위성락 “북미 대화 재개 과정서 한국 ‘패싱’ 없도록 할 것”

The National Security Agency's deputy director announced on the 28th that as a party to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and a pacemaker, the efforts of former U.S. President Donald Trump would support the building of trust and the resumption of dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. During a briefing at the Blue House, the deputy director emphasized that one key point to keep in mind is that the resumption of U.S.-North Korea talks should lead to tangible progress on the North Korean nuclear issue, along with the construction of the nuclear weapons-free regime on the Korean Peninsula.

He also stressed that it is crucial not to weaken South Korea's security posture or allow South Korea to be "passed over" in the process. Earlier, former President Trump had indicated his intention to reduce the combined U.S.-South Korea military exercises and express his willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Concerns have been raised about the possibility of South Korea being "passed over" during the talks between the U.S. and North Korea. The deputy director emphasized that smooth government-to-government policy coordination and communication are more important than ever to ensure the success of such efforts. He also noted that various scenarios including trade, logistics, security, information sharing, and weapons transfers are currently under consideration, and the government is working to properly adjust these scenarios to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea coordination system.

The deputy director announced that the Chinese side will actively participate in the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, following a meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Wang during a visit to China on the 20th. The meeting followed a visit by President Yoon to China in December 2021, marking the first time in nearly five years that the Korean National Security Agency and the Chinese Foreign Ministry have held official talks.

The deputy director stated that he and Wang have agreed to maintain regular communication and coordinate on mutually beneficial measures. He also expressed his hope that China will actively support South Korea's efforts to pursue peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including its stance on denuclearization and peace consolidation.

In response, Wang emphasized China's commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in its Korean Peninsula policy and pledged to continue a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The deputy director noted that the close political and economic ties among Asian nations require each country to respect and cooperate with one another to broaden common ground.

He also expressed his intention to discuss the resumption of inter-Korean cooperation as part of the broader Korean Peninsula peace and stability agenda.