During his visit to South Korea, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about North Korea’s collaboration with Russia in the field of advanced space technology. Blinken mentioned that North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Monday, highlighting the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow. Additionally, he expressed his belief that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas war in Gaza, would likely only come to a ceasefire after President Biden’s term, potentially when President-elect Donald Trump returns to office.
During his visit to Seoul, Blinken refrained from getting involved in the domestic political turmoil that has engulfed South Korea. This comes at a time when there are attempts to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative leader who is currently holed up in his residence. Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached after a failed bid to impose martial law. Blinken’s decision to stay out of the situation reflects the delicate nature of the political crisis in South Korea, which is a close ally of the United States.
During his visit to Seoul, Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced a reminder of the shared challenges that extend beyond the political landscape of the South. On Monday, as Blinken engaged in meetings, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea. This development compelled him to strongly criticize both Pyongyang and its ally, Russia.
During a joint press conference, both Blinken and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, strongly denounced the launch, condemning it as “another violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.”
Blinken says Russia could give North “advanced” space tech
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In addition, the diplomat who is stepping down criticized Russia for its increasing collaboration with Pyongyang in the field of space exploration.
During a news conference, the speaker mentioned that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is currently receiving military equipment and training from Russia. However, recent information suggests that Moscow has plans to share advanced space and satellite technology with Pyongyang.
Officials expressed concerns about North Korea’s involvement in Vladimir Putin’s war effort in Ukraine more than a year ago. This warning has been echoed by many, as North Korea has not only provided weapons but also deployed troops to aid Putin’s ongoing campaign.
Since then, Kim Jong Un has reportedly dispatched at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers to support Putin’s forces. The Russian troops have been facing significant strain after nearly three years of intense conflict in eastern Ukraine and the recent incursion by Ukrainian forces into Kursk, a border region of Russia.
Following North Korea’s missile launch on Monday, the South Korean military announced that it has enhanced its surveillance and vigilance measures in anticipation of potential further launches. Additionally, Seoul is actively coordinating with the United States and Japan regarding this recent development.
U.S., South Korea stress ties amid changing leadership
The test takes place just two weeks before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. During his last term, Trump attempted to charm North Korea through his own personal style of diplomacy.
In a recent statement, Blinken reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of the United States to protect South Korea. During his conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and acting President Choi Sang-mok, the two leaders discussed the ways in which both countries can enhance their bilateral cooperation and foster stronger trilateral collaboration with Japan. The State Department highlighted this commitment to bolstering alliances and promoting regional stability.
Yoon had been highly favored by President Joe Biden’s administration for his pro-U.S. policies on the global stage, until martial law was briefly enforced on December 3. His efforts to mend the long-standing tensions with Japan, a fellow U.S. ally and host to numerous U.S. troops, have been greatly appreciated by the United States.
In 2023, Yoon, along with Biden and Japan’s then prime minister Fumio Kishida, participated in a significant three-way summit at the Camp David presidential retreat. During the summit, they made a commitment to enhance intelligence cooperation regarding North Korea. Choi’s office emphasized that South Korea is still dedicated to upholding the principles and agreements established during the Camp David summit.
The acting president emphasized that South Korea will uphold its diplomatic and security policies, which are rooted in a robust alliance between Korea and the United States, as well as trilateral collaboration involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
South Korea’s progressive opposition, which has consistently caused Yoon great distress from parliament, has been gaining more influence since the president’s power grab. Throughout history, this faction has tended to adopt a more stringent stance towards Japan.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who is currently facing election disqualification in a court case, shares a different stance from the hawkish Yoon when it comes to diplomatic outreach with North Korea.
Asia’s fourth-largest economy is currently facing turmoil and a lack of clear leadership. This situation coincides with the ongoing political transition in the United States.
During his upcoming presidency, Mr. Biden has prioritized the strengthening of U.S. alliances. In contrast, Trump, who will be succeeded by Biden on January 20, has shown a dismissive attitude towards what he perceives as unfair obligations imposed on Washington. Trump, during his recent presidential campaign, stated that if he were in charge, he would have pressured South Korea to pay $10 billion annually for the U.S. troop presence, a figure almost ten times greater than its current contribution.
But surprisingly, Trump developed a strong connection with South Korea’s previous progressive president, Moon Jae-in, who supported his efforts to negotiate with North Korea.
During his time in office, former President Trump, who had previously issued strong threats of “fire and fury” against North Korea, later held three meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In a surprising turn of events, Trump even stated that he and Kim Jong Un had developed a fondness for each other, claiming that they had “fallen in love.”
Blinken says Israel-Hamas truce may not happen under Biden
Secretary of State Blinken expressed optimism on Monday that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could be reached, although it may happen after President Joe Biden’s term ends on January 20. Having previously made multiple unsuccessful attempts to mediate between Hamas and Israel, Blinken affirmed that the Biden administration would tirelessly strive to secure a deal for the release of hostages until the very last moment of its term.
“We are determined to finalize this within the next two weeks,” Blinken informed reporters in Seoul. He expressed confidence that even if it does not happen within this timeframe, it will eventually be completed, ideally sooner rather than later. Blinken emphasized that the plan for completion will be based on President Biden’s proposal, which has garnered widespread support from the international community.”
Donald Trump has made a resolute commitment to provide unwavering support to Israel. In a stern warning to Hamas, he has conveyed that there will be severe consequences if they fail to release the approximately 100 hostages who are still held captive in Gaza, even after the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials estimate that around two-thirds of the remaining hostages are still alive.
According to a Hamas official, the group has announced its readiness to release 34 hostages as part of the “first phase” of a possible agreement with Israel. It has been confirmed that indirect negotiations have resumed in Qatar.
According to Blinken, Hamas has shown increased commitment to reaching a deal, although it has not been finalized yet.
“We are relying on Hamas to make the crucial decisions that will finalize the agreement and bring about significant changes for the hostages, the people in Gaza, and the entire region. This will not only lead to the safe release of the hostages but also bring relief to the people in Gaza and create an opportunity for the region to progress towards a better future,” expressed Blinken.
Since the devastating attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7th, which resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives and the capture of 251 individuals, Blinken has made 12 trips to the Middle East.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasted no time in initiating a relentless military operation in Gaza. Health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory report that this offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 people, leaving the enclave’s infrastructure completely devastated and forcing nearly all of its inhabitants to flee their homes.