Commentary
Below are a series of questions asked to me by “Taiwan Talks,” one of Taiwan’s English TV programs, regarding recent events between South Korea, the United States, and the Indo-Pacific region.
What is the significance of the “Washington Declaration” agreed to by President Joe Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea?
The “Washington Declaration” is meant to counter the growing nuclear threat from North Korea (DPRK) with a set of new deterrence measures by the United States in support of South Korea.
Recall that in September 2022, DPRK announced its three no’s: “absolutely no denuclearization, no negotiation, and no bargaining chip to trade,” regardless if international sanctions were lifted. The Washington Declaration is a response to increased North Korean belligerence through its public statements and over 100 long-range missile tests since the beginning of 2022. Remember that after then-President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, DPRK ceased its long-range rocket testing until Trump’s departure in 2021….