The United States, South Korea, and Japan have jointly formulated new measures to address the evolving challenges posed by North Korea, specifically focusing on cyber threats, cryptocurrency abuses, and space launches, as affirmed by White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This development stems from a meeting held in Seoul among the national security advisers of the three nations, occurring against the backdrop of heightened warnings from Pyongyang regarding the deployment of additional spy satellites.
Sullivan highlighted that the gathering was a follow-up to commitments established at the Camp David trilateral summit in August, where President Joe Biden convened with leaders from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, collectively pledging to deepen cooperation in both security and economic domains. Sullivan emphasized, “We’ve also launched new trilateral initiatives to counter the threats posed by the DPRK, from its cybercrime and cryptocurrency money laundering to its reckless space and ballistic missile tests.”
Japanese counterpart Takeo Akiba underscored the significance of addressing North Korea’s “illicit cyber activities,” characterizing them as a critical funding source for the isolated state’s nuclear missile development.
The collaborative efforts of the three countries are set to address potential economic coercion threats, with a particular focus on a supply-chain early warning system in critical minerals and rechargeable batteries, as previously agreed upon at Camp David.
Sullivan recalled the unity projected at Camp David, where discussions centered on countering China’s growing influence and addressing nuclear threats from North Korea. He reiterated the nations’ commitment to upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and ensuring freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas.
Notably, Sullivan, alongside his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yong, chaired the inaugural Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Dialogue on Saturday. This forum aims to facilitate cooperation on critical technologies, including chips, between the three nations.
Addressing North Korea’s determination to launch more spy satellites, Sullivan rejected claims of a double standard and asserted that North Korea’s satellite launches involve ballistic-missile technologies that contravene United Nations resolutions, while South Korea’s activities adhere to international norms.
Sanctions monitors have previously accused North Korea of utilizing cyberattacks to fund its nuclear and missile programs. A recent U.N. report highlighted an escalation in North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft in 2022, utilizing sophisticated techniques. North Korea has consistently denied allegations of hacking or engaging in cyberattacks.
Following discussions with Sullivan and Akiba, South Korea’s Cho disclosed that the trio also exchanged perspectives on issues pertaining to Ukraine and the Middle East. The ongoing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea was deliberated, with the collective belief that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Sullivan noted continued activity at the port in North Korea’s border town of Rason, where, as previously reported in October, the White House asserted that North Korea had supplied Russia with weapons. North Korea has consistently denied allegations of arms transfers to Moscow.
Ref: Reuters
