President Joe Biden decided to devote May 21 to strengthening ties with South Korea and its new President Yoon Suk Yeol, as the two countries discuss on how to best counter North Korea’s nuclear threat at a time when true diplomacy seems unlikely. At a meeting, Mr. Biden reminded his counterpart that their alliance is built on “shared sacrifice” and that it will be pushed to new heights as the emphasis on national security is supplemented by an increased focus on commerce and technology. “Biden and South Korean leader to counter nuclear threat”.
South Korea and USA
Following World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided into two countries with vastly distinct cultures. In a democracy, Biden is seeing manufacturers for computer chips and next-generation automobiles in South Korea , where he is also holding talks for increased cooperation. However, in the north, a deadly coronavirus outbreak has broken out in a largely unvaccinated autocracy that can best command the world’s attention by flexing its nuclear weapons.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters onboard Air Force One as Mr. Biden travelled to South Korea that the US had worked with Seoul and Tokyo on how to respond if the North conducts a nuclear test or missile strike while Biden is in the region or soon after. Mr. Sullivan also spoke with his Chinese colleague Yang Jiechi earlier this week, urging Beijing to use its power to persuade North Korea to stop testing.
Mr. Biden spent the day establishing his relationship with Yoon, who took office little over a week ago, as part of a five-day trip to Asia. One of Mr. Biden’s responsibilities was to reassure South Korea about the United States’ resolve to combating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Relations Between North Korea and south kores
North Korea has turned down South Korean and US offers of help with its COVID-19 outbreak, lowering hopes that such collaboration could help alleviate nuclear tensions or perhaps lead to discussions. According to top Biden administration officials who briefed reporters, Mr. Biden and Mr. Yoon are expected to explore methods to engage with the international cand community to send much-needed immunizations and tests to the North.
South Korea has joined the United States in imposing export restrictions on Russia and banning Russian banks from using the SWIFT payment system. Its involvement was crucial in preventing Russia from gaining access to computer chips and other technologies required for weapons and economic development.
The Biden administration is urging China
The Biden administration is urging China to stop North Korea from testing missiles or nuclear weapons. Mr. Sullivan said on Air Force One that Mr. Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping could talk by phone in the coming weeks.
Mr. Biden has slammed Beijing’s human rights record, trade policies, military intimidation of Taiwan’s self-ruled island, and other issues. While mr. Biden has stated that china is the US’s greatest economic and national security opponent, he believes it is critical to maintain open lines of communication so that the two countries may work together on topics of mutual importance. North Korea is probably at the top of the list.
Read More- Joe Biden set to visit Japan and South Korea, China to be warned against aggression.
