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PoliticsSouth Korea shifts North Korea policy, prioritizes peace talks over denuclearisation
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The South Korean government under President Lee Jae-myung has formally announced a major policy shift towards North Korea, moving away from demanding denuclearisation as a primary prerequisite and instead prioritizing peace talks. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that if Pyongyang halts its nuclear arsenal development, it will receive 'tangible compensation' from Seoul. The minister assessed that the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping this autumn will be crucial for resuming inter-Korean negotiations. Additionally, the arrival of new US Ambassador Michelle Steel in late July may provide further diplomatic momentum. In a related social policy change, the term 'defectors from the North' will be replaced with 'people with northern roots' to emphasize integration. Despite the shift, Pyongyang continues to view its nuclear arsenal as a security guarantor and considers South Korea its greatest threat. Analysts expect a positive reaction from North Korea to Seoul's conciliatory approach.
Source report
Seoul — South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has announced a significant policy shift regarding North Korea, moving away from the previous administration’s focus on achieving denuclearisation first and toward a strategy that prioritises peace.
“Over the past year, the Lee Jae-myung administration has de facto abolished the previous cabinet’s position, which focused on achieving denuclearisation first, and has moved towards a policy of prioritising peace,” Minister Chung stated.
He added that if Pyongyang halts the development of its nuclear arsenal, it would receive “tangible compensation” from Seoul.
Key Diplomatic Developments
- US-China Summit: Minister Chung assessed that the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, scheduled for this autumn, will be crucial for the resumption of inter-Korean negotiations.
- New US Ambassador: The arrival of the new US Ambassador to South Korea, Michelle Steel, scheduled for late July, may also provide an opportunity to revive bilateral relations.
Changes in Social Policy
The government will also introduce changes in terminology and support:
- The term “defectors from the North” will be discontinued and replaced with “people with northern roots.”
- This change aims to emphasise the integration and self-reliance of these individuals, rather than the act of defection itself.
- Scholarships for researchers focusing on North Korean issues will be increased.
Current Context
At present, Pyongyang continues to develop its nuclear arsenal, positioning it as a guarantor of its security, while regarding its southern neighbour as the greatest threat to its sovereignty.
Although the policy change is significant, it is largely formal, as the current cabinet has been characterised by a liberal approach to North Korea since its inception. Nonetheless, a positive reaction from Pyongyang is expected in response to Seoul’s decision.
By Patryk Jagnieża
Tags: SOUTH KOREA | CHINA | UNITED STATES | NORTH KOREA | NUCLEAR THREAT
Source
Defence24.comRegional
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South Korea Prioritizes Peace Talks Over Denuclearisation in North Korea Policy Shift