Advertisement
‘North Korea still Seoul’s top security threat’ – even in a Taiwan Strait conflict
- South Korean president says his country must deal with Pyongyang first, above all else
- Chinese analyst says Yoon Suk-yeol trying to avoid antagonising Beijing
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
5
Pyongyang will remain Seoul’s top security priority even if there is conflict in the Taiwan Strait, South Korea’s president said on Sunday in comments that a Chinese observer said were to avoid provoking Beijing.
When asked by CNN whether he would support the US militarily against a mainland China attack on Taiwan, Yoon Suk-yeol said the North Korean issue would still be the country’s top priority in such a situation.
“In the case of military conflict around Taiwan, there would be an increased possibility of North Korean provocation,” Yoon said.
Advertisement
“Therefore, in that case, the top priority for [South] Korea and the US-Korea alliance on the Korean peninsula would be based on our robust defence posture. We must deal with the North Korean threat first.”
01:58
North Korea tests ballistic missile as US warship docks in South ahead of Kamala Harris visit
North Korea tests ballistic missile as US warship docks in South ahead of Kamala Harris visit
His comments came just days after US President Joe Biden said again that American troops would defend Taiwan if Beijing were to attack the island.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x