WASHINGTON: Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, emphasized the United States’ reinforced commitment to sanctions against North Korea in light of its refusal to engage in dialogue.
Speaking at a forum hosted by the Brookings Institution, Kritenbrink stated that the U.S. had intensified security arrangements with allies such as South Korea and Japan, while rallying a broad international coalition to enforce sanctions.
Despite efforts to initiate diplomacy “without preconditions,” North Korea has responded with continued missile launches, prompting the U.S. to prioritize a tougher stance.
Kritenbrink also underscored the deepening trilateral cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan in countering North Korean threats.
The three nations reaffirmed their commitment to consult each other in the face of shared challenges during a summit held at Camp David last year.
In addition to addressing North Korea, Kritenbrink highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He expressed concerns over Chinese coercion toward Taiwan and advocated leveraging the Taiwan Relations Act to counter Chinese aggression.
Emphasizing Taiwan’s significant role in global industries like transportation and semiconductors, Kritenbrink warned of the regional and international ramifications of any threats in the region.
