South Korea backs US talks with North Korea, but wants a seat at the table

South Korea has once again affirmed its backing for any US-led initiatives aimed at restarting dialogue with North Korea. National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac stated that Seoul will actively support confidence-building measures and a renewed engagement with Pyongyang.

However, Wi emphasized that South Korea must not be marginalized in these diplomatic endeavors. He stressed that any resumption of talks should prioritize tangible advancements in North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Furthermore, any direct dialogue between the US and North Korea should not compromise South Korea's security preparedness.

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South Korea must not be pushed to the sidelines.

This diplomatic stance comes as South Korean media reports suggest a joint military exercise involving South Korea, Japan, and the US is scheduled to commence on September 7. This planned drill follows President Donald Trump's earlier decision to scale back larger bilateral exercises and cancel a Marine Corps maneuver. Trump had cited a "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and characterized the exercises as sending an "inappropriate and hostile signal" to a country he felt had behaved respectfully.

Seoul is also seeking to bolster cooperation with the US on various fronts, including investments, the online retailer Coupang, and general national security matters. Reports indicate that Trump might meet Kim later this fall, potentially during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November, although no official plans have been confirmed.

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The maneuvers sent a completely inappropriate and hostile signal to a country that had behaved respectfully and not threateningly during his presidency.