On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense stated that it hopes no actors will exploit South Korea’s current political impeachment turmoil.
During a press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed concerns about potential missteps by North Korea taking advantage of the instability in South Korea.
Singh stated, “You’ve certainly seen, you know, there’s an ongoing democratic political process that’s playing out in the Republic of Korea. Certainly, wouldn’t want any actor to take advantage of that. We have to let that process play out.”
Singh confirmed that cooperation and dialogue are ongoing when asked whether consultations between the U.S. and South Korea usually continue despite South Korea’s impeachment situation.
Regarding U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s recent decision not to visit South Korea after his trip to Japan, Singh explained that the visit was postponed considering recent events. She emphasized that “Washington has an incredible relationship with Seoul that will endure.”
Singh also noted that Secretary Austin is concluding his 13th visit to the Indo-Pacific region and emphasized that this demonstrates the current (Biden) administration’s strong focus on it.