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Press Availability With Secretary Gates, Korean Foreign Minister Yu, and Korean Defense Minister Kim

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Seoul, South Korea

July 21, 2010

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MODERATOR: (Via translator) (In progress) — shall enter this conference room.
We will soon begin with the joint press meeting of the ROK-U.S. foreign and defense ministers meeting. First of all, (inaudible), the Korean foreign minister, His Excellency Yu Myung-hwan.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: (Via translator) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by welcoming once again Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates on their visit to Seoul to attend the ROK-U.S. foreign and defense ministers meeting.
As all of you know, today’s meeting is being held on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, in accordance with a joint decision by President Lee and President Obama last November, and marks the first of its kind between the ROK and the U.S. Given the special significance of today’s gathering, the four of us visited the joint security area at Panmunjom Village this morning. We were reminded of the hard reality of a divided Korea, and that the ROK-U.S. alliance will continue to remain vital in deterring war and maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Later in the day, we visited the War Memorial to honor the selfless sacrifice of the fallen men and women of the Republic of Korea and the United States, as well as those of the United Nations in the service of freedom and peace during the Korean War, and the sailors who perished with Cheonan. These visits have allowed us to reflect upon the noble foundations of our blood-forged alliance.
At today’s meeting, we have praised the successful development of the ROK-U.S. alliance over the last six decades, and held far-reaching and in-depth consultations on topics of mutual interest and major issues such as our security commitment, and strengthening of the alliance, North Korea, as well as regional and global cooperation. We also reaffirmed the robust commitment and strong desire of both our governments to promote the future (inaudible) of our alliance.
First of all, we share the view that over the last 60 years the ROK-U.S. alliance has been effectively deterring North Korea’s military threat, playing a vital role in supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and evolving into the most successful alliance relationship. We also decided to actively pursue the development of a strategic ROK-U.S. alliance of the 21st century, based on the joint vision agreed to by our two presidents in June 2009.
In addition, both sides reaffirmed the robust security commitment and firm readiness posture of our two countries. We were also briefed on the progress being made in the consultations between our defense authorities for implementing the adjustment of the timing of wartime OPCON transition, pursuant to the agreement by our two leaders several weeks ago, and directed that the final plan be produced by the ROK-U.S. security consultative meeting this October.
With regard to the Cheonan incident, we concurred that such armed provocation by North Korea poses serious threats to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and in Northeast Asia, and that the UN Security Council Presidential Statement was highly significant, in that it represented the unified voice of the international community in condemning North Korea’s attack, and stressed the importance of preventing further provocations, and welcomed the close ROK-U.S. coordination.
Furthermore, we were in full accord that North Korea should accept stern international demands for it to take responsibility, and refrain from engaging in further provocations, and that otherwise there will be serious consequences.
Also, we approved the plan for holding a series of combined ROK-U.S. military exercises, including combined naval and other exercises, which was officially announced at yesterday’s defense ministers meeting. In particular, we made clear that these exercises are aimed at deterring war, and maintaining peace on the Peninsula, and to ensure that they unmistakably demonstrate the firm resolve of the ROK-U.S. alliance in the face of North Korea’s military provocation.
In addition, both sides acknowledge the close bilateral cooperation regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, and urge North Korea to carry out the complete and verifiable abandonment of all its nuclear programs in pursuit of nuclear weapons, and demonstrate through concrete actions its (inaudible) to denuclearize.
Moreover, through today’s consultations, both sides concurred that the ROK-U.S. alliance is emerging as a global partnership contributing to addressing regional and global challenges beyond the Korean Peninsula, and acknowledged our close bilateral cooperation on reconstruction and stabilization in such places as Afghanistan and Haiti, as well as with regard to the G20 summit and the nuclear security summit.
What is more, the two sides pledged to work actively together towards ratification of the KORUS FTA, based on the strong commitment and decision of our two leaders at their joint meeting in Toronto.
Lastly, both sides noted that today’s meeting was very productive and useful in furthering the development of a strategic ROK-U.S. alliance, and decided to consider holding further foreign and defense ministers meetings, as necessary.
We also agreed to continue strengthening political cooperation and coordination through ROK-U.S. foreign and defense officials meetings at the deputy minister-assistant secretary level.
MODERATOR: Next, on behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will deliver opening remarks.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. It is a pleasure to be in Seoul again for the first-ever 2+2 meeting between Korea and the United States. And I want to thank Foreign Minister Yu and Defense Minister Kim for their hospitality and the substantive discussions.
Secretary Gates and I are here, in part, to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. This morning we visited the DMZ and the War Memorial, powerful reminders of our shared history. The people of South Korea and the United States have stood together for six decades, through the struggle of war and an uneasy peace, through a transition to democracy and open markets that have transformed life for millions.
A cornerstone of our alliance is our commitment to South Korea’s security and sovereignty, which we have demonstrated in the face of North Korea’s latest provocation. We have consulted closely throughout this process, and worked together to secure a unanimous United Nations Security Council statement condemning the sinking of the Cheonan. And today I am announcing a series of measures to increase our ability to prevent North Korea’s proliferation, to halt their illicit activities that help fund their weapons programs, and to discourage further provocative actions.
First, we will implement new country-specific sanctions aimed at North Korea’s sale and procurement of arms and related materiel, and the procurement of luxury goods and other illicit activities. These new measures will strengthen our enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874. And they also provide new authorities to target illicit North Korean activities.
In addition to these new measures, we will expand and strengthen our work under existing authorities to identify pressure and put out of business North Korean entities involved in proliferation and other illicit practices overseas. This intensified effort includes, among others: additional State and Treasury designations of entities and individuals supporting proliferation, subjecting them to an asset freeze, new efforts with key governments to stop the DPRK trading companies engaged in illicit activities from operating in countries, and prevent the banks of other countries from facilitating these illicit transactions; expanded cooperation globally to prevent the travel of individuals designated under Security Council resolutions, as well as other key North Korean proliferators; greater emphasis on North Korea’s repeated abuse of its diplomatic privileges, in order to engage in activities banned by the Security Council. And, finally, we will press countries not to purchase banned items from North Korea, or to sell North Korea proliferation-related goods.
All of this builds on our efforts to enforce vigorously resolutions 1718 and 1874, and our cooperation through the proliferation security initiative. My special advisor for non-proliferation and arms control, Robert Einhorn, will coordinate U.S. efforts and will travel to the region soon to consult on sanctions implementations with South Korea and other allies and partners.
Let me stress that these measures are not directed at the people of North Korea, who have suffered too long, due to the misguided and maligned priorities of their government. They are directed at the destabilizing, illicit, and provocative policies pursued by that government. From the beginning of the Obama Administration, we have made clear that there is a path open to the DPRK to achieve the security and international respect it seeks. North Korea can halt its provocative behavior, its threats and belligerence towards its neighbors, take irreversible steps to fulfill its denuclearization commitments, and comply with international law. And if North Korea chooses that path, sanctions will be lifted, energy and other economic assistance will be provided, its relations with the United States will be normalized, and the current armistice on the Peninsula will be replaced by a permanent peace agreement. But as long as the North Korean leadership takes a different choice, continuing defiance, provocation, and belligerence, it will continue to suffer the consequences.
Secretary Gates and I had a good talk on a range of other issues with the foreign minister and defense minister. I will leave it to Secretary Gates to discuss our ongoing military-to-military cooperation and other related matters, including our agreement to transfer operational control for alliance activities in 2015. But I want to emphasize that every step we take, every diplomatic effort and joint military exercise is aimed at strengthening our alliance, upholding our commitments, and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, across the region, and increasingly, around the world.
I applaud South Korea’s contributions to peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, and its efforts in Afghanistan, its generous support for the people of Haiti, its commitment to triple official development assistance by 2015, and its upcoming role as host of the G20 later this year, and the nuclear security summit in 2012. South Korea is a responsible and dynamic partner on the world stage, helping to solve shared problems, and promoting broader security and prosperity. This is a testament to President Lee’s plan for a global Korea, and to the 2009 joint vision statement put out by both President Obama and President Lee.
We also reaffirmed a central pillar of our relationship: our commitment to the KORUS Free Trade Agreement. This agreement will benefit the people of both our countries, boosting commerce, growing our economies, creating good-paying jobs. We are working to resolve the outstanding issues, including leveling the playing field for U.S. workers and producers in key sectors of autos and beef, and we expect intensive discussions in the months ahead.
South Korea is already America’s seventh largest trading partner, with two-way trade and goods alone reaching nearly $70 billion last year. And we believe this is only the beginning of our shared economic potential. As President Obama said at the G20 recently, we are committed to getting the free trade agreement passed.
So, again, let me thank our hosts, and I look forward to continuing our work in the days and months ahead.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Next, we will open up the floor to your journalists to get three questions each from the Korean side and the U.S. side.
QUESTION: (Via translator) First, my question is for Minister Yu. I read the joint statement, and I assume that you must have had in-depth discussions during the actual meeting. The focus, I believe, is perhaps finalizing positions on future policies on North Korea on the part of both the ROK and U.S. Some say that today’s meeting should serve as the occasion to start reviewing an exit strategy on the Cheonan incident by way of the Six-Party Talks. Other say that such is too early. I believe that, in the long run, a review on an exit strategy is the right way to go. To what extent has this topic been addressed during the meeting?
More specifically, if the Cheonan incident is seen to be settled for the time being with the UNSC Presidential Statement, how much longer do you think the pressure measures against North Korea announced on the — on May 24th will go on?
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: Yes. During the 2+2 ministers meeting, in the aftermath of the Cheonan incident, we talked about policy coordination between ROK and the U.S. With regard to the Cheonan incident specifically, we urge North Korea to quickly admit to its responsibility and offer an apology, and also promise to prevent further similar provocations from occurring. And we will coordinate all efforts to that end.
North Korea, to date, has been saying that it will not come to the Six-Party Talks table. So discussing that topic and talking about denuclearization at the Six-Party Talks should come after the peace agreement, as requested by North Korea. And we need to discuss on — a playing field. And they also asked us to eliminate UN resolution 1718 and 1874, and North Korea has made other series of requests.
And some out there talk about an exit strategy with regard to Cheonan incident. But our view is that it is not a ripe time for such an exit strategy at this time.
And another point is that at the UNSC presently we are coordinating efforts between the ROK and the U.S. And, as a result of that effort, the Presidential Statement has been released. And the ROK-U.S. joint civilian military investigation group has identified that North Korea has played a part in the Cheonan incident, and the statement strongly condemns the provocations of the North Korea. So we have to put that into context.
And we have the May 24th measures announced by the Korean Government, and our North Korean policies should continue on that front. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Next question comes from Mr. Andrew Quinn from the Reuters. Please turn on the microphone.
QUESTION: (In progress) And is this a return to the strategy that we saw before, such as targeting Banco Delta Asia, where we’re really trying to hit North Korea in the pocketbook? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: We have a three-part strategy for dealing with North Korea. We are intensively engaged in diplomatic efforts with our allies and partners like the Republic of Korea and Japan, all of the other members of the Six-Party framework, as well as the United Nations, through the Security Council. And the results of those efforts in the last 18 months have led to resolution 1874, which are the toughest general set of sanctions that have been imposed on North Korea, which we think has had an effect.
Secondly, we engage in strengthening our alliance with South Korea, and our efforts of deterrence, which will be evidenced by the military exercises in the coming weeks. The very clear message that the United States stands to defend the security and sovereignty of South Korea is unmistakable.
And then, finally, we are aiming very specifically, after much intensive research built on what was done before — but not limited to that — to target the leadership, to target their assets. As you recall several years ago, we did get some action from the North Koreans as a result of the steps that were taken at that time. And intensive efforts by the State Department and Treasury Department to identify the activities and the individuals who we think deserve such sanctioning, and who themselves are either part of the leadership or can influence the leadership is what is contained in this next set of pressure.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) The second question from the Korean side comes from Mr. Yo Hong Du from NBC.
QUESTION: (Via translator) I have two questions directed to Secretary Clinton. I understand that both the ROK and U.S. are of the position that we must (inaudible) North Korea’s will to denuclearize before resuming the Six-Party Talks. But there seems to be confusing arising from this. For example, if North Korea, as early as tomorrow, comes out and says that it will come to the Six-Party Talks to discuss denuclearization with no preconditions, could the talks actually take place?
And also, can the talks resume, even without an apology from North Korea, or actions for punishment against the culprit with regard to the Cheonan incident? What does North Korea actually have to do for the Six-Party Talks to resume?
And another question. You talked about the UN resolutions 1718 and 1874 and the need to strengthen these resolution provisions. I have a question concerning the conditions and the term of these provisions, whether to suspend them and to ease them. Would that depend on the apologies or the punishment on the culprit, the provisions of 1718 and 1874 — all of the measures be applied on an equal level?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, your question about what does the DPRK have to do is truly the right question. And we think they know the answer, they just refuse to actually do it. They know very well that they made commitments over the last years to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which they have reneged on, and which we expect them to once again adhere to. We are looking for the irreversible denuclearization. We saw steps taken by North Korea which, as you know, they then decided to reverse. And it’s our position that we are seeking irreversible steps.
Secondly, the idea of returning to the Six-Party Talks, as Minister Yu pointed out, is not something we are looking at yet, because we do expect to see North Korea take certain steps that would acknowledge their responsibility for the sinking of Cheonan, which would demonstrate their commitment to the irreversible denuclearization of the Peninsula, which would end the provocative and belligerent actions.
Now, we will consult closely with South Korea and the other partners in the Six-Party Talks. And, of course, if we all concluded that there was a very promising effort that could be undertaken because of signals that North Korea sent, we would give that serious consideration. But to date we have seen nothing that gives us any reason to believe that North Korea is ready to end its provocative, belligerent behaviors, to take the irreversible steps — that they clearly know about, because they previously committed to doing so — and to remedy the actions that they have taken against South Korea with the attack on the Cheonan.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Next we will invite Mr. Dan De Luce from AFP for the next question.
QUESTION: First part of the question for Mr. Gates, and then the second part for all of you. The man nominated to be the next U.S. director of national intelligence as you have endorsed, Mr. Clapper, spoke about his concerns about — that we may be seeing the beginning of a new wave of attacks from North Korea. And do you agree with that assessment? And if so, why?
And then for all of you, as far as these planned military exercises, what leads you to hope that this will actually deter North Korea, and not possibly actually provoke or raise tensions or create further problems?
SECRETARY GATES: Well, first of all, I would say that there has been some indication over the last number of months that, as a succession process gets underway in the north, that there might be provocations, and particularly since the sinking of the Cheonan. So I think it is something that we have to look at very closely. We have to keep it in mind and be very vigilant.
By the same token, I think taking steps that further strengthen deterrence and also demonstrate our determination not to be intimidated are very important. And yesterday we briefed in some detail on the first exercise that will take place, beginning in a week or so. And we have recommitted to the fact that we will continue these bilateral exercises, and we will conduct them both in the East Sea and in the West Sea.
And so, I think that we have to — there is certainly not certainty about further provocations. I think that General Clapper was just warming up for his new job, assuming that he is confirmed by the Senate. But I think it is an important point, and it’s something we have to be on the lookout for, to be vigilant, but also to be strong. And, frankly, I think sending a signal of unity that this 2+2 meeting sends, that we — that this is a very strong and a very close alliance, and that we will act together going forward, is an important message, I hope, in deterring future provocations.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Next we will have a question from Mr. Song So Li from MBN.
QUESTION: (Via translator) This question goes to the defense minister, Kim. Actually, during the SCM this October, I understand that your plan for adjusting the timing of the wartime OPCON transition will be finalized. So can you tell us the broad framework for that plan? And then, what are the complementary needs that you have identified so far?
And also, what do you think about the possibility of a contingency within North Korea, due to the internal issues such as the deteriorating health of Kim Jong-il?
And due to the economic issues such as the financial crisis, I understand that there is a pressure within the U.S. to reduce the military spending. Doesn’t that impact the ROK-U.S. alliance?
And I also understand that there is a view that you need to increase the military spending. What is your comments on these?
DEFENSE MINISTER KIM: (Via translator) Let me answer that question first. Yes, at the SCM meeting scheduled for October this year, we will further finalize a detailed plan regarding the adjustment and timing of the wartime OPCON. The progress so far has been focused on the OPCON transition. Initially slated for 2012, it has been postponed to 2015.
So we are not just extending the period of the transition by three years, but also in the process of maintaining strong allied relationship between the two countries, we would like to complement any areas for further improvement. And we are trying to fill in those nooks and crannies for further improvement to strengthen the alliance. So we will further discuss some important items, and continue to consult to further evolve our alliance. And detailed discussions will take place to finalize our new plan by October in the next SCM meeting to come up with a broad picture of the future.
With regard to the North Korea contingency possibility, we are always closely keeping an eye on North Korea. And as you concurred with us, there is always the possibility of a North Korean contingency, for sure. But there are no clear-cut signs of one at this point. But the possibility for one to come is quite high. And on that front, the ROK and U.S. is closely coordinating policies and improved closer ties to deal with that.
SECRETARY GATES: One thing to a point you raised about U.S. defense spending, because I think it’s an important point for our Korean — South Korean — allies. And let me be very clear. What the Obama Administration is doing at this time with respect to American defense spending is not cutting defense spending, but trying to sustain our force structure, our capabilities, our numbers, and our future investments through a reallocation of money within the defense budget from overhead and administrative programs and weak programs to our forces.
And so, in terms of our alliance, all of the efforts that we have underway at the Department of Defense are intended to keep the forces that we have as strong as possible, and to make those forces stronger in the future with greater investment. We see no pressures — I see no pressures — in the foreseeable future that would cause us in any way to reduce our capabilities or in any way weaken our military strength.
MODERATOR: (Speaks in Vietnamese.)
QUESTION: Hi. My first question is for Mrs. Clinton and related to Gates. Last month in China you had a lot of discussions with the Chinese about North Korea. And we had the impression that the Chinese would be taking a tough position on the North Korea situation, and possibly inviting Mr. Gates to Beijing. Are you disappointed with the Chinese position so far on North Korea? And what message will you be bringing to them in Hanoi at the regional forum?
And for Minister Yu, a lot of discussion today has been about North Korea’s nuclear program. But South Korea is going to be beginning new negotiations with the U.S. on its civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. What is the status of negotiations, and do you see any problems coming to a conclusion with the U.S. on South Korea’s hopes to reprocess its own nuclear fuel? Thank you.
SECRETARY GATES: Let me begin from the U.S. standpoint. First of all, I would have to say that — and I would defer to Secretary Clinton on this — but I think it was important that China voted for the Presidential Statement at the UN, thereby allowing a unanimous vote that everybody recognized was a condemnation of North Korea’s provocation.
I continue to believe that an open and growing dialogue, military-to-military, between the United States and China is in the best interests of both countries. President Hu and President Obama agreed to this in their meeting last year. Obviously, we were disappointed that the ministry of defense postponed the visit, withdrew the invitation, however you want to characterize it. But I think we have to look to the future. And I would say that I remain open to rebuilding and strengthening the military-to-military dialogue between the United States and China, because I think it can play an important role in preventing miscalculations and misunderstandings.
And so, I look forward to that. We will see. We are obviously concerned by some of the things China has said, some of the things China is doing in the military arena. They are worrying. But that’s all the more reason to open this dialogue.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: (Via translator) Regarding the ROK-U.S. agreement for cooperation and civil uses of atomic energy, actually it’s been almost for 40 years. This agreement will expire in 2014. And the agreement has laid a foundation for developing the atomic energy industry of Korea to the level that it is today.
(Inaudible) in order for us to respond to climate change, we believe that the peaceful use of atomic energy is a necessary for us. Therefore, based on the changed circumstances in environment, to support the foundation of our atomic energy industry, we will find a way to revise this agreement. But other than the peaceful use of this energy, the — when it comes to the military use, we are completely opposed to this idea. And Korea is at the forefront of leading the non-proliferation initiative of the international community. And that is our government’s policy, as well. Therefore, the revision of this agreement will consider the use in the civil areas and the commercial application. That will be the basic direction of the revision.
MODERATOR: This concludes the press availability meeting of the ROK-U.S. foreign and defense ministers meeting. Thank you.
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