do it matters. And we want to make sure that they’re doing it effectively, clearly, against the leadership of Hamas, going after their ability to command, control, and resource themselves — at the same time, protecting innocent lives.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Jeff.
Q Thanks, Karine. John, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack in Iran. Is that the U.S. conclusion as well? And what is your analysis or the U.S. analysis, then, of ISIS’s strength and whether it’s increasing?
MR. KIRBY: I would — we have seen the — the public credit now that ISIS-K has taken for the attack in Iran. We’re certainly in no position to — to doubt that — that — that claim by — by ISIS-K.
And, I’m sorry, the second question was?
Q What your analysis is of the Islamic State’s strength given the fact that they were able to carry out that attack.
MR. KIRBY: Difficult to make a quantitative or qualitative assessment of their strength based on this event — this one event. I would just say what we said before, which is ISIS-K does remain a viable terrorist threat. Certainly, they are largely based out of Afghanistan. That’s where they — that’s where they headquarter themselves. And they continue to pose a viable terrorist threat to the people of Afghanistan and obviously to the region.
Q Is this, I guess, a sign that that threat is increasing? Is that level of threat going up?
MR. KIRBY: I — I just — yeah, Jeff, I don’t think we can make that call right now based on this one attack. It’s — you know, it would be imprudent to say, “Well, based on this one thing, that that means that they have exponentially improved their capabilities or their — their resourcing to a certain degree.” I just don’t think we’re at that point.
We’ve long said and maintained that they remain a viable terrorist threat.
Q Thank you, Karine. Thanks, John. Yesterday, you also said once again that you “expect” Israel to operate within the boundaries of humanitarian law. But the last time I asked you whether the U.S. had assessed whether it was doing that or not, you said you did not know of any assessments. Has that changed? And if it hasn’t, is it just an honor system that the U.S. will take Israel at its word that it is not breaking any war crimes?
MR. KIRBY: I think you’re conflating a couple of things. I — the question I got yesterday was about speculation that the Israelis took a — conducted an airstrike in Lebanon to kill a senior Hamas leader — accounts that I’m still not able to confirm.
And what I said was, they have a right and a responsibility to go after Hamas leadership. They’ve said that they’re going to do that. Same kind of tactic that we would and have approached against groups like ISIS and al Qaeda, but we expect them to do it in accordance with international law is what I said. And that was the context with what — with which I said it. It wasn’t about civilian casualties. It was about a — it was about a proposed airstrike — a reported airstrike in southern Lebanon.
Now, to the thrust of your question, we continue to talk to our Israeli counterparts about, again, the manner in which they’re conducting military operations, with the foremost in mind the need to protect innocent civilian life.
And as I have said before, we have seen them act in ways that demonstrate that they are — they are making an effort. That doesn’t mean that more can’t be done or more shouldn’t be done. We don’t want to see a single more innocent civilian life taken, but they have — they have — for instance, they have reduced their reliance on airstrikes. They have, in some cases, conducted operations at smaller unit levels so that they can be a little bit more precise. They have publicized areas where people can go to be safe from all com- — combat operations. And they have opened up humanitarian corridors.
So, they are making an effort. Again, doesn’t mean that more can’t be done.
Q So, I hear what you’re saying. And you, you know, continue to say you do a lot of talking to Israel. You do a lot of talking to partners in the region. Have you taken any action to this day to assess whether Israel is following the rules of war or not?
MR. KIRBY: I am not aware of any kind of formal assessment being done by the United States government to analyze the compliance with international law by — by our partner Israel.
Q Why not? And how can you be sure, then, that the weapons and resources that the U.S. is supplying is under those guidelines?
MR. KIRBY: I would just tell you that we have not seen anything that would — that would convince us that we need to take a different approach in terms of trying to help Israel defend itself.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Danny.
Q Thanks, Karine. Thanks, Admiral. There was a strike in Baghdad today that killed a military commander of a pro-Iranian group. Just wondering if you can confirm whether the United States was responsible for that strike or —
MR. KIRBY: I think I’m going to refer you to — to the Department of Defense on that — on that one.
But you — didn’t you asked me yesterday about Palestinian taxes?
Q I did not. (Inaudible.)
MR. KIRBY: Somebody did.
Q I’ll take an answer though. (Laughter.)
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, but I — actually, if you don’t mind, I —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, go for it.
MR. KIRBY: I screwed this up — (laughter) — I screwed this up yesterday. I screwed this up yesterday.
So, I was asked yesterday about whether we think Israel should agree to the Norwegian plan that would allow taxes that Israel collects for the Palestinians to be transferred to the PA.
This is Palestinian money. We’ve been clear that those revenues should be released to the Palestinian people.
I got it wrong yesterday, and I just wanted to correct the record.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Michael.
Q Thank you, Karine. Just quickly, John, on the strike in Ukraine. Is the fact that the North Korean missile landed in an open field indicative of a failure of the missile of some kind?
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I — I think it’s just too soon to know that. We don’t have any specific, like, data analysis that tells us it was a failure of the missile. It could have been a targeting issue. Could be a missile malfunction. It could — might be result of, you know, poor operate — operational factors that — whether or not the — the crew was properly trained how to — how to fire. We just don’t — we just don’t know.
I mean, thankfully, all it did was put a hole in a field. But I would remind that on the 2nd of January there were additional, multiple North Korean ballistic missiles fired into Ukraine. And, as I said in my opening statement, we’re still doing the assessment on — on the damage that they caused.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, J.J.
Q On the attack — or on the warning to the Houthis from that list of nations, can that be read as anything other than threatening to attack in Yemen?
MR. KIRBY: It’s a pretty clear statement of how concerned we and our 12 other partners are, particularly about what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea. We don’t telegraph our punches one way or another. But we take these attacks very, very seriously, the impact that they’re having on international commerce and — and free shipping. And we’re going to keep doing what we need to do to protect our interests.
Q Is there anything you can tell us on what the menu is of the list of consequences that could be possible?
MR. KIRBY: I’m not — just not going to get ahead of where we are right now. Again, I think — I think that was a pretty clear statement about our interests and about how seriously we’re taking this — this threat. And, as the statement said, the Houthis will be held accountable for the consequences.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Jacqui.
Q Thank you, Karine. John, Iran made two transactions withdrawing from the previously frozen funds in Oman. What were those transactions for?
MR. KIRBY: I don’t have the details on that, Jacqui. You’re going to have to let me get back to you on that.
Q Okay. I let the office know before that I was looking for this question, so I hoped to get one today.
MR. KIRBY: Sorry.
Q Okay. I’ll come back to you with that then.
MR. KIRBY: Sure, of course.
Q More broadly, I guess, you know, is the administration at all reconsidering its decisions to finance Iran indirectly by allowing these sanctions waivers to go forward given the pro- — the level of proxy attacks that we have seen?
MR. KIRBY: To finance — or you mean by the — from —
Q Well, there’s —
MR. KIRBY: From the —
Q It’s for humanitarian aid, right?
MR. KIRBY: Exactly, yeah.
Q But we had these two transactions I’m talking about, and, you know, I’m hoping we can get an answer on what they were for. But the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes was testifying about this to a House subcommittee and said that any details, you know, about those transactions would have to be provided in a classified setting. You know, why would we need to have that information be behind closed doors when that money is supposed to only be for humanitarian purposes? It should be, you know, transparent, I would — I would think.
And I know the administration also, sort of, quietly reversed its decision to allow, you know, withdrawals from the $6 billion that was freed up from the prisoner swap. But after that decision, the $10 billion — the waiver was extended for the $10 billion. This was money that was payments for electricity in Iraq.
So, anyway, given the level of proxy attacks and the availability of these funds, is the U.S. reconsidering these sanctions waivers?
MR. KIRBY: With the caveat that I am going to have to get back to you on whether or not there’s actually been some sort of procurement request by the Iranians for the humanitarian assistance — again, just don’t still know the answer to that.
So, with that as a caveat, I would tell you that, again, none of that money goes to the Iranian regime and none of it goes to the mullahs.
It is — it is — if it has been — if it has been allocated against, it would go to approved vendors that would purchase food, water, medicine, agricultural products, and then ship that directly into Iran for the benefit of the Iranian people.
And — and this — really, what your question kind of goes —
Q Is that still appropriate, though, given the behavior of the state right now? I mean, we’ve topped the briefing with this news about —
MR. KIRBY: Our issue is not with the Iranian people. And it’s difficult to square having — anybody having a problem with the Iranian people getting food, water, medicine, and agricultural products so that they can subsist.
It’s not as if — and this is where I was getting to in the fungimil- — fungibility argument, which is kind of what your question is getting to. It’s not as if the mullahs are sitting around thinking, “Well, how can we make the lives of the Iranian people better? Let’s get them more food, water, medicine.” They’re not making that choice.
What they’re doing is investing in — in missile technology and helping Ukraine kill innocent — I’m sorry — helping Russia kill innocent Ukrainians.
So, it’s not — you know, the fungibility argument just doesn’t stand up. It’s not like it frees up money that they were — that they now — that they were going to use on food and water that now they’re going to go buy missiles with. They’ve been — they’ve been focusing —
Q Your critics would say that’s exactly what it does. (Laughs.)
MR. KIRBY: Well, and I would argue that the critics are incorrect. It’s the — the mullahs, the regime in Iran has been doing that consistently over many, multiple presidential administrations, Republican and Democratic.
They mean to have — they have hegemonic ambitions in the region, and they are a destabilizer in the region. And they have been investing a lot of money into advanced military capabilities to try to push forward that vision. It’s not as if they’ve been prioritizing the Iranian people.
And this money — these funds are designed for the Iranian people —
Q One —
MR. KIRBY: — and for their benefit only.
Q One very last question. Can the administration name a single lawmaker who has called to reduce the number of Border Patrol agents?
MR. KIRBY: A single lawmaker that has called for redu- — well, I —
Q To reduce the number.
MR. KIRBY: I would argue is — I think Karine has talked about this. I mean, in — the fact that they — they voted down proposed legislation that would, at the President’s urging, increase the number. So, just by — just by dint of the sheer numbers and the votes, the House Republicans have said they don’t favor increasing the number of border agents.
And you heard Speaker Johnson down at the border yesterday that — that they’re not interested in moving forward on the President’s national security supplemental, which had $6 billion in there, much of it designed to get us another 1,300 border agents.
Q But this line about the 2,000 Border Patrol agents being eliminated, I think that’s a reference to the House DHS appropriations bill, which was obviously not taken up by the Senate. They had a CR. But that very bill — I mean, Republicans say that actually would have increased the number of Border Patrol agents because it was going to eliminate funds for climate change and clean energy programs.
I mean, the White House even issued a statement at that time saying that those cuts to those programs would be, you know, unpalatable to the President. But this is sort of the first time I’ve been hearing this claim about eliminating 2,000 Border Patrol agents, painting a picture like we’re short 2,000 at the border when, in fact, that didn’t happen.
MR. KIRBY: When — when proposed legislation has additional border agents in it and — and House Republicans vote it down, I’m not sure how else you want to take that.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Go ahead.
Q In the back, Karine.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, give me one second.
Go ahead.
Q On Ukraine, what options has the White House or the administration reviewed to get aid to Ukraine if Congress can’t deliver on the supplemental request? And as these talks are ongoing, what conversations is the U.S. having with its allies who are also supporting Ukraine? Is it creating any concern on their part if Congress can’t deliver on the $60 billion?
MR. KIRBY: Without question, our allies and partners are watching what we do here. U.S. leadership matters. It matters a lot when it comes to being able to support Ukraine.
Now, they’ll have to make their own decisions. They’re sovereign nations too. As they have over the last two years, they will going forward.
We obviously want to be able to continue to support Ukraine for ourselves. We certainly want to see our allies and partners be able to do that as well.
But they can — only they can speak to the degree to which they’re going to be willing going forward based on what we do. But the whole world is watching what we do.
You know who else is watching is Vladimir Putin and President Xi in Beijing. They’re watching too whether or not the United States really will prove to be a reliable partner.
Now, as to your first question, as I said yesterday: We delivered — or announced the distribution of the final security assistance package for which we had replenishment money left to provide on this 27th of December. There isn’t any more money to do that.
Now, I’m not going to get ahead of where we are and speak about hypotheticals or branches that we might try to pursue going forward, but we need this money. The — the answer to this problem, as I said in my opening statement, is Congress acting on the supplemental request so that we can continue to help Ukraine defend itself.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Anita.
Q Thank you so much. A quick question on the conflict in the Middle East. Does the administration believe that the blast in Tehran is linked to efforts to widen the Gaza war to the broader Middle East? And I ask the same question about the U.S. strike in Baghdad that we reported today.
MR. KIRBY: On the U.S. strike, I’m going to refer you to the Department of Defense. I’m not in a position to speak to that specifically.
I don’t — I haven’t seen anything that — that indicates there’s a direct link to what’s going on in Gaza and — with the attack in Iran on the anniversary of Soleimani’s death. I just — I haven’t seen anything tangible that would tell me that there’s a link there.
Q And then, while Ukraine waits for a replenishment of its air defense systems, are you worried that Russia could destroy some of its batteries, like the Patriots and the NASAMS and whatever they’re called. And — and how do — is that a priority to replenish them once you get the funding?
MR. KIRBY: We — we would absolutely prioritize air defense capabilities with additional funding that we — that we expect to get for Ukraine and we hope to get for Ukraine, yes. Air defense would be top of the list.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Nadia.
Q Thank you. On Iraq. John, how do you balance going after militias who threaten the U.S. presence within the coalitions in Iraq with a diplomatic standoff with the government that considered a partner, since they accused the U.S. of violating sovereignty after going after the Nujaba Movement today in this strike?
MR. KIRBY: Again, I can’t speak to the specifics of this particular strike. I would just tell you that, first of all, we’re grateful for the continued support that we get from the government in Iraq. We are in advise-and-assist capacity only to help Iraqi security forces continue to go after a still-viable ISIS threat in Iraq.
And — and that partnership continues. And unlike — unlike Iran and the IRGC, we actually respect Iraqi sovereignty. And we take that seriously.
You know what else we take seriously? Defending the lives of our men and women in uniform who are in Iraq, at Iraq’s invitation, to help them get better against this terrorist threat. We take that seriously too.
We have a right and a responsibility to make sure that they are well defended. And as the President has said, we’ll continue to do what we have to do to protect our people.
Q And one more. You said that Israel conducts this war and you want to see zero civilian casualties. Many believe that, without the U.S., Israel cannot conduct this war, because you support the military, you shield them at U.N. Security Council. So, you have huge leverage over the Israelis and how they should conduct this war, especially that we’ve seen Cabinet ministers attending a War Cabinet in Israel, which we haven’t seen before with other allies.
So, would you say that you actually can help to push more to reduce the number of civilian casualties, to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, considering that aid organizations are saying that, by February, Gazans are facing famine — famine in the 21st century?
MR. KIRBY: First, let me say we’re very mindful of the humanitarian crisis that exists in Gaza, whether it’s food, obviously medicine, water. And that is why, to your specific question, we have worked hard since the beginning of this conflict to talk to the Israelis about how they’re conducting these operations, to lead the world, literally, in increasing humanitarian assistance inside Gaza now.
Now, there’s two gates open: Rafah and Kerem Shalom. That’s not by accident. That’s because the American — our American diplomatic efforts have done so much to get those gates open. And the trucks continue to flow. Not as much as we want, but they are.
We’re leading the world in terms of trying to make sure that we can alleviate that humanitarian suffering in Gaza. And that takes a lot of tough conversations sometimes, sometimes with our Israeli counterparts. But we’re not shying away from that.
Secretary Blinken is literally on his way back to Israel today, as we speak, to have these continued conversations with our Israeli counterparts.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Emel.
Q Thank you, Karine. Thank you, John. About Chinese spy balloons. Taiwan Defense Ministry stated yesterday that they spotted several Chinese balloons over the island. Does the White House have any reaction? Also, are you concerned about election interference, as the election is approaching in —
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I’m not in a position to confirm reports about balloons over Taiwan. I’d certainly refer you to — to officials in Taiwan and — and to Beijing to — to speak to that.
We obviously support the democracy and the democratic institutions of Taiwan, and we want to see free, fair, open, transparent elections there. And we’re certainly mindful that outside actors could try to interfere. And we continue to — to urge anyone outside Taiwan not to interfere in — in their ability to have a free, fair democratic election.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Jake.
Q Thank you, Karine. Happy New Year, Karine. Happy New Year, Admiral. On a somber note, Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage being held captive in Gaza, turned one yesterday in captivity. So, Kfir, wherever — wherever you are, (speaks Hebrew.) Happy birthday. (Speaks Hebrew.) We’re all praying for you.
I have two questions about the recent U.S. intel report that came out regarding the Shifa Hospital being used as a Hamas command and control center. First of all, can you share with us what new information has come to light now that we didn’t already know back in November when the Israelis took control of the complex?
MR. KIRBY: I’m not aware of any new information that — that has come to light since the Israelis — since the Israeli operation at Al-Shifa.
Q So, this recent intel assessment is only confirming what we already knew then?
MR. KIRBY: It is.
Q Okay. And my second question is: What’s your reaction to U.S.-funded agencies like UNRWA that have had a presence in these hospitals, that have had schools that is being alleged to have been used as stockpiles for weapons? Is this — does this make them complicit in any way? How does the administration view this? And is there any way that you plan on adjusting your strategy moving forward as far as dealing with UNRWA and other such agencies?
MR. KIRBY: UNRWA, the relief a- — U.N. Relief Agency does important work. In fact, they’re doing a lot of heavy lifting right now in terms of trying to get food, water, medicine to the people of Gaza, all up and down the Strip. They’re doing a lot of work, and they’re doing it in harm’s way — very much so in harm’s way.
And you can’t hold them accountable for the depredations of Hamas and the way Hamas uses civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, to — for command and control, for storage of weapons, for the holding of hostages.
Q Shouldn’t that, at the very least, raise the alarm if their own facilities are being used in the military —
MR. KIRBY: Well, look, I’ll — I’ll let the U.N. speak to their agency and what — and what alarms they want to raise or not. We —
Q We’re — we gave them a billion dollars.
MR. KIRBY: They do good work in Gaza, and they are important to helping get the humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. And we’re grateful for that work that they’re doing, very much in harm’s way.
I will let them speak to whatever concerns they have over Hamas’s activities and the degree to which that they feel obligated to speak out or not.
It is not a — it’s not some state secret here that Hamas hides itself in hospitals and schools and digs tunnels under residential complexes and neighborhoods. I mean, this is what — this is what the Israelis are up against, a group that absolutely doesn’t abide by the laws of war and has no compunction about putting civilian lives in greater danger.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, we have to wrap it up. Go ahead.
Q If I could ask you very quickly, John, about the U.S. service member’s mother and uncle who were safely freed thanks to a rescue operation from Gaza that happened in the last several days. I know the U.S. military was not directly involved in this. Can you tell us what role the U.S. played in any way, how this came to be, how they became — the White House became aware of the situation? What, if anything, can you tell us about those circumstances?
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, Peter, I will — first of all, we’re glad they’re out. I would — I’d couch this more as part and parcel of an ongoing effort that we have had working with Israeli counterparts and the Egyptians to allow for safe passage of Americans out of Gaza. I mean, this is part and parcel of that — that larger effort.
Q So, this being related to a U.S. service member didn’t make it any different than any other American you would be trying to get out? Because the moth- — it’s not clear. I think the uncle was a U.S. citizen. It’s not clear that the mother was. I just didn’t know if there was any unique circumstances here because of that.
MR. KIRBY: No, I mean — I mean, certainly considered them — for all intents and purposes, of course, considered them Americans, and we’re glad that they’re out. There was no U.S. military involvement here. This wasn’t a — some sort of a special operation to — to get them out.
Q Understood. And if I could ask just one other separate question. Would the U.S. support Israel if it pursued and killed members of Hamas leadership in another country within the bounds of international law, say if it happened in Qatar — Qatar?
MR. KIRBY: I don’t want to get into specific hypotheticals here. We could go down —
Q But you said they have the right and responsibility to do it, as long as it’s within international law. So, would that also apply to Qatar?
MR. KIRBY: We could go down a lot of rabbit holes here, Peter. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals. As I said, they have a right and responsibility to go after Hamas leadership. Our expectations are that they’ll do that in accordance with international law.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Andrew, you have the last question.
Q Can you just add a little bit more detail on — on Russia? Can you say how many ballistic missiles Russia is hoping to get from Iran?
MR. KIRBY: These are close-range ballistic missiles that you’re talking about?
Q Yeah.
MR. KIRBY: I don’t have that level of detail. We — we — again, we don’t believe a deal has been consummated.
Q Right.
MR. KIRBY: So, it’s difficult to get into too much detail beyond that.
Q And you said that there are several — that Russia has received several ballistic missiles from North Korea. How many are remaining that, you know, can still be shot into Ukraine?
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, that’s the question — sort of a similar question to what I got before. I’m not at liberty to go beyond the information that I was able to give you at the top here.
Okay?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thanks, Admiral. Appreciate it.
Q Thank you, John.
Q Thank you.
MR. KIRBY: Thanks, guys.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thanks, Admiral.
All right. Colleen, you want to reset us?
Q Yes. Okay. So, on Senator Menendez, from yesterday. Does the President believe that the Senator should have any access to sensitive information given the gravity of the allegations against him? And —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look, as you just said, this is serious. This situation is very serious, and we have said that many times before. We think it is important — right? — that he did, indeed, step down from the chairmanship.
I’m just not going to get beyond that. I want to be really careful here. But, again, we see this as very serious, and we think that it’s — it’s the right thing to do that he stepped down from his chair.
Q As the leader of the party, should the President be calling for the senator’s resignation in general?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m just not going to get beyond what I just said. And what we believe — as far as anything else, whether it’s resigning or anything else that’s related to Senator Menendez and his role and him as a senator, obviously, in Congress, that’s something for — for the Senate leadership to decide.
Q Okay. And then, on the school shooting in Iowa, I wondered if you could talk about anything the White House has upcoming on gun safety or gun control. And what more can the White House be doing this year as we’re looking at another shooting?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look — and I — and I stated in — in — in the top how we’re just a couple of days in. Right? We’re just a couple of days in into the new year, and we’re talking about another shooting. And that is heart-wrenching, and that is heartbreaking.
And, as I stated at the top, enough is enough. And we’re going to continue to — certainly to — to call on Congress to act. Obviously, Congress did act in a bipartisan way, passing the first comprehensive piece of gun — anti-gun-violence legislation that the President signed.
And so, we are happy that we got there. And the President — obviously, he’s taken more action than any president in his first two years, signing more than two dozen executive orders to deal with this — this epidemic that is the number-one killer of our kids.
And so, look, we have to keep doing the work. And what I can say is, just last month, we hosted the largest-ever White House convening of state legislators to discuss actions that they can take to end this epidemic of gun violence.
And so, we also announced the Safer — the Safer States Initiative to drive additional progress from investments in gun — in gun-crime prevention and intervention, to commonsense laws to keep guns out of the dan- — out of dangerous hands. And so, we’re going to keep doing that.
And this is — again, this is a president that has taken unprecedented action here. We’re always going to look for other ways to deal with this. We’ve started — obviously created the first anti-gun-violence office, which is incredibly important. It’s helping communities like — it’s going to help community like the community in Iowa. But also implement — we also have to implement these more than two dozen executive actions that the President signed into law.
Go ahead, J.J.
Q On the Child Tax Credit, would President Biden be open
to a tax deal that includes a child tax credit being expanded and renews the expired research tax credits?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, obviously, the President strongly believes that any bill that is out there in Congress that certainly cuts taxes for — ta- — taxes for big corporations must cut taxes for working people and families with children — right? — especially to reduce child poverty.
That’s why the American Rescue Plan, the first piece of legislation this president signed that only had Democrats’ votes on it, was so important, because it had that Child Tax Credit in it. And we — what we learned from that is it helped ch- — cut child poverty by nearly half.
And so, obviously, this is something that the President supports. And so, we’ll see. We will see what — what Congress brings forth.
Q So, the — the part about renewing the expired research tax credits, he also supports that (inaudible)?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I — that is something that I need to be really mindful and talk to our team here about that. I just don’t have anything beyond that.
But, obviously, this is something that is incredibly important to the President. We want to make sure that — what — what bill comes out — if there is a bill that comes out in this legislative ses- — session, it — as it gives tax cuts for big corporations, that it must also give tax cuts for our working families.
That is something that we have seen from this Congress in the last legislation, putting forth those types of bills. And so, that’s what the President would — would certainly want to see.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you, Karine. On the southern border. In an interview with CBS News, House Speaker Johnson said, “On his first day in office, President Biden came in and issued executive orders that began this chaos.” Did any of the administration’s policies contribute to the record number of border crossings?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can say is this. On his first day in this administration, the President put forth a comprehensive immigration piece of legislation to deal with a broken system. That’s what the President did — to deal with a broken system.
We are just a couple of weeks away of three years ago that that legislation that he put forward to Congress to actually deal with the issue. Right?
And so, that’s what I can say. The Pres- — President understands that there’s a problem at the border. He put forth, on his first day, something to deal with that problem.
And what we continue to see from Speaker Johnson and Republicans — House Republicans — I know Jacqui asked a question about something that I said yesterday. In May — and I’ll repeat it; I’ll repeat what I said yesterday — in May, House Republicans decided to vote on a bill that would cut 2,000 Border suppo- — Border Patrol agents at the border.
That’s what they did. That’s what they did. And they continue to obstruct and get in the way of trying to — of the President wanting to move forward with a supplemental that includes border security. They’re getting in the way of it. They’re — they are.
While Senate Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan way are trying to find a way — bipartisan agreement to deal with border security, you have House Republicans who left. They left in the middle of December. And I think they come back next week. Maybe they’ll get some work done. Instead, they’re playing politics.
Q So, is that a no?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, what I can say is what the President has done. I’m not going to speak to data. I have not seen any data that would show this. So, certainly I can’t speak to that.
What I can say is the — the actions and what the President has done and how seriously he has taken this — on his first day, his first day — understanding that this system has been broken for decades. This immigration system has been broken for decades. Under a Republican president, under a Democratic president, it has been broken.
Q And as negotiations continue, are there any red lines for the White House when it comes to negotiating what Republicans are demanding when it comes to policy?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’m going to be — stay consistent here. I’m not going to negotiate from here, from the podium. I’m going to let folks who are negotiating — the senators — both on the Democratic side and, obviously, on the Republican side — who are who are negotiating this. Obviously, we have been involved. They’ve been talking through the holidays. We really appreciate their efforts here. We think we’re headed in the right direction.
And so, we’re going to — it is best from this podium to not get involved and not inject myself into the conversation. And so, we’re going to let them do their job.
Q Thank you.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead.
Q On House Republicans and getting this supplemental request passed. House Republicans have made clear to this point that they are not interested in signing off on a border deal anything short of H.R. 2, which they passed. So, is there any outreach from the White House to House Republicans to try to get the supplemental across the finish line and get a deal that —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: They went home in December. They literally —
Q But it —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: But no. But they really literally went home in mid-December. That’s what —
Q But is it a miscalculation by the White House to not be in touch with House Republicans —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’re in touch —
Q — who are necessary to get this across the finish line?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’re — we’re in regular touch with Senate Republicans who were at the table with us, with other Democrats in the Senate, having a real conversation —
Q So you’re not talking to House Republicans?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — about a bipartisan agreement.
I mean, they’re talking for themselves. They basically took action by leaving in mid-December while the — the Senate side was actually having conversation to deal with an issue. They’re playing politics. So, I’m going to let them — their actions are speaking for themselves.
We’re going to have a real conversation where the negotiation is actually happening in good faith with both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. And that matters. That matters.
And so, we think it’s going in the right direction. We want to continue to have those conversations. That’s been happening for some time now.
And so, let them — let them — we’ll let them put something forward. And we’ll — we’ll move from there.
Q Lastly, though, but if House Republicans are slamming White House immigration policies, why is the White House not in touch with those Republicans who, again, would need to approve of a deal to get the critical supplemental request that you’ve talked about passed?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not saying that — I’m not saying that it’s — we’re not going to have — at some point we’re not going to have a conversation with House Republicans. That’s not what I’m saying.
I’m saying that their actions have proven to everyone — to everyone where they stand on this.
So, we’re having a productive conversation with Senate Republicans and Democrats to find a bipartisan agreement, because we understand the system is broken. It’s been broken for decades — the immigration system. And that is important.
Let’s not forget, this is a president that has — that has b- — been able to come together with Republicans and put forth many hundreds of bipartisan agreements that — legislation that have been turned into — that he signed into law. That’s something that he understands how to do. His team understands how to get that done.
But, you know, House Republicans, again, they left in mid-December and have not returned to actually deal with this in a real way. Instead, they’re playing politics. That’s what we’re seeing.
I’m not saying that conversations are not going to happen. Obviously, we have to have the House be involved in this too. But right now, the conversations the — the conversation — productive conversations are happening in the Senate.
Go ahead.
Q Just based on that last answer, has there been a breakdown in the relationship between the White House and the House?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I wouldn’t say there’s a breakdown of relationship. What I will say is just we’re calling out what we’re seeing. We’re calling out what we’re seeing.
I mean, it’s the facts. They left in mid-December. And who was left to continue to have the conversation as it relates to the border — right? — the border security was the Senate. And when we’ve had conver- — and we’re having conversation with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.
Q I have two completely unrelated questions.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure, sure.
Q Apologies for — for —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No.
Q — hogging time.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No — no apologies. Go for it.
Q The — the President did have this lunch with historians, and I’m wondering if there are any details you can share about that. And also, like, what about this particular moment has him reaching out to historians?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, the President has done this before.
(A reporter’s laptop audio can be heard.)
I hear something. Okay. I thought I heard som- — a voice. (Laughs.)
Q It was just — sorry.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That was your — all right. No worries, Jacqui.
I thought I was hearing things, but I’m not.
Q (Inaudible.) (Laughter.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I was like, “I’m the only person that’s hearing it? Okay.” (Laughter.)
Q It’s not just you.
Q It was me — in your head. Sorry. (Laughter.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Okay. You — okay. (Laughs.)
Okay. So, look, the President tends to — and he’s done this before. He’s met with historians before — ahead of a — of an important national moment, which we’re about to see, certainly, as it relates to January 6th. And he met with these historians — a diverse group of historians to hear from them, to hear directly from them on their thoughts about our democracy here in this country and abroad.
And the President felt it was incredibly important to hear from this diverse group of — of historians. And, again, he’s done this before. It’s not the first time.
And so — and also, I think this says a lot about how the President sees things more broadly. He believes in — in hearing a diverse — from a diverse group of people, hearing different voices on policy issues and certainly on something as important as our democracy. And that’s what — that’s what you essentially saw from this President yesterday.
Q And then one more thing.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q How concerned is the President about what appears to be a pretty botched rollout of the federal financial aid form? It was due to be out in October. Then it was a drop-dead deadline at the end of the year. Now, there’s this soft launch that is going quite poorly. And there’s, like, hundreds of thousands of American families trying to figure out paying for college.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I do want to take a little bit of a step back here and just lay out a little bit of what we’ve been able to do over the weekend.
So, the — as you stated, they initiated the soft lau- — launch — the Department of Education — with the goal of ramping up volume over time to monitor the site performance and create a better experience, obviously, for students and families. And so, this is consistent with what — us trying to put forward best practices. That’s what you’re seeing here.
And just the other night, more than 400,000 applications had been completed. So, that’s important. The application opened at 8:00 a.m. on that — yesterday, and it will be open for the majority of — of today, obviously.
And so, this better — a better application process will make college more affordable and a — and a reality for more students. That is what this administration fights for every day.
And so, obviously, the Department of Education could speak more specifically on — on details. But this is part of our best practices. We’re trying to — we’re trying to do — do our best to make this process easier for families and students.
And so, look, it’s going to take a little bit of time. Right? It is. But they’ve been working through it. The Department of Education has been working through this through the weekend. And so, we’re seeing — we’re seeing some — some better improvements here, and I think that’s important.
Q Maybe some folks who haven’t —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. I didn’t get — I didn’t get your — to you. Go ahead.
Q Could you give us some more information about the President’s talk tomorrow, his visit to Valley Forge, which was pushed up from Saturday?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say that last part?
Q It was pushed up from Saturday, because I guess we’re going to have a snow — snow (inaudible).
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, as — as you heard from the campaign — I just want to be careful because this is a campaign event, so I don’t want to get too — too far ahead of the President. Obviously, the campaign could share a lot more details about the trip tomorrow.
And as you just stated, it was meant for — for him to be there on the actual day of January 6th. Because of the weather — potential weather conditions, he’s going to be there tomorrow, on Friday.
So, what I will say is that — and the President has said this many times before — January 6th was an unprecedented, certainly, attack on our core — our core principles and our democracy and the rule of law in our Constitution. And so, this is something that the President takes very seriously.
And so — and let’s not forget, January 6th cost the lives of police, injured many police officers, and inflicted bodily harm on many people. It was a — it was a sight that was horrific. We saw a Confederate Flag flying in the halls of the Capitol. And that’s what we were dealing it — dealing with. It was disrespectful to our Constitution, an attack on our democracy.
And the President — and let’s not forget, these are values that we hold very close as a country, as a nation. And so, the President is going to continue to speak about this. He’s going to continue to be very vocal about this.
And so, certainly, you’ll hear that from the President. But I want to be really careful because it is a campaign political event, so I don’t want to get too far into it.
Q But why the choice of Valley Forge, as opposed to doing this —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: He’ll speak more to that tomorrow. I’ll let him — I’ll let the President speak to that.
All right. Go ahead, Gerren.
Q Thanks, Karine. The N- — the NAACP and community leaders are decrying a ruling from a judge in Jackson, Mississippi — a predominantly Black city and the capital of Mississippi — that would allow state leaders to appoint a judge and prosecutors, as opposed to the residents being able to elect those — that — that judge and prosecutors. They say this is ra- — racial discrimination and an issue of democracy. Does the White House have a position on this ruling?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, as you know, it’s an ongoing litigation, so I want to be careful. We don’t comment on an ongoing litigations.
But while the federal appears [appeals] court temporarily halted this decision from moving for now, it’s important that every state respects the democratic process and the will of the people. That it is something that the President believes. And the denial of self-governance is an effort — is affront to the democratic values on which our nation was founded.
And so, the people of Jackson, certainly, like any other American across the country, they deserve to have their voices heard. That is important. That is something that the President believes, certainly, and also the Vice President and the rest of the administration believes.
But I — so, I will leave it there because as — as you know, the litigation is continuing.
Q And ahead of tomorrow’s job reports numbers that will come out tomorrow, the White House has touted a lot last — last year’s record-low Black unemployment rate. But that only tells one part of the story in terms of the Black economy. While Black wealth has increased, it — so has the racial wealth gap. Homeownership for Black Americans continues to be at just as low as it was in the 1960s, and the purchase of ho- — the price of homes is still pretty high.
Are there any indicators that the White House can point to that suggests that the economic conditions for Black Americans will improve this year?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, I have a couple of indicators that I’m happy to go through with you. I’ll say this at first, though: The President has talked about investing in America. He talks about his Bidenomics plan and how it helps — helps all Americans and makes sure it doesn’t leave anybody behind.
And one of the things that — as part of that, one of the things that the President has done with his plan is make sure that we invest in Black communities. That is something that the President finds to be incredibly important so that we do not leave communities behind.
And you saw the President go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he visited a sm- — a Black small businesses and talked about how small businesses — Black small businesses have been essentially growing under this administration, and that’s important — and by millions — the numbers by millions, more broadly, on small businesses being created on this administration. So, that’s important.
So, a couple of things that — that — that we saw data. Because of — because of the American Rescue Plan that the President signed — the first piece of legislation that he signed, that only Democratics voted — Democrats voted for in Congress — we’ve seen a couple of things.
Over 2.5 million Black Americans have gained jobs, and the Black unemployment fell from 9.2 percent to 5.8 percent.
Black wealth is up at a record 60 percent since 2019. That’s something that you just stated in your question to me.
The number of Black households owning a business has more than doubled since 2019.
And Black business ownership is growing at the fastest pace in 30 years.
And something else too: There’s — two thirds of new clean energy jobs are in communities of color, including nearly 60,000 in Black communities.
And let’s not forget the insulin cap — right? — for our seniors that the President was able to get done under the Inflation Reduction Act. That’s going to have a huge effect on Black communities as well.
So, these are the actions that the President has been able to take through legislation — right? — very, very important legislative actions — that we have seen communities, like the Black community, be able to see an investment in their communities and also not be left behind like they have been for decades.
Go ahead, Ed.
Q Yeah, thanks. I want to ask you about electric vehicles. So, Ford today says that in 2023, last year, their EV sales accounted for 3.6 percent of their overall sales. GM sought — says that it only sold half of what their target was for EV sales. Any consideration to moving some of those EV — EV mandates back and let the technology and market preference catch up?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, Ed, I’ll — I’ll say to you that we have seen 51 percent of an increase in EV sales — 51 percent. That’s the numbers, and that’s across the board. I — you know, that’s — that’s the data that we have — that we have seen. I’m sure you’ve seen that number as well.
And so, I think that’s — that’s pretty important. As we talk about climate change, clean energy, that’s important that we’re seeing such a boost in electric vehicles.
Q But when you look at the actual numbers, like GM sold 2.6 million cars and trucks in 2023; 76,000 of those were EVs. Ford sold 2 million cars and trucks; 73,000 were EVs. So, clearly about 96 percent of the consumer is saying that they don’t want electric vehicles. So, why not —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We saw — we saw a 51 percent increase in electric vehicles. That’s what we’ve seen, Ed. And that’s important to note.
Go ahead.
AIDE: We have time for one more.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay.
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q Thanks, Karine.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sorry.
Q No, no, no worries.
What’s the White House’s reaction to members of President Biden’s own administration protesting for the case of somebody at the Department of Education this week resigning in protest against the President’s policies on Israel and Gaza?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, we’ve spoken to this before. And what we’ll say is that people have the right to — to voice their opinion. We understand that these are times where, you know, people have — it’s an emotional time, and we understand that.
As it relates to — I think your — the Department of Education, I would — I know they put out a statement, so I would refer you to the Department of Education.
But that is something that we get. Like, people have opinions, they have thoughts. These are incredibly, you know, personal times for people. Right?
But I just — I’m just not going to say much more on — on each — each resignation or each — comments that people may have. I will just — on that particular one, I would refer you to Department of Education.
Go ahead.
Q Back on the President’s speech tomorrow on democracy. In a December AP poll, 8 in 10 Republicans said democracy would be weakened if Biden were reelected. And that was also the view of 56 percent of independents. So, is President’s speech tomorrow aimed at trying to convince Republicans and independents otherwise? Or is it more aimed at sort of rallying Democrats about how important an issue this is?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I appreciate the question.
Tomorrow is a political campaign event speech. So, I’m not going to get into the reasoning behind what the President is there for — right? — specifically on a campaign basis. I’m not going to get into his remarks or his speech. That is something that the campaign can deal with directly for — on this particular question.
What I can say more broadly of — what the President has said about January 6th and how it was an attack on our democracy, on our fundamental values; how it was unprecedented; and how we have to continue to speak out. And it is important to do so.
I can’t speak to your specific question about outreach or the campaign, anything related to the 2024.
Go ahead, Karen.
Q Thanks. Some hospitals in at least eight states have brought back some form of masking now due to rising cases of respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID. Does the White House think more hospitals across the country should be considering that right now?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: The masking piece?
Q Mm-hmm.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That is — and we’ve been — always been very consistent on this. That is something that is localized or — that — or hospitals, communities, cities, states, they have to make their own decisions. That’s not something that we get involved in.
Q And what about Americans broadly now? There’s 31 states in the latest data that have high or very high levels of respiratory illness: RSV, flu, and COVID. What should Americans be doing? What’s the recommendation?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, it is up to each and — each and every American to make their decision on what they want to do.
We have a range of tools. Right? That is something that we’ve been able to do these last three years for people to feel — to protect themselves from the impact of COVID — whether it’s a vaccine, whether it’s at-home testing, whether it’s treat- — and treatments. Right? All of these things are incredibly important.
So, there are tools available for folks. And we’re going to certainly — certainly encourage Americans to — to take those steps.
We’re not going to — it is up to them. It is up to them, as it relates to masking, what individual Americans want to do. That is not something that we’re going to regulate.
Q All the way back here. What do you say, Karine?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughs.) Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q Unbelievable.
Q On the —
Q Unbelievable.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I love you so much, James.
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q That’s on the record.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughs.) It is.
Q On gun control, you mentioned the 2022 bill the President signed.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q Do you think that that bill is having an impact on the number of mass shootings that we’re seeing now?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I think that piece of legislation certainly was important. It — it’s — it is taking steps for states, for example — and states to take actions to deal with gun violence in their communities.
But we need more. We’re always going to say we need more.
The President also took, as I mentioned earlier, two dozen — two dozen actions — right? — executive actions to deal with — to deal with gun violence, the epidemic that we’re seeing across the country.
But honestly, the way that we’re going to deal with this is to have legislation that deals with high-capacity magazines, assault weapons ban — that’s how we’re going to move forward — a national red flag ban. And that’s how we’re going to deal with this — this epidemic that we’re seeing across the country.
That’s why we keep saying enough is enough. Congress needs to act.
Yes, it was important that we took this step. Thirty years — it took thirty years to sign that bipartisan — not to sign but to get — to get that bipartisan legislation done, and the President obviously signed it.
But we need more. It is not enough. That’s what we believe. It’s just not enough.
All right, everybody. I’ll see some of you tomorrow. Thank you.
2:16 P.M. EST
Russia is using N. Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine: White House
The White House says North Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missiles , and that at least one was used to attack Ukraine during the past week.
North Korean affairs correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports that Washington says Pyongyang has been supplying Moscow with ballistic missiles, and that Russia has used them against Ukraine.
"Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles. On the 30th of December 2023, Russian forces launched at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine."
He added that on January 2nd, multiple ballistic missiles were launched into Ukraine and that the impact of the additional North Korean missiles is being assessed.
Kirby said the missiles had a range of about 900 kilometers.
"This is a significant and concerning escalation in the DPRK's support for Russia. Now, in return for its support, we assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia."
He added that this would have concerning security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. has previously accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia as part of their military cooperation, especially after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin back in September.
Kirby said the U.S. will raise these arms deals at the U.N. Security Council and demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligations.
A South Korean unification ministry official also strongly condemned the weapons deal on Friday saying it is extremely concerning that the weapons deal has now extended from the North sending Russia shells, to it now also supplying ballistic missiles.
The official added this is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and an illegal act.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied conducting any arms deals.
DECEMBER 28, 2023
Kim Jong Un tells North Korea to Prepare for War | Vantage with Palki Sharma
N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un's statement: Nuclear retaliation to nuclear attacks
Arirang News
N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un's statement: Nuclear retaliation to nuclear attacks
Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News reports that yet another warning from North Korea.
The regime's leader Kim Jong-un firmly stated he would use nuclear weapons to retaliate against a nuclear attack coming from what he calls an "enemy."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his position that if North Korea faces a nuclear attack, it will retaliate with nuclear weapons.
The North's Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday that Kim made this statement while encouraging the regime's intercontinental ballistic missile unit on Wednesday.
This follows a Hwasong-18 ICBM launch drill on the 18th.
Kim also said that the North's dignity, sovereignty, and national interests could be firmly guaranteed only through strong power.
He said having the capability for preemptive attacks and a solid combat readiness is important to ensure genuine defense and steadfast peace.
Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, who is also the vice department director of the Workers' Party Central Committee, also criticized the recent United Nations Security Council discussion on the North's ICBM provocations.
In a statement, she expressed regret that the meeting focused only on North Korea's self-defense rights while overlooking provocations from South Korea and the United States.
Meanwhile, South Korea and the United State have decided to add nuclear operations exercises to Ulchi Freedom Shield, the joint military drills scheduled for August next year.
The decision was made during the second South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group meeting held in Washington, D.C., on December 15th.
And Wednesday's second joint trilateral aerial military exercise by Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, included a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber, marking its 13th deployment to the Korean Peninsula this year.
DECEMBER 16, 2023
Joint Press Statement on Nuclear Consultative Group Meeting
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The second U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) convened in Washington D.C. on December 15, 2023. Established to implement President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Washington Declaration, the NCG is an enduring bilateral consultative body to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance and enhance extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
The meeting was convened by Mr. Maher Bitar, Coordinator for Intelligence and Defense Policy at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), and Dr. Kim Tae-hyo, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the ROK. Discussions were led by Dr. Vipin Narang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, and Dr. Heo Tae-keun, Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy of the ROK. ROK and U.S. officials from the NSC, and relevant defense, foreign affairs, intelligence, and military agencies also took part in the meeting.
The United States reaffirmed its unwavering 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 the Kim regime, and the U.S. side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.
During this NCG meeting, the first hosted in the United States, both sides acknowledged that U.S. and ROK nuclear deterrence cooperation has deepened as progress has been achieved since the first NCG meeting in July through frequent meetings of the NCG working Group (WG) on NCG workstreams, including on guidelines; security and information sharing protocols; nuclear consultation processes in crises and contingencies; nuclear and strategic planning; U.S.-ROK conventional and nuclear integration (CNI); strategic communications; exercises, simulations, training, and investment activities; and risk reduction practices. NCG Principals also commended the holding of an Extended Nuclear Deterrence Immersion Course this November, which was provided for officials from across the ROK interagency, and the substantive interagency cooperation being practiced through the NCG.
NCG Principals reviewed the enhanced visibility of strategic assets to bolster extended deterrence, including the ballistic missile submarine the USS KENTUCKY port visit to Busan in July, B-52 strategic bomber flyover and landing on the Korean Peninsula in October, and joint observation of an ICBM test launch in November, as well as discussing future plans to demonstrate a strengthening of deterrence.
NCG Principals approved the proposed work plan and prospective key events for the first half of 2024, underscored their commitment to securing substantive progress in an expedited manner, and will report relevant progress on the NCG workstreams and other efforts to their respective commanders-in-chief.
The third principal-level NCG will be convened in Korea next summer.
DECEMBER 17, 2023
Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Call with the National Security Advisors of the Republic of Korea and Japan Following the DPRK’s ICBM Test
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke this evening with National Security Office Director Cho Taeyong of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. The national security advisors condemned the test, which is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the ROK, and the national security advisors agreed that their engagement was an important exercise of the Commitment to Consult made at the historic Camp David Trilateral Summit in August. They noted that their December 9 National Security Advisors trilateral meeting in Seoul — the fourth such meeting of the Biden Administration — had allowed them to strengthen their coordination and resolve against continued DPRK provocations. They also underscored the importance of their work to share missile warning data and to coordinate responses to growing cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.
_____________________________
S. Korea, nine UNSC members release joint statement condemning N. Korea's missile provocation
World powers continue with condeming N. Korean military provocations
N. Korea launches suspected ICBM after S. Korea, U.S. hold nuclear talks to deter threats
At about 8:30 AM on Monday morning December 16th, 2023, North Korea launched what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile toward waters off its east coast.
The South Korean military said it was launched from an area near Pyongyang, at a high angle and flew about 1,000 kilometers before landing in the East Sea.
It said South Korea, the U.S., and Japan had been maintaining full defense readiness, and added that warning data on the latest missile was shared between the three countries.
This marks the North's fifth ICBM launch this year --the highest number in a single year.
It last tested an ICBM less than six months ago, the second test of a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 in July, after conducting the first in April.
The South Korean military reportedly believes Monday's missile could have been another test launch of the North's Hwasong-18.
Japan's defense ministry also said the latest missile's flight time and trajectory is similar to that of the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM launched in July.
It added that if it was fired on a normal trajectory, instead of a high angle --it could have flown more than 15,000 kilometers, long enough to strike the U.S. mainland.
Monday's launch came less than 12 hours after the North fired a short-range ballistic missile the night before.
Launched at about 10:30 PM on Sunday night, it flew about 570 kilometers before falling into the East Sea.
North Korea's consecutive missile launches appear to be an apparent protest against the second Nuclear Consultative Group, or NCG meeting held in Washington, where South Korea and U.S. officials agreed to conduct nuclear operation exercises in next year's joint military training, to deter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats.
The North Korean defense ministry earlier on Sunday strongly criticized the outcome of this meeting, saying this is yet another sign of efforts to streamline war planning and a threat of a potential nuclear weapons attack against the regime.
S. Korea, U.S., Japan launch real-time, N. Korean missile warning data sharing system
According to Arirang News, defense correspondent, Choi Min-jung,South Korea, the U.S., and Japan on Tuesday launched a warning information-sharing system for North Korean missiles.
The defense ministry said the system has been established to detect and evaluate missiles launched in real-time, so that they could ensure the safety of citizens and improve related capabilities.
"We expect that today's achievements will further enhance a new era of trilateral security cooperation. The three countries will continue to strengthen trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including on the Korean Peninsula, and beyond."
The three countries are now able to share data on a missile's presumed launch site, flight path, and landing site.
On top of that,.. warning data is now shared around the clock.
Previously, data sharing on North Korean missiles had been limited to during exercises.
"Information used to be shared temporarily and partially during general training. But now, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan operate a new system that allows them to share North Korea's missile warning information 24 hours a day."
The defense ministry and experts say, that the sharing system will further strengthen the military's response posture and capabilities, by allowing South Korea to quickly obtain more accurate information.
"It is meaningful that America's early warning satellites can detect threats in advance within 7 to 9 seconds after lift-off. It takes 3 to 6 minutes for a missile attack from North Korea to South Korea. However, if it is detected within 7 to 9 seconds, it can be intercepted more quickly and accurately."
Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo have also approved a multiyear exercise plan.
Starting next year, they will regularize military drills and carry out exercises in line with growing provocations from Pyongyang.
The leaders of the three countries had decided to establish a multiyear exercise plan at the Camp David summit in August, and agreed upon the need for the warning, data-sharing system at a trilateral summit held in November last year.
DECEMBER 08, 2023
Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Trilateral Meeting with the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Republic of Korea
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
On Saturday, December 9, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with ROK National Security Advisor Cho Tae-Yong and Japanese National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba for the fourth trilateral National Security Advisors trilateral meeting of the Biden-Harris Administration. Their meeting follows just four months after the historic Camp David Summit, in which President Biden, President Yoon, and Prime Minister Kishida launched a new era of trilateral cooperation.
The National Security Advisors reviewed progress on a wide range of trilateral initiatives, including the Commitment to Consult on regional crises, the sharing of ballistic missile defense data, and our collective efforts to respond to the DPRK’s use of cryptocurrency to generate revenue for its illicit WMD programs. They also discussed next steps in trilateral cooperation on economic security, including our supply chain early warning initiative, and on our efforts to align our three countries respective Indo-Pacific Strategies and capacity efforts throughout the region.
National Security Advisors Sullivan, Cho, and Akiba also discussed the deepening partnership between the DPRK and Russia and agreed to work in close coordination to counter its destabilizing effects. They reaffirmed the fundamental importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation and to international law, including in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
National Security Advisor Sullivan thanked National Security Advisor Cho and National Security Advisor Akiba for the ROK and Japan’s unwavering commitment to the people of Ukraine. He praised the courageous work undertaken by the ROK and Japan to strengthen their bilateral ties, noting that their efforts had allowed our three countries to commence and institutionalize a new era of trilateral partnership that will be a force for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.
DECEMBER 08, 2023
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Travel of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to the Republic of Korea
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has traveled to Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK) for meetings on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9 with his counterparts, National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan and National Security Office Director Cho Taeyong of the ROK. Mr. Sullivan has participated in separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts, and he is now joining a trilateral meeting, the fourth trilateral between the three National Security Advisors. Their discussions have captured the full breadth of our strengthening trilateral relationship across multiple domains. From cooperation on emerging threats, including the concerning developments related to weapons transfers between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Russia, to the further alignment of respective Indo-Pacific Strategies between the three countries, these meetings have provided a key opportunity to build upon the progress made between the U.S., ROK, and Japan during the historic Camp David Trilateral Summit in August.
Mr. Sullivan will also participate in the inaugural Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue between the U.S. and the ROK, a key initiative announced during ROK President Yoon’s state visit to the United States in April. In conjunction with the CET Dialogue, he has participated in a Track 1.5 Event to discuss the importance of deeper collaboration on critical and emerging technology with the ROK, including the clean energy transition. NSA Sullivan and NSA Cho are using this opportunity to highlight their intent to anchor the CET Dialogue across six main technology areas, including semiconductor supply chains and technology, biotechnology, batteries and clean energy technology, quantum, digital connectivity, and artificial intelligence.
During his visit, Mr. Sullivan will reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for the ROK and Japan in the face of the DPRK’s provocative actions in the region, as well as discuss deepening collaboration on key issues like critical and emerging technology, and strengthen resilience against economic coercion and supply chain disruptions, increasing collaboration on development assistance across the globe.
DECEMBER 08, 2023
JOINT FACT SHEET: Launching the U.S.-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Today, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong chaired the inaugural U.S.-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Dialogue in Seoul. The launch of the Next Generation CET Dialogue fulfills a commitment that President Biden and President Yoon made during the April 2023 State Visit to upgrade bilateral technology cooperation as the two countries take monumental strides to modernize the U.S.-ROK alliance, now in its 70th year.
National Security Advisors Sullivan and Cho underscored their intent to anchor the initiative in strategic technologies that will be of greatest consequence to bolstering economic prosperity; enhancing resilience against supply chain disruptions; and securing competitive advantages for our two nations and like-minded partners. At the outset, the Next Generation CET Dialogue will drive cooperation across six main strategic technology areas, including semiconductor supply chains and technology; biotechnology; batteries and clean energy technology; quantum science and technology; digital connectivity; and artificial intelligence. The National Security Advisors also highlighted the crucial importance of aligning and adapting our technology protection toolkits, including the recently announced Disruptive Technology Protection Network and investment screening mechanisms, as an important effort to prevent the leakage of sensitive and dual-use technologies.
In addition to the National Security Advisors, the Next Generation CET Dialogue featured high-level representation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technologies, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Education on the ROK side. They were joined by senior officials from the Department of State, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The two sides committed to carrying forward the Next Generation CET Dialogue as an outcomes-oriented, whole-of-government endeavor across the innovation value chain to advance high-level CET policy priorities.
During the inaugural CET Dialogue, the United States and the ROK welcomed enhanced cooperation between our governments, industry, and academia across the following domains:
Semiconductor Supply Chains and Technology:
Upgrade cooperation between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ministry of Science and ICT and key industry partners, including through granting teams of U.S. and Korean researchers preferential access to advanced technology nodes to support expanded joint research and development (R&D) opportunities.
Lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration between our respective public and private semiconductor research and development organizations, including exchanging best practices and outlining shared R&D priorities through the U.S. Department of Commerce and ROK Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy-led Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue, within which the United States and the ROK intend to launch a forum for discussions to connect interested public and private research institutions, including the to-be-established U.S. National Semiconductor Technology Center and the Korean Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center.
Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing:
Launch new collaboration on bioeconomy R&D between the ROK Ministry of Science and ICT and NSF in 2024, with the intention of supporting research collaborations with an anticipated value of no less than US $10 million.
Implement the MOU between the Lawrence Berkley National Lab and Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology on bio-foundry, signed this April, including through pursuing personnel exchanges, expanded information sharing, and reciprocal demonstrations of capabilities and technologies to support our respective test beds.
Expand collaboration between the National Institutes of Health and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a focus on exploring MD-PhD talent exchange programs; enhancing biomedical research cooperation; and discussing opportunities for cooperation between research hospitals, particularly on cell and gene therapies, treatments for rare diseases, and diagnostic devices.
Strengthen coordination between the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute to catalyze health innovation R&D.
Launch a track 1.5 channel in 2024 focused on accelerating bilateral R&D initiatives; identifying active pharmaceuticals, starting materials, and other inputs that can be diversified and “friend-shored;” and building resilience in global biopharmaceutical supply chains.
Enhance collaboration between the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infection Disease and the ROK National Institute of Infection Diseases on biomedical research cooperation related to infectious diseases and immunology in areas of shared interest.
Enhance cooperation on Cancer Moonshot Initiative 2.0 including implementing the MOU between the Korean National Cancer Center and the U.S. National Cancer Institute and discuss possible further collaboration between the United States and the ROK.
Batteries and Clean Energy Technology:
Expand R&D between U.S. National Labs and counterpart Korean research institutes, and explore research and talent exchanges focused on next-generation secondary batteries—particularly related to lithium metal batteries, all-solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and other key clean energy technologies.
Deepen joint research on utility-scale energy storage, including through the partnership between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology on intermediate temperature sodium metal halide development.
Advance a new MOU to build cooperation between Sandia National Laboratories and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation to collaborate on joint research projects in the field of Battery Energy Storage System safety technologies, including the development of a battery safety database and international standards.
Enhance collaboration in next-generation battery technology R&D, building upon the recent conclusion of an MOU between the Korea Planning Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology and the Industry and University Cooperative Research Center for Efficient Vehicles and Sustainable Transportation Systems.
Quantum:
Advance new scientific and technical collaboration under the Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science to promote research in support of next-generation superconducting quantum computing.
Enhance government and industry cooperation in multilateral fora, including through collaboration between the Quantum Economic Development Consortium and the Korea Quantum Industry Association.
Initiate research discussions and explore opportunities for new university collaboration on joint research activities, joint conferences, workforce development programs, exchanges of information, and faculty and scholar visits.
Artificial Intelligence and Standards:
Deepen collaboration on international governance frameworks for AI through promoting mutually reinforcing international initiatives – including the United States’ announcement of the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy and the G7 Code of Conduct and the ROK’s hosting of the Mini Virtual Summit on AI, the Global AI Forum, and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain Summit (REAIM) – and welcoming progress in our respective domestic policy processes on AI governance. The ROK also noted its contributions to promoting international discussions on AI norms, including through its Digital Bill of Rights.
Launch a new bilateral AI Working Group, with a focus on cooperating in efforts to develop international standards, advancing joint research, and fostering interoperability in AI policies to ensure safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.
Conclude an MOU on technology standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards.
Digital Connectivity and Information Communication Technologies (ICT):
Deepen cooperation on cloud technology and reliability, including through launching expert discussions on innovative cybersecurity approaches and expanding R&D, exchanges, and mutual investment to support resilient and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure and service.
Promote secure and resilient ICT infrastructure in the United States, the ROK, and third countries through jointly identifying and supporting financing options for Open RAN testbeds, pilot projects, capacity-building programs, and operational deployments in Southeast Asia and other priority regions, and explore collaboration on international standardization in areas such as 5G and 6G.
Advance a common approach to the trusted free flow of data, including through supporting the expansion of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum and promoting cooperation on data protection and privacy in third countries.
Partnership with Like-Minded Nations
Hold National Security Council and National Security Office-led consultations with like-minded partners on critical and emerging technologies including through launching an informal trilateral technology dialogue with India in the first quarter of 2024.
The United States and the ROK recognize that the combined talent of our nations and our rich people-to-people ties form the bedrock of cooperation and commit to redouble efforts to promote STEM exchanges and workforce and student mobility programs. Through the Next Generation CET Dialogue, we intend to double down on our work together, at the leading edge of innovation, to propel our ambitious technology partnership into the future and deliver a more prosperous, secure, and stable future for our two people and for the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
PRESS RELEASES
Treasury Targets DPRK's International
Agents and Illicit Cyber Intrusion Group
November 30, 2023
Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States
Sanction DPRK for its November 21 Satellite Launch
WASHINGTON — Today, in coordination with foreign partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight foreign-based Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) agents that facilitate sanctions evasion, including revenue generation and missile-related technology procurement that support the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned cyber espionage group Kimsuky for gathering intelligence to support the DPRK’s strategic objectives.
Today’s actions are in response to the DPRK’s November 21 claimed military reconnaissance satellite launch and demonstrates the multilateral efforts of the United States and foreign partners to hinder the DPRK’s ability to generate revenue, procure materiel, and gather intelligence that advances the development of its WMD program and the unlawful export of arms and related materiel from the DPRK.
“Today’s actions by the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea reflect our collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang’s illicit and destabilizing activities,” said Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The DPRK’s use of overseas laborers, money launderers, cyber espionage, and illicit funding continue to threaten international security and our allies in the region. We will remain focused on targeting these key nodes in the DPRK’s illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation.”
DPRK ILLICIT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Today’s actions target the DPRK’s access to revenue and weapons, generated through state-owned entities, banks, and trading companies, specifically through their globally deployed trade and bank representatives. These individuals provide critical access to foreign technology vital to the DPRK’s domestic weapons program and enable DPRK revenue generation through access to the international financial system. A portion of the revenue from these activities has been funneled towards domestic WMD-related technology and missile systems.
OFAC is designating eight individuals that are associated with U.S.-designated DPRK state-owned weapons exporters, financial institutions, and front companies including Green Pine Associated Corporation (Green Pine), Foreign Trade Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (FTB), KoryoCommercial Bank LTD. (KCB), Korea United Development Bank (KUDB), and Mansudae Overseas Project Group of Companies (MOP).
DPRK WEAPONS SALES REPRESENTATIVES
U.S. and UN-designated Green Pine is responsible for approximately half of DPRK arms and related materiel exports. The Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB)-controlled Green Pine specializes in the production of maritime military craft and armaments and has provided both technical assistance and weapons to Iranian defense-related firms.
• Kang Kyong Il and Ri Sung Il are Tehran, Iran-based Green Pine representatives. Kang Kyong Il has attempted to sell Chinese-origin aluminum and Ri Sung Il has worked with other DPRK representatives to sell conventional weapons to foreign governments. Both Kang Kyong Il and Ri Sung Il have travelled to China together on multiple occasions.
• Kang Phyong Guk is a Green Pine representative in Beijing, China and is a central liaison between Green Pine and its overseas representatives.
Ri Sung Il, Kang Kyong Il, and Kang Phyong Guk are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13551 for acting or purporting to act, for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Green Pine, an entity that was included in the Annex to E.O. 13551.
DPRK FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVES
The DPRK continues to use agents and individuals associated with its state-owned entities and banks to access the international financial system to conduct illicit financial activity. They have long-standing networks of front or shell companies and use embassy personnel to move money and procure materiel for the DPRK’s WMD and ballistic missile programs as well as to procure conventional weapons.
• So Myong is the chief representative of FTB in Vladivostok, Russia and has facilitated financial transfers on behalf of designated DPRK financial institutions and weapons trading entities and including representatives, of the U.S.-designated Second Academy of Natural Sciences. So Myong is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, FTB.
• Choe Un Hyok is a KUDB representative in Russia who has coordinated multiple payments to an entity subordinate to the U.S. and UN-designated, Munitions Industry Department. Choe Un Hyok is designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf, of, directly or indirectly, KUDB.
• Jang Myong Chol is a KCB representative in China that has facilitated transactions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jang Myong Chol is designated, pursuant to E.O. 13810 for having acted or purported to act for on or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KCB.
DPRK FRONT COMPANIES
Additionally, OFAC is designating two individuals that have generated revenue for the Government of North Korea and were previously designated by the European Union for generating revenue through the exportation of DPRK workers.
• Choe Song Chol and Im Song Sun have represented front companies for UN and U.S.-designated MOP. MOP was designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea [OFAC Press Release]
Choe Song Chol and Im Song Sun are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13810 for being North Korean persons, including a North Korean person who has engaged in commercial activity that generates revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Worker’s Party of Korea.
A CYBER ESPIONAGE UNIT WITH STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
Active since 2012, Kimsuky is subordinate to the UN- and U.S. designated Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), the DPRK’s primary foreign intelligence service. On August 30, 2010, OFAC designated the RGB by adding it to the annex of E.O. 13551. OFAC subsequently re-designated the RGB on January 2, 2015 pursuant to E.O. 13687 for being a controlled entity of the Government of North Korea. Malicious cyber activity associated with the Kimsuky advanced persistent threat is also known in the cybersecurity industry as APT43, Emerald Sleet, Velvet Chollima, TA406, and Black Banshee.
Although Kimsuky is primarily an intelligence collection entity, its cyber espionage campaigns directly support the DPRK’s strategic and nuclear ambitions. Kimsuky primarily uses spear-phishing to target individuals employed by government, research centers, think tanks, academic institutions, and news media organizations, including entities in Europe, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. Kimsuky employs social engineering to collect intelligence on geopolitical events, foreign policy strategies, and diplomatic efforts affecting its interests by gaining illicit access to the private documents, research, and communications of their targets.
Kimsuky is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13687, for being an agency, instrumentality, or a controlled entity of the Government of North Korea.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, pursuant to E.O.s 13687, 13382, 13551, 13722, and 13810, all property and interests in property of the persons named above that are in the United States, or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals or entities designated today may themselves be exposed to designation. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the individuals or entities designated today could be subject to U.S. correspondent or payable-through account sanctions.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from its ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897.
According to Arirang News: Foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji
Written : 2023-12-01 14:00:00 KST Updated 2023-12-01 16:15:30 KST
Sanctions have been slapped on individuals believed to have played a part in Pyongyang's latest satellite mission.
South Korea has imposed new sanctions targeting 11 North Koreans involved in the regime's satellite and missile development.
Newly added to an existing sanctions list are five individuals linked to the North's satellite program, four of whom are at North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration: Lee Chul-joo, Kim In-bum, Ko Kwang-yong and Choi Myung-soo.
Kang Sun, the manager of the Ryongsong Machine Complex, a machinery plant where Kim Jong-un visited last Sunday was also put on the list.
Also added to the list are six individuals involved in developing and operating ballistic missiles.
They include those at the Munitions Industry Department, Choi Il-hwan and Choi Myung-chol; head of the 727 research center Kim Yong-hwan; Lieutenant-General Kim Jun-kyo of the Korean People's Army; manager of the Tae-sung Machine Factory Choi Byung-wan; and an official at the North Korean embassy in Russia Jin Su-nam.
South Korea is the first in the world to issue sanctions on ten of these individuals, except for Jin Su-nam.
With the sanctions now in place, those wishing to engage in financial transactions with these individuals must obtain permission from the governor of the Bank of Korea or the Financial Services Commission.
Announcing the measure on Friday, South Korea's foreign ministry said the government will continue to respond firmly to North Korea's illicit activities that pose a serious threat to national security.
This marks the 13th time that the Yoon administration has imposed unilateral sanctions on North Korea.
So far since President Yoon took office, a total of 75 individuals and 53 agencies have been put on the sanctions list.
The latest measure was issued in coordination with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, which all imposed separate sanctions on different North Korean individuals and organizations on the same day.
The U.S. State Department said in a statement that this reflects the four countries' collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang's illicit and destabilizing activities.
NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for its launch of a space launch vehicle (SLV) using ballistic missile technology, which is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program. The President and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners. We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations. The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
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Lawmakers weigh in on North Korea's spy satellite claims
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N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles in retaliation against Seoul-Washington ...
Second Phase of Military Drills US-South Korea
AUGUST 23, 2023
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program. The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners. We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations. The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
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N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles in retaliation against Seoul-Washington ...
According to Arirang News September 1, 2023, Choi Min-jung, Reporter.
North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles, in a display of discontent over Seoul and Washington's combined military drills.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday midnight spotted that North Korea had launched two SRBMs, between 11:40 and 11:50 PM. toward the East Sea from the Sunan area.
The JCS confirmed that both flew around 3-hundred-60 kilometers before landing in the East Sea.
Considering the flight distance, it seems likely that the launch was a test to show that the North is capable of hitting South Korea's Gyeryongdae military complex, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located.
Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was spotted at a Central Military Commission meeting, pointing at an area close to Gyeryongdae.
Wednesday's provocation is the first ballistic missile launch in almost 40 days.
The launch appears to be a retaliation against Seoul and Washington's Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise.
As part of the exercise, South Korea and the U.S. on Wednesday held a joint air drill over the West Sea involving a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber.
The deployment of the U.S. strategic bomber, dubbed "the swan of death", has prompted a reaction from North Korea in the past, which included missile launches.
The JCS strongly condemned the launch, calling it an act of significant provocation that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and for the international community.
It added it would thoroughly carry out UFS drills while closely monitoring the North's activities.
The U.S. also denounced Pyongyang's provocations and reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to South Korea.
"This launch is in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and possesses a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and international community. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea, Japan remains ironclad."
North Korea's state-run media also reported Thursday, that its leader visited the military's command post on Tuesday, as the regime commenced a command drill involving the entire army.
The aim of the drill was full war preparation.
There, Kim stressed that modern warfare is a battle of brains, noting that victory is determined by the decisions of commanders.
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Air forces from S. Korea, U.S. holds live fire exercise on Thursday
Aug 31, 2023
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Lee Rae-hyun, Arirang News: On the last day of the annual military exercise between South Korea and the U.S., forces from the two countries conducted a live fire drill, aimed at countering North Korea's growing threats.
The air forces of South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday held a live fire exercise together over the West Sea.
This was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which involved air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
Around 30 fighter jets and attack aircraft were deployed where the joint forces practiced striking a simulated target.
South Korea's fighter jets including F-35As and F-15Ks launched an air-to-air missile to intercept and strike a drone target which performed as a low-altitude cruise missile.
Air-to-surface missiles including GBU-56s were then launched to destroy the opponent's defense structure.
The GBU-56 which features a semi-active rader homing system is capable of targeting mobile weaponry such as a transporter erector launcher.
"We have reaffirmed the excellent performance of the Korean-made FA-50 jet and the Guided Bomb and improved our strike capability. We pledge to use this skill to immediately punish enemies in any possible provocations."
Captain John Flanagan, who took part in the drills, also said that Seoul-Washington integration is still evident and paramount today even after American pilots defended South Korea's freedom 70 years ago.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Seung-kyum met General Anthony Cotton --the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command --who's currently visiting South Korea.
The meeting took place at the B-1 Bunker in southern Seoul, making Cotton, who visited the country for the first time since taking office in December last year, the first U.S. strategic commander to visit the wartime bunker.
They shared their assessment of the security situation in the region, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
They agreed to bolster cooperation between Seoul's JCS and the U.S. Strategic Command, and also decided to closely cooperate with South Korea's envisioned "strategic command," which will be established next year.
S. Korea, U.S. conduct combined maritime infiltration training as part of UFS exercise
Aug 29, 2023
Arirang news reports that the special forces from South Korea and the United States have been out in the ocean for the past couple of days to master techniques for maritime infiltration. It's among the dozens of field training as part of the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.
Arirang defense correspondent Choi Min-jung reports that special operations forces from South Korea and the U.S. head toward the shore on rubber boats, keeping their positions low. A number of the special forces personnel swim the rest of the way, cautiously making sure it's safe for the rest of the team to arrive.
This is a glimpse of the combined training that Seoul and Washington do on a daily basis,.. to infiltrate the enemy's base.
Since last week, in Yangyang County, Gangwon-do Province, around a hundred personnel from South Korea's Army and U.S. Special Operations Command Korea have been conducting field training exercises to enhance skills in maritime infiltration.
The training is part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which runs until Thursday.
This combined special operation is aimed at strengthening Seoul and Washington's interoperability.
"Combined special operations capabilities could be further strengthened by mastering various tasks with the U.S. Special Operations Command Korea. We will continue to train and establish a perfect readiness so that we can accomplish any mission in case of emergency."
Seoul and Washington's special forces master maritime infiltration techniques including special strike operations and close combat techniques.
The U.S.' Captain, J, said the training is also focused on building the skills of leaders at every level,.. noting it as being the most important resource.
He also underlined strong teamwork with South Korean forces.
"For 70 years, American and Korean soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder dedicated to the defense of our homelands. Our ironclad alliance is integrated at every level from the strategic to the tactical. I am proud to work with my Korean brothers. !"
Let's go together, Pilseung!
Going forward, Seoul and Washington's special forces vow to prepare for every scenario on air, land, and sea.
"U.S.! Korea! We go together!"
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UN member states send additional military personnel to S. Korea,
to support annual combined exercise
The annual summertime combined exercise between South Korea and the U.S., to bolster readiness against the North's escalating threat, will take place until Friday.
And this year, service members from other United Nations member states are also taking part, for stronger interoperability on the Korean Peninsula.
Bae Eun-ji has more.
Nine other United Nations member states other than the U.S. have sent additional military personnel to support this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which focuses on preparing for a rapid transition to wartime operations, in case of an attack from North Korea.
That includes Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Italy.
At Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in South Korea, on Wednesday, service members who took part explained what they were able to learn throughout the training.
Canadian Army Major Simon Johnson, who works as the operations officer of the United Nations Command, explains that Canada has sent over 20 participants to South Korea for the exercise.
"It enables us to really understand how one another operate. And if things were to escalate on the peninsula, we already have a team of people who have common understanding of what needs to be done: how the ground looks like, how the headquarters operate."
Lieutenant commander Kang Hyung-wook, from the Canadian Navy, who has been working in the United Nations Command since last summer,..shared a story of his grandfather who was killed in action during the Korean War.
His grandfather's last words written on a picture of him read: "I will complete my mission and protect the country with my life."
"My father was only one year old at the time, so I wasn't able to hear a lot of personal stories. But my grandfather must have been very young at the time he fought in the war, and I always remember that while I serve in the military and it means a lot to me."
Corporal Sion Owen from the British Air Force, whose role is to be a direct link between the United Nations Command and the surgeon’s office, says while taking part in the drill, they were able to get a good insight into how other countries work within their militaries.
"We’re one of the member states, so we’ll need to get involved and ensure that we’re working collectively so that if real-life scenarios came into place, we would all know what we’re doing."
Natacha Baugen from the New Zealand Air Force, who is a legal advisor at the United Nations Command said it was interesting to see how they can strengthen the interoperability to support the Korean Peninsula.
"It’s been a really interesting experience. A variety of different nations supporting the exercise, learning about their backgrounds, learning about their, for me, their legal considerations has been really fascinating."
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North Korea showcases new tactical nuclear attack submarine amid rising concerns of alliance ....
North Korea continues to strengthen and show off its naval forces.
This time the regime unveiled what it claims to be its first tactical nuclear attack submarine during a launch ceremony on Wednesday.
Our Lee Soo-jin tells us more.
North Korea continues to take an aggressive nuclear stance.
North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday that North Korea unveiled a new tactical nuclear attack submarine.
Its launch ceremony was attended by leader Kim Jong-un.
The submarine, named "Hero Kim Kun Ok," is supposedly the North's first that is capable of nuclear attacks underwater.
The report added that Kim said during the ceremony on Wednesday that the "nuclear armament of the navy can no longer be delayed" and that North Korea needs to accelerate efforts to supply the navy with submarines loaded with tactical nuclear weapons so that it can "smoothly carry out its strategic mission."
This comes amid reports of North Korea and Russia moving to strengthen their partnership.
According to Russia's state-owned Sputnik News, North Korean ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chul said on Thursday that Russia and North Korea will "strengthen their comradeship and stand in solidarity as they fight the common enemy".
The remark was made during a celebration held at the North Korean embassy in Russia to mark North Korea's upcoming 75th founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview broadcast on the same day that it would be a "huge mistake" for North Korea to supply ammunition to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.
She also said during the interview with CBS News held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia that she believes that such moves will only further isolate both Russia and North Korea.
The comments reiterate the Biden administration's firm stance against North Korea supplying Russia with weapons as it comes just days after White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that North Korea will "pay a price" if it moves forward with an arms deal.
Kim Jong Un Adds Showstopper Submarine To North Korea's Navy, Will Tactical Nuke Sub Keep US At Bay?
CRUX: North Korea launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine” on September 6. It has been named “Hero Kim Kun-ok” after a prominent North Korean historical figure and given the hull number 841. Official photos suggested the launch was a festive occasion with colourful balloons and confetti with the North Korean President overseeing the event. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the submarine “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy.
On Wednesday, he held a dialogue with the 10-member ASEAN bloc, and outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.
The South Korean leader also called for greater cooperation at the ASEAN plus 3 meeting with Japan and China, particularly on curbing North Korea's nuclear program.
Here's our correspondent Oh Soo-young reporting from Jakarta.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for strong, concerted efforts to end North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and pushed for trilateral cooperation with Japan and China for regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Holding a bilateral dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, the South Korean leader on Wednesday outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.
First, addressing regional security, Yoon highlighted Pyongyang's weapons programme as a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific and a direct challenge to global non-proliferation efforts.
Reacting to news of potential arms cooperation between North Korea and Russia,.. Yoon said “attempts at military cooperation with North Korea that harm the peace of the international community must be stopped immediately."
He requested ASEAN's cooperation in denuclearizing the North and ending its illicit funding activities such as cryptocurrency theft and dispatching overseas workers.
On wider regional security, he proposed strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, cyber security, and transnational crimes involving drugs, and terrorism.
He emphasized that peace and stability in the South China Sea, a key maritime transportation route in the region, is essential for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, pledging to ramp up support for the maritime law enforcement capabilities of ASEAN countries and expanding joint training.
Also presenting ways to strengthen economic links with Korea's second-largest export market, Yoon pledged efforts to foster collaborations between Korean and ASEAN youth on digital technologies, and increased support for development projects in the Mekong area.
On non-traditional security issues, Yoon reaffirmed support for the regional bloc's climate response, its capacity to produce vaccines and develop treatments for infectious diseases.
To tackle such global challenges, the South Korean leader proposed further cooperation measures as the rotating chair of the ASEAN +3 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
These include food security, innovation and supply chain security, and investing in future generations by nurturing talents in science.
Amid geopolitical tensions surrounding China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with President Xi Jiping sitting out the ASEAN and G20 summits, Yoon called for a resumption of trilateral dialogue between the Northeast Asian countries.
"Yoon is expected to renew his call for a strong response to North Korea's provocations, and cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, as he attends the East Asia Summit on Thursday and the G20 summit in India on Friday where the United States, China and Russia will also participate.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, Jakarta."
How would a nuclear war between Russia and the US affect you personally?
AUGUST 23, 2023
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program. The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners. We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations. The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
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APRIL 12, 2023
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for its test of a long-range ballistic missile. The President and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners. This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations. The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
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According to Arirang News April 12th, 2023, Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.North Korea test-fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile but for the first time in a month.
This time, it's presumed to be a new type of weapon.
The missile is assumed to be a solid fuel missile that is harder to detect before launch meaning it's hard to prepare any sort of response.
Developing this type of missile is one of the five key tasks of the Kim Jong-un regime.
Our national security correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports.
North Korea on Thursday morning fired what could be a new type of ballistic missile.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that at around 7:23 AM, it detected an intermediate-range or longer missile fired from near Pyongyang.
It added the missile was launched at a high angle and flew about one-thousand kilometers before landing in the East Sea.
The military said it's maintaining strong defense readiness, by closely cooperating with the U.S.
"Because it was launched at a high angle, we believe its range was longer than that of an intermediate-range missile when launched at a normal angle. But more analysis is needed to confirm this."
While the military is carrying out further analysis, a military official told reporters that the launch may have involved a new type of weapon displayed at a recent military parade and that the military was not ruling out the possibility of it being a solid-fuel ICBM.
This is one of the five military tasks that the regime's leader, Kim Jong-un, announced at the key party meeting in January 2021, and was displayed for the first time at a military parade in February.
On Monday at its 6th enlarged meeting of the 8th Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim also stressed the need to expand the regime's war deterrence in a more practical, offensive, and effective way.
Thursday's missile test comes just two days ahead of what North Korea calls the "Day of the Sun" on April 15th, marking the birthday of its founding leader Kim Il-sung.
And it also comes as the North has remained unresponsive to routine calls with South Korea for around a week.
The inter-Korean liaison communication channel and a military hotline are normally used twice a day, but there has been no response via either channel since last Friday.
Experts have said Pyongyang's move appears to be in protest over the ongoing security cooperation between Seoul and Washington.
North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma
Firstpost, April 12th, 2023, North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma
Early on Thursday, a new ballistic missile launch by North Korea forced Japan to issue emergency evacuation orders for the residents of Hokkaido. Are North Korea’s missile launches now becoming a threat to neighboring countries’ populace? Palki Sharma decodes.
“New Type” of North Korean Missile Sparks Frenzy in Japan | Kim Close to Getting Solid-fuel Rockets?.
U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz staged combined naval exercises with South Korea in international waters off the southern island of Jeju on Monday (March 27), on a day North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast.
USS Nimitz Arrives in Busan in time for 70th Anniversary of Korean Armistice Amidst Escalating Tensions
Arirang News, Busan Kim, Yeon-seung reported that,a U.S. strategic asset, the nuclear-powered warship USS Nimitz has arrived in South Korea's port city of Busan.
It's deemed as a show of the robust Seoul-Washington alliance amid growing threats from North Korea.
Defense correspondent Kim Yeon-seung was there at the site.
An American symbol of power docked at the port city of Busan.
"It's here. One of the world's largest and most power-packed American warships -the USS Nimitz.
The sheer length of this flight deck that I'm standing on is more than three times the length of a soccer field."
The USS Nimitz is a warship specifically designed for air missions.
It's capable of carrying up to around 70 aircraft, including a mix of fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, as well as helicopters such as the MH-60 Sierra for search and rescue operations.
With an immense displacement of roughly 100-thousand tons, the ship also carries around 5-thousand personnel with it.
This supercarrier arrived at the South Korean fleet command at Busan Tuesday morning after wrapping up combined drills with the South Korean navy in international waters south of the southern island of Jeju on Monday.
Back in South Korea after 10 years, it's here in time for the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice.
Its visit also takes place while tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea continues dialing up their weapons tests and fiery tone.
"One, it's an opportunity to reinforce the mission readiness between the ROK navy and the United States Navy.
Second is, I think, it's a great representation of the United States' ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Republic of Korea."
"We don't seek conflict with the DPRK, we see peace and security we're not going to be coerced were not going to be bullies bullied and we're not going anywhere."
This comes as North Korea fired off two short-range ballistic missiles into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula on Monday morning, in a clear protest of this U.S. war vessel being deployed to South Korea.
The USS Nimitz and the U.S. Navy will conduct trilateral exercises with the South Korean navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force before they pull out of Busan.
U.S. threatens to “end” North Korea’s Kim regime
THE REASONS YOU SHOULDN'T MESS WITH THE USA
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs
over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
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N. Korean leader calls for North to stand ready with nuclear attacks to deter war: KCNA
Arirang News dated March 19th, 2023, Kim Yeon-seung reports: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for the regime to stand fully ready with nuclear attacks to deter war, in a remark made during a military drill over the weekend.
The North's state-led Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday morning that North Korean troops on Saturday and Sunday trained to improve their nuclear attack skills in a two-day course.
Kim Jong-un oversaw over the training, and again brought his daughter along, who seems to be Kim Jong-un's protégé. te;gé.
Kim added in his statement that simply having nuclear weapons is no longer enough to deter war--the North must strike fear to enemies by becoming ready with its nuclear attacks.
It added that the missile achieved its target by flying 800 kilometers to blow up 800 meters above the sea.
It also said the drill did not in any way harm the safety of neighboring countries.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed on Sunday that they detected a short-range ballistic missile flying for about 800 kilometers and fired off toward the East Sea.
This missile firing comes in the middle of Freedom Shield, the 11-day-long Seoul-Washington joint drill.
North Korea has been protesting against these war games by ramping up its weapons tests and increasing hostility in its rhetoric.
March 16th, 2023: 2023-03-16 12:00:00 KST N.Korea fires what seems to be ICBM into East Sea ahead of Seoul-Tokyo summit
Arirang New reported by Kim Yeon-seung, 2023-03-16 12:00:00 KST :
The South Korean military said that they detected a long-range ballistic missile at 7:10 AM this morning fired from the Sunan area of Pyongyang.
It was fired at high angle and flew around 1-thousand kilometers before landing in the East Sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed.
Japan's defense ministry said that the missile traveled for about 69 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of 6-thousand kilometers.
The ministry said it landed around 250 kilometers west of Hokkaido Prefecture's Oshima Island.
Analysts gathered from the flight data that this could be an intercontinental ballistic missile, likely the Hwasong-17.
The Hwasong-17 represents North Korea's largest nuclear-capable missile to date.
It's also the world's biggest liquid-fueled ICBM that can be moved on roads.
Last year, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada mentioned that this weapon has the capability to reach the U.S. mainland, with a potential range of 15,000 kilometers.
But South Korea's military officials said that although this launch does bear some similarities to the Hwasong-17, they also did find some differences that could suggest otherwise, although these details cannot be disclosed at the moment.
If this test did involve an ICBM, this would mark North Korea's seventh successful ICBM test since 2017.
They really seem to be stepping up their show of force.
What's prompting this increased aggression?
Well the bilateral summit between South Korea and Japan likely gave North Korea a scare.
Strengthened ties between the trilateral allies-South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., pose a great threat to the North Korean regime.
A military official said that North Korea's choice of launch time, on the day of the summit and before President Yoon Suk-yeol embarked on his two-day visit to Japan, hints that North Korea is disgruntled by the rekindled relationship between Seoul and Tokyo.
There's also the Freedom Shield, the largest Seoul-Washington war games in years, that's now into its fourth day.
And North Korea is also holding its own annual training at the moment.
National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han held an emergency National Security Council Standing Committee with key government players.
President Yoon Suk Yeol also attended ahead of his departure to Japan. Standing committee members stressed that this is a clear violation of UN security resolutions and is a serious provocation that threatens peace and escalates tensions on the Korean peninsula.
MARCH 15, 2023
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs
over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
Wikipedia shows that At a parade on 8 February 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, twelve Hwasong-17s on mobile launchers were displayed. Depending on the exact number of missiles and potential multiple reentry vehicles, North Korea could technically have reached the point where they have enough ICBMs carrying enough warheads to overwhelm the existing amount of GMD interceptors, although no multiple warhead tests had yet been conducted.
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38north.org, reported on February 15, 2023: Displaying Multiple Hwasong-17 ICBMs
The four probable solid ICBM launchers were preceded in the parade by eleven 11-axle road-mobile launchers carrying HS-17 liquid-propellant ICBMs (with a 12th launcher nearby in case needed to fill in for a breakdown). Only four HS-17 launchers had been seen at one time previously. Moreover, the HS-17 and solid ICBM launchers (like that for the already-deployed HS-15 ICBM) are based on the Chinese WS51200 truck chassis, of which North Korea previously was known to have only eight and China was only reported to have supplied six. This indicates that China has been supplying additional such chassis and/or that North Korea has developed the capability to produce such chassis itself. Either way, it may be that obtaining additional large chassis is no longer a significant constraint on North Korean mobile ICBM deployments, although we still do not know how many chassis the DPRK can import from China and/or produce indigenously.
Parading “tactical nuclear weapons operation units” highlights the nuclear threat to Seoul and US forces on the peninsula in addition to furthering the other objectives noted above, and probably also seeks to foment tensions in the Alliance. In underscoring both ICBMs and “tactical nukes” together, Pyongyang is sending a strong deterrence message while probably seeking to dissuade American escalation in a crisis or provocation and erode Seoul’s confidence in the credibility of US extended deterrence.
N. Korea's missile launches show little technical improvement but carry political message
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, dated Feb 20th, 2023, North Korea continues with its missile launches, firing two more short-range ballistic missiles this morning.
This follows just two days after an ICBM launch in response to the allies’ joint exercises.
The regime also warns South Korea and the U.S. that it could turn the Pacific into a “firing range.”
Our defense ministry correspondent Oh Soo-young talked to military officials and experts to read between the lines.
North Korea's missile launches over the past three days were aimed at making a political point, rather than a technological improvement.
The regime's firing of two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Monday was followed by unusually swift state media reports denouncing South Korea and the United States' combined air drills held the day before.
The exercise had mobilized key U.S. strategic assets, including B-1B bombers and F-35 stealth fighters, in response to North Korea's firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday.
Compared to past reports by the North, which included specifics about new technical enhancements to its weapons through testing, the North Korean report focused on condemning the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the allies' scheduled joint drills.
While the regime bragged about its tactical nuclear weapons systems, and threatened to use the Pacific as a missile firing range, South Korean military officials and experts say the frenzied statements reveal little about the North's actual capabilities.
"It is clear that the N. Korean government and armed forces are feeling pressure to demonstrate that the ICBM of N. Korea ranging from Hwasong 15 to 17, are indeed capable of hitting the U.S.. The country has not mastered the essential technology to have the ICBMs re-enter the atmosphere without any significant damages."
Also, an official at Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters Monday that it's unlikely Pyongyang is able to mount a nuclear warhead onto the 600-milimeter multiple rocket launcher used Monday morning, as verifying this would require further weapons testing.
The official added that the North, on Saturday, is likely to have chosen to launch the smaller Hwasong-15 ICBM, rather than the newest Hwasong-17, as the earlier model is closer to completion, now likely in the final stage of verification.
The North's testing of the Hwasong-17 ended in failure last November, as it broke apart and crashed into the sea after second stage separation.
Also, by launching the smaller ICBM, it seems the North is saving room for bigger provocations.
Seoul and Washington believe the North may escalate its activities over the coming weeks, as it has key state anniversaries and a satellite launch coming up in April.
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Arirang also reported on Feb 21st, 2023 that South Korea conducted an air-to-air refueling drill on Tuesday, proving its ability to operate advanced fighter jets amid North Korea's growing threat to security. The Air Force mobilized its latest F-35A --the so-called "Freedom Knight" --stealth fighter and a KC-330 multipurpose refueling tanker. The F-35A comes with advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities and flies faster than the speed of sound with a maximum speed of Mach 1-point-6. Its stealth function allows it to go undetected by enemy radars, and infiltrate enemy territory and strike key targets. This is the first time the air force has publicly announced that it has carried out a refueling drill.
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FEBRUARY 18, 2023
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
###
North Korea is once again defined as "South Korea's enemy" Seoul's new defense white paper
"We intend for the public to clearly recognize the reality and seriousness of the North Korean threat. In particular, the report states clearly that ‘the North Korean regime and military are our enemies.'"
The report refers to how the North described the South as a “clear enemy" in December, and how Pyongyang aims for the "communization" of the entire Korean Peninsula.
It also points to the North's continued military provocations and incursions into the South as well as maritime buffer zones, particularly its violations of the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on defusing tensions across the heavily armed border.
According to the white paper, Pyongyang has also continued to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials.
The paper also added new seven new models to the list of the North's known projectiles. These include close-range and short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, hypersonics, and the massive Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.
In light of these threats, Seoul aims to strengthen its 3-axis system, focusing more on pre-emptive strikes and retaliatory measures that could take out the North Korean leadership.
"So it really clears any kind of uncertainty regarding what kind of strategies South Korea has, especially when it comes to N. Korea. So it means that the South Korea military is going to have to take a proactive posture to deter from North Korea, and also it means more cross coordination with the U.S. which is our most important ally."
The paper offers greater detail on implementing Washington's Extended Deterrence policy that offers security assurance for allies under conventional or nuclear attack.
In its bid to strengthen security ties with Washington and Tokyo, Seoul describes Japan as a “close” neighbour which shares its values, highlighting the need to build "futuristic, cooperative relations".
Still, Seoul says it remains firmly against Japan’s revisionist historical and territorial claims.
Looking beyond Korean Peninsula, South Korea also sets out to play a greater role in regional security, and is reviewing more specific ways to enhance cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries.
"To address both existing and emerging security threats, the white paper also lays out plans to transform the military with cutting-edge technologies ranging from AI to cyber warfare and space tech.
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CNN, North Korea Shows Off Largest-Ever Number Of Nuclear Missiles At Nighttime Parade Live | Kim Jong Un
Nuclear-armed North Korea showcased its missile production muscle during a nighttime parade, state media reported on Thursday (February 9), displaying more intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) than ever before and hinting at a new solid-fuel weapon.
Footage released by KRT state media of the Wednesday (February 8) night parade showed as many as 11 Hwasong-17s, North Korea's largest ICBM, which are suspected to be able to strike nearly anywhere in the world with a nuclear warhead. The Hwasong-17 was first tested last year. Alongside them at the parade were what some analysts said could be a prototype or mockup of a new solid-fuel ICBM in canister launchers.
Leader Kim Jong Un attended the grand military showcase with his daughter, who is seen as playing a possible future leadership role in the hereditary dictatorship.
N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un calls for perfecting war readiness in his first public appearance of 2023
Arirang News February 7th, 2023: According to the Arirang News, Reporter : Reporter Lee Kyong Un, kelee@arirang.com
In his first public appearance of the year North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on the regime's military to beef up its war readiness.
North Korea's state-run media reported on Tuesday that the leader presided over a meeting of the regime's Central Military Commission on Monday where he pledged to expand combat drills and strictly perfect the country's preparedness for war.
The meeting comes just a few days after Pyongyang condemned drills by the U.S. and its allies saying the drills threatened to turn the Korean Peninsula into a "more critical war zone."
The meeting marks leader Kim Jong-un's first public appearance since the last day of 2022 when he unveiled a nuclear-capable “super-large multiple launch rocket system".
Last year, Guadian News in July 28th, 2022: Stated, In a speech to commemorate the event, Kim said his country is ready to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and denounced South Korea's new conservative president Yoon Suk-yeol by name for the first time, labelling attempts to neutralise the North's military as 'nonsense'.
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The Hwasong-17 (Korean: is a North Korean two-stage ICBM, first unveiled on 10 October 2020, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) parade. This missile is the latest iteration of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, and it has the greatest perceived range out North Korea's missile arsenal (15,000 km+). It had its maiden flight on 24 March 2022.
At the Self-Defence-2021 exhibition, the missile was shown labeled as the Hwasong-17
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Test launches of the Hwasong-17 were carried out first on 26 February 2022, and again on 4 March. North Korea did not publicize news of the launches, with INDOPACOM revealing them later. The United States believed the tests were not intended to demonstrate the ICBM's range but conduct early evaluations of its capabilities. North Korea publicly claimed the launches were intended to test components of a reconnaissance satellite at operational altitudes without disclosing they had been lofted by the new ICBM. It is possible the launches were done to test both satellite components and the ICBM, but only the former was admitted to limit potential international criticism. Missile expert Jeffrey Lewis also raised the possibility that these were launches of the post-boost vehicle for the second stage of the Hwasong-17. A missile launch was attempted on 16 March 2022, but it was a failure. It is suspected that it was a Hwasong-17 test, but was not acknowledged by North Korea due to the unsuccessful launch.
A test launch was carried out and then officially confirmed on 24 March 2022, which resulted in a complete technical success which broke many records for North Korea, for example regarding height and flight time. The footage of the launch may have been doctored, with missile analysts being unable to confirm that the missile that was launched on 24 March was a Hwasong-17, due to inconsistencies with objects in the background of the launch, which matched to satellite imagery on an earlier date than 24 March. Two shots of the observation bus that Kim Jong-un was in appeared to be taken in different locations and grass that was burnt in a controlled burn appeared to be unburnt on Korean Central Television footage. South Korean intelligence alleges that the missile launched on 24 March was likely an improved and modified Hwasong-15, though NK News also stated that there may be other reasons for using old footage, such as a camera failure.
Lofted trajectories of Hwasong-14/15/17
North Korea announces successful ICBM test. NK News.org (5 July 2017). Apogee of 2,802 km (1,741 mi), landing 933 km (580 mi) North Korea announces successful ICBM test. NK News.org (28 July 2017). Apogee of 3,724.9 km (2,314.5 mi), landing 998 km (620 mi) North Korea announces first test of Hwasong-15 ICBM. NK News.org (November 29, 2017). “soaring to the highest altitude of 4475 km” and flying 950 km Striking Demonstration of Great Military Muscle of Juche Korea. KCNA.kp (March 25, 2022). "altitude of 6,248.5 km and flew a distance of 1,090 km"
Trajectories of Hwasong-14. Very high angle lofted trajectory. First flight: Second flight: First flight of Hwasong-15:
24 March 2022 Sil-li missile facility, near Pyongyang International Airport. Signs of an ICBM or satellite launch were allegedly detected by USA. Success First announced test of the Hwasong-17, with an apogee of 6248.5 km and a horizontal displacement of 1090 km, with a total flight time of 4052 seconds.
Supreme leader Kim Jong-un supervised the launch, and celebrated with soldiers and researchers from the Academy of National Defense Science.
The launch could have instead been an extended range Hwasong-15, with video footage of the launch being inconsistent with the conditions on 24 March.
Sources: Arirang News, Youtube, Guadian News, CNN, Yunhap News Agency, 38North.org, wikipedia, flickr, AFB, Military News, White House, Department of the Treasury, Korea News, Channel 13 news, OneIndia News, F.Unpacking Yunhap News, South China Morning Post, DW, Arirang, Reuters, Guardian catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund
Rev. February 6th, 2023 Rev. February 17, 2022, Rev Feb 22, February, March 15th, 2023, Rev March 19th, 20th, 2023, November 24 2023, November 30th, 2023, January 7, 2024, Jan. 27th, 2024