The US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan has expressed strong disapproval of President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to declare martial law in South Korea, calling it "shocking" and "wrong."
Despite the turmoil caused by this decision and the subsequent impeachment of Yoon, Sullivan remains confident in the long-term health of the South Korea-US alliance, which he described as "incredibly healthy."
The events surrounding Yoon's martial law declaration have thrown South Korea into a period of political uncertainty, but Sullivan reassured that the foundation of the alliance remains strong.
Speaking at a press conference, Sullivan emphasised that the Biden administration had not made significant progress towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea's nuclear programme continues to move in the "wrong" direction.
However, he pointed out that the United States and its allies are in a much better position to deter North Korea's threats, despite the lack of progress on denuclearisation.
He also noted concerns about North Korea potentially exploiting the political crisis in South Korea to provoke further actions but reassured that the US-South Korea alliance remains resolute.
The events leading up to the political instability in South Korea began with President Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3, 2024. This move was met with widespread criticism, leading to Yoon's impeachment on December 14, 2024.
The botched martial law bid has deeply shaken the political landscape, but Sullivan expressed hope that South Korea would emerge from this turmoil with its democratic institutions intact. He stated that despite the current crisis, South Korea's commitment to the US-South Korea alliance will remain unchanged.
Sullivan acknowledged that the martial law declaration was a surprising and incorrect decision but stated that it is now up to South Korea's constitutional processes to resolve the issue peacefully and without violence.
He expressed confidence that, in the long run, the alliance between the two countries will remain strong due to the deep and fundamental reasons behind it, as well as the efforts of the past few years to strengthen bilateral ties.
Regarding North Korea, Sullivan reflected on the challenges the United States has faced in trying to denuclearise the regime. Despite numerous attempts, dating back to the Clinton administration, substantial progress has remained elusive.
The trend has continued in the wrong direction, and Sullivan admitted that he did not hold optimistic views about making significant breakthroughs.
However, he highlighted that the US and its allies have positioned themselves to better deter North Korean threats, even if they have not been able to address the problem directly.
Sullivan also addressed concerns about North Korea potentially taking advantage of the political chaos in South Korea.
He acknowledged that there is a "risk" of North Korea engaging in provocative actions, but reiterated that the US-South Korea alliance remains strong, and the US has the deterrence power to face any such provocations.
He further emphasised that it is in the best interest of American national security for South Korea's political crisis to be resolved swiftly and in accordance with its constitution.
The North Korean threat, according to Sullivan, remains acute, a situation that has persisted under multiple US administrations. He pointed out the growing cooperation between North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran, which he described as a significant shift in the global security landscape.
However, he also stated that this alignment is not as unified as it may seem, and the US is actively seeking to exploit gaps within this coalition.
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