S. Korea, U.S. keep 'unwavering' readiness posture against possible N.K. provocations: ambassador

송상호 / 2024-09-25 03:02:43

S Korea-US-security efforts

▲ South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong speaks during a meeting with reporters in Washington on Sept. 24, 2024. (Yonhap)

S Korea-US-security efforts

S. Korea, U.S. keep 'unwavering' readiness posture against possible N.K. provocations: ambassador

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is maintaining an "unwavering" readiness posture "around the clock" against potential North Korean provocations through close cooperation with the United States, Seoul's top envoy to Washington said Tuesday, amid concerns over Pyongyang's growing nuclear and missile threats.

Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong made the remarks as the North has ratcheted up tensions with its rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, display of a new road-mobile launcher for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and continued weapons tests.

"As there have been significant North Korean provocations during periods of government changes in Washington, our government has been keeping an unwavering response posture around the clock through watertight information sharing and coordination on responses (to contingencies) between South Korea and the U.S.," Cho said during a meeting with reporters.

His remarks came amid concerns that Pyongyang could engage in major provocations, including an ICBM launch and a nuclear test, near the U.S. presidential election in November to draw attention, demonstrate its military power and bolster its leverage.

Commenting on the U.S. election, Cho assessed that a tight race between Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump is continuing as anticipated.

He said that the embassy will make its own preparations to ensure close policy cooperation with Washington regardless of who wins the White House.

South Korean policymakers have been closely watching developments in the U.S. election season as who occupies the Oval Office would affect America's policy on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, North Korean threats and other key issues in the bilateral relations.

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