U.S. Defense Secretary Criticizes Chinese Communist Party

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper remarked on June 15 that the United States would respond to the threat of the Chinese Communist Party together with every ally and partner in the Indo-Pacific region, including South Korea. He also reconfirmed the joint efforts of the United States and South Korea for North Korea’s final and fully verified denuclearization and permanent peace in the Korean Peninsula.

“We are continuing to develop our partnership with the countries in security cooperation, information sharing, military preparedness, and many more,” he said, adding, “This includes our efforts with South Korea to denuclearize North Korea and achieve permanent peace in the Korean Peninsula.” His remarks can be interpreted as Washington’s will to isolate China on the military and security side and this can lead to more burden on South Korea between Washington and Beijing.

In addition, he reconfirmed the principle of denuclearization and peace in the peninsula even with the North entering the demilitarized zone again and planning to send propaganda leaflets to the South.

“Our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region are well aware, more than anyone else, of the history of harmful actions of the Chinese Communist Party,” he went on to say, adding that the party has tried to undermine the shared value and interest of the United States and its allies.