In a recent development, a claim by North Korea that a South Korean drone penetrated Pyongyang airspace has raised tensions. The South Korean National Security Office chief dismissed the claim, attributing it to North Korea’s internal instability. He emphasized that unless North Korea is suicidal, war is unlikely. The chief theorized that North Korea’s provocation was for internal control purposes rather than escalating a conflict. Regarding the alleged drone incident, he criticized the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff for irresponsibly stating they could not confirm the facts. He suggested that dismissing North Korea’s claims outright might exacerbate internal conflicts. The chief also addressed criticism from the opposition party, stressing the importance of protecting South Korean interests and downplaying criticism of government and military efforts.
Furthermore, the possibility of a trilateral summit among the US, South Korea, and Japan has grown, following a proposal by US President Joe Biden. However, logistical constraints may delay the meeting until after APEC and G20 conferences. As for a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the chief acknowledged the challenge of scheduling amid healthy diplomatic principles. He emphasized the need for balanced relations between China and both South Korea and the US.
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