President Yoon Suk-yeol stated that he is continuing strategic communication with China regarding North Korea’s deployment to Russia, emphasizing the country’s responsible role. In a written interview with Spain’s national news agency EFE ahead of his South America tour, President Yoon mentioned that North Korea’s deployment to Russia poses a serious threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula, Europe, and the world.
He further emphasized that China should fulfill its role in contributing to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region, maintain necessary communication with Russia, a party to the conflict, and urged for the cessation of cooperation with North Korea as part of diplomatic efforts.
President Yoon added that if Russia and North Korea do not cease their military adventurism, effective corresponding measures, including strengthened support for Ukraine, would be taken in cooperation with allied and friendly nations.
Additionally, he stated that he would work to further solidify the South Korea-U.S. alliance with President-elect Trump and the new U.S. administration, and pursue denuclearization efforts for North Korea through close coordination.
President Yoon highlighted that as protectionism rises and supply chain instability increases, the strategic importance of resource-rich Latin America is growing. He emphasized that his first visit to Latin America since taking office signifies the expansion of South Korea’s vision as a global pivotal country to the Latin American region.