By Lee Jon-young

During his visit to France to accompany President Yoon Suk-yeol, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin held a trilateral telephone consultation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Japan Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko on November 24, local time. 

Over the phone, the three sides discussed ways for the three countries to respond jointly to North Korea’s launch of a so-called “military reconnaissance satellite” on November 21.

The three Foreign Ministers strongly condemned North Korea for pressing ahead with the launch of the so-called “military reconnaissance satellite” despite repeated warnings from the international community, calling the move a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. 

The three sides agreed to lead, in close coordination among the three countries, a united response from the international community. In particular, they shared the understanding that it is important to clearly demonstrate that North Korea’s provocations come at a cost.

Foreign Minister Park explained that, in a minimal defensive measure for the safety of the people of the Republic of Korea, the ROK government suspended one provision of the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA) on November 22. 

In response to the Foreign Minister’s explanation, the U.S. side noted that the measure was justified as well as limited in scope to respond to North Korea's repeated violations of the CMA. In a similar vein, the Japanese side said that Japan respects the ROK government’s decision and understands its necessity. 

Foreign Minister Park pointed out that, despite all this, North Korea mentioned in a defense ministry statement on November 23 that it would "never be bound" by the CMA, threatening further provocations while passing the responsibility to the ROK. The three Foreign Ministers voiced concern over North Korea’s behavior and agreed to continue close coordination against the North.

The three Foreign Ministers agreed to work closely against the possibility of additional provocations by North Korea, while constantly maintaining robust deterrence against the North.