WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's nominee for deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell, emphasized the increasing need for deterrence against North Korea, citing its ongoing development of long-range weapons and reluctance to engage in diplomacy.
According to Yonhap News Agency, During a Senate confirmation hearing, Campbell, currently serving as the National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, expressed his concerns over North Korea's disinterest in diplomacy with the U.S. He referenced a recent statement by Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which dismissed the possibility of resuming dialogue with the U.S. This stance, coupled with North Korea's satellite launch, has escalated tensions and added skepticism about potential U.S.-North Korean dialogues amid global challenges like the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Campbell highlighted that North Korea's reluctance to engage has persisted since the failed Vietnam summit between Kim Jong-un and former President Donald Trump. The Biden administration has attempted various approaches, including offering COVID-19 vaccines and other humanitarian engagements, but with little response from Pyongyang. Campbell also raised concerns over North Korea's military collaboration with Russia and advancements in nuclear and missile technologies.
Regarding trilateral talks between South Korea, Japan, and China, Campbell expressed confidence in the strength of U.S. ties with South Korea and Japan, compared to China's efforts in building trust. He also commented on the improving relations between South Korea and Japan, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's proposal addressing the wartime forced labor issue. Campbell commended Japan and South Korea for their courage and the U.S.'s support for strengthening this cooperation.
Campbell, nominated for the State Department's second-highest position, reaffirmed his commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and addressing challenges posed by countries like China. He emphasized the importance of responding to any threats to U.S. power and its allies in the region.
Campbell has been a key figure in U.S. Indo-Pacific policy since January 2021 and previously served as the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs from 2009 to 2013.