[사설] Voice of ‘disarmament talks’ in the US, the principle of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula must be maintained

A US State Department official said nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea could also be an option. This statement raises doubts as to whether the United States recognizes North Korea as a nuclear power. There is no disagreement that the only solution to the North Korean nuclear issue is dialogue. However, it should be clear that the ultimate goal of that dialogue is the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Bonnie Jenkins, Undersecretary of Arms Control and International Security at the US State Department, was questioned during a debate at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace held in Washington on 27 (local time) when the North Korean nuclear issue could be addressed. in terms of arms control If the two countries are willing to sit down and have a dialogue, arms control can always be an option, “he said.” You can discuss with them all the different aspects of a traditional arms control treaty, from arms control to risk reduction, “Jenkins said. I’m not going to say ‘No’,” he explained.

His remarks are inadequate as they can be seen to mean that the United States accepts the “disarmament talks between equal nuclear powers” that North Korea has insisted on. The next day, as the controversy grew, a State Department spokesperson said, “US policy is still the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.” Arms control refers to mutual consultation and adjustment of the level of development, deployment and functioning of the overall military force or specific weapon systems between countries. Although it is not identical to disarmament, it is generally used in a similar way. US civilian experts have talked a lot about the recent nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea. However, North Korea cannot be recognized as a legitimate nuclear power under the international non-proliferation regime.

North Korea should not be allowed to freely increase its nuclear capabilities without restraint as it is now. However, precision attacks on North Korean nuclear facilities are not an option. What remains is to increase the credibility of the US promise of extended deterrence and to engage in dialogue with North Korea. In the process, the key is that all affected countries reaffirm their ultimate goal of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.