South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has allowed himself to be interviewed by Reuters on the occasion of next week’s trip to the United States, where he will meet President Joe Biden. Photo: AP / NTB
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19. apr. 2023 05:47 – Updated Apr 19 2023 05:48
South Korea is considering extending its support to Ukraine beyond just humanitarian and economic aid if Ukraine is subjected to a large-scale attack against civilians.
This is what South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol says in an interview with Reuters on the occasion of next week’s state visit to the United States, where Yoon will meet US President Joe Biden to mark 70 years of alliance between the two countries.
The country has so far opposed the arming of Ukraine.
– If a situation arises that the world community cannot see through, such as a large-scale attack on civilians, massacres or serious violations of the laws of war, it may become difficult for us to insist on only providing humanitarian or financial support, says Yoon.
In the interview, Yoon also talks about North Korea.
– If nuclear war breaks out between South and North Korea, it will probably not be something that affects only the two parties. All of Northeast Asia could probably be reduced to ashes. It must be stopped, says Yoon.
He is open to talks with North Korea, but criticizes previous governments’ “surprise meetings” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This type of meeting has not led to the building of trust between the parties, believes Yoon.
Yoon also talks about China and Taiwan. He expresses increased concern over the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
– The tension has developed due to attempts to change the status quo by force. Together with the world community, we must oppose change. The Taiwan issue is not just about China and Taiwan, but is, like North Korea, a global issue, says Yoon.
