Date: Monday, January 17, 2022
Time: 1:30-1:38 P.M.
1. Regarding North Korea’s launch of short-range projectiles
ROK military detected the North firing two projectiles suspected as
short-range ballistic missiles eastward from the Sunan Airport in
Pyeongyang this morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it will take
necessary measures, tracking and monitoring related movements by the
North and maintaining a readiness posture while South Korea and the
United States conduct a detailed analysis of the projectiles.
North Korea is yet to report on the launch through its state media.
The ROK Government immediately held an emergency meeting of the
National Security Council and discussed the background and impact of
the regrettable situation in which the North continues to conduct four
missile tests since the beginning of the new year. The meeting noted
that resuming dialogue at an early date is crucial in restoring
stability and preventing further tension on the Korean Peninsula, and
called to increase such efforts together with the North and other
related countries.
To fundamentally resolve concerns stemming from the North’s
successive missile launches, the Unification Ministry will maintain
peace and stability on the peninsula together with related agencies
and countries, and continue efforts to improve inter-Korean relations
and advance peace on the Korean Peninsula.
We urge the North to pursue peace-building dialogue over missile
launches for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
2. Q&A
Q. North Korea tested its fourth missile this year. What is the
Ministry’s position regarding the recent test launch, and are recent
tests by the North still considered not provocative?
A. The Ministry of Unification, considering the North’s recent
series of missile tests as regrettable actions that do not help with
improving inter-Korean relations and settling peace, has repeatedly
urged North Korea to pursue dialogue over missile launches.
Sharing the position of the NSC regarding the North’s missile tests,
the Ministry will make efforts to restore stability while also working
toward advancing inter-Korean relations, achieving complete
denuclearization, and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Q. A North Korean cargo train crossed the border into China
yesterday. Does the Ministry evaluate the recent train operation as
temporary or long-term? Could this signify an expansion of human
exchanges? What impact will it have on inter-Korean exchanges? If
border restrictions have in fact been eased, what policies will the
Government pursue? Would providing vaccines to the North be an option?
A. Movements of the North preparing for trade by rail with China has
been observed constantly since last year, including the adoption of a
new law concerning the disinfection of imported goods, construction of
disinfection facilities, and working-level consultations on quarantine
procedures. Since yesterday, freight trains traveling between North
Korea’s Sinuiju and China’s Dandong have been detected.
As train operations between North Korea and China are matters to be
discussed and decided by the two parties, it is not appropriate for
the South Korean Government to confirm related details such as future
plans or evaluate its significance. We will have to wait an see
whether trade by rail will continue and lead to easing border control,
restoring trade between North Korea and China, and resuming human exchanges.
The Government will closely examine related developments, including
the frequency and scale of rail transport as well as quarantine
procedures, while also comprehensively considering the impact this has
on the North’s disease prevention measures, trade with China, and
inter-Korean relations. Based on such judgements and evaluations, the
Ministry will review and prepare for ways to implement policy on North
Korea in times of change.
Q. The United Nations has reportedly offered to provide 60 million
doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the North, and North Korean officials
are awaiting Pyeongyang’s approval. Can the Ministry confirm this report?
A. A South-North joint response to infectious diseases such as
Covid-19 is essential as it concerns the safety of both North and
South Korean residents.
However, the Government believes that providing Covid-19 vaccines to
the North is a matter to be pursued at a time when the safety of our
people is secured and public consensus is formed. The North’s
intentions and international community trends are also factors to be
considered. Under such a position, the Government is not reviewing
specific measures at this moment, and the subject is not being
discussed between the ROK and the U.S.
The Ministry has nothing to comment on regarding discussions
surrounding vaccine cooperation between the United Nations and North Korea.