Leaders of the US and South Korea focus on clearing the diplomatic deadlock with North Korea

US President Joe Biden (right) and new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol meet in Korea – Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters news agency, this is the first time Biden and Yoon have met in Seoul since Yoon took office 11 days ago.

A senior official in the Biden administration told reporters May 21 that the two leaders of the United States and South Korea will discuss nuclear cooperation, and that Washington remains open to stepping up diplomatic efforts with the United States. North Korea.

“We are very much looking forward to being able to find a diplomatic approach. We have made it clear that we are ready to talk with them without preconditions, and we are also prepared to take steps. to address their domestic challenges, including COVID-19,” the US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

However, it is not clear how the US and South Korea will initiate negotiations with North Korea. Pyongyang has rejected efforts to negotiate from Washington since Biden took office in January 2021.

Besides, the new South Korean leader is a person who has a tougher line with Pyongyang than his predecessor. Mr. Yoon even threatened a pre-emptive strike if there were signs of an attack and asked to strengthen defenses.

To date, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea has recorded more than 2.5 million cases of fever symptoms amid the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

“We are very worried about the COVID-19 situation. We are very sensitive to the fact that they seem to be facing a very difficult situation, and you know we are ready to cooperate with countries. other in the international community when assistance is needed,” the US official added.

In addition, dealing with China’s rise in the region is also a key theme of Mr. Biden’s Asia tour this time.

However, according to a Reuters assessment, Yoon will be more cautious when talking about China because Beijing is Seoul’s top trading partner.