The Biden Administration’s North Korea Policy and Conditions for the Resumption of U.S.-DPRK Talks​

Cheong Seong-Chang

(softpower@sejong.org)

Director of the Center for North Korean Studies, the Sejong Institute

English Abstract

The Biden administration has maintained its flexible attitude toward North Korea. However, if China, which has the greatest influence on North Korea, does not cooperate, then there is a limit to negotiating with North Korea. In order to reach a grand compromise between North Korea and the U.S., it is necessary for China, the U.S., South Korea, and North Korea to hold a four-party talk and discuss North Korean nuclear issues. Therefore, the South Korean government should focus on holding a multiparty talk on North Korean nuclear issues instead of simply cooperating against the pandemic. It also should play a more active role to reduce or suspend the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, convert the truce to a peace regime, and improve the U.S.-North Korea relations.​​