The United States has been diligently attempting to engage with North Korea in discussions regarding denuclearization. However, Pyongyang has displayed no interest in participating, according to Victor Cha, the Senior Vice President for Asia and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
During an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia,” Cha emphasized the necessity to avoid assuming that North Korea will come to the negotiating table simply because the United States desires talks.
He explained, “The current issue lies in the fact that North Korea is not responsive to various intermediaries and is exhibiting no interest in discussing their nuclear program at this time. They are not answering the phone or opening the door.”
For an extensive period, the two countries have been engaged in an ongoing conflict over North Korea’s nuclear threats and its actions towards South Korea.
Early Wednesday, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the east, shortly after a US nuclear-armed submarine docked in South Korea – the first such incident in decades.
Last week, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile into its eastern waters, which experts believe to be the developmental Hwasong-18 ICBM, known for its improved stealth capabilities compared to liquid-fueled missiles.
This test marked North Korea’s first long-range missile launch since April and was likely prompted by alleged incursions of US spy planes.
People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of a North Korean rocket launch at the Seoul Railway Station on May 31, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea.
Chung Sung-jun | Getty Images News | Getty Images
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell convened in Seoul on Tuesday for the inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG).
Cha highlighted that the purpose of the meeting was for the United States to provide South Korea with insights into its nuclear program and to instill confidence in its commitment to defending South Korea against North Korea utilizing its nuclear capabilities.
This meeting comes nearly three months after the issuance of the Washington Declaration by U.S. President Joe Biden and Yoon.
As outlined in the Washington Declaration, the United States will refrain from deploying nuclear weapons to South Korea, but will temporarily increase the number of military weapons and vehicles sent to the country.
South Korea’s Relationship with China
China has expressed concerns that the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) could potentially lead to an arms race and instability in the Korean peninsula.
However, Cha stated that the United States is being proactive rather than provocative.
He explained, “China dislikes any strengthening of the alliance between the United States and its allies, as they aim to dismantle the U.S. alliance system. If the U.S. alliance system were to dissolve in Asia, it would have significant ramifications not only in terms of security, but also in the economic and financial realms.”
Despite their differing perspectives, South Korea continues to strive for a positive relationship with China, its most crucial economic partner.
Cha emphasized that South Korea desires a relationship based on mutual respect, where China does not dictate how South Korea manages its own sovereign security.
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