1. Regarding North Korea’s launch of short-range projectiles

 

ROK military detected the North firing two projectiles suspected as short-range ballistic missiles eastward from the Sunan Airport in Pyeongyang this morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it will take necessary measures, tracking and monitoring related movements by the North and maintaining a readiness posture while South Korea and the United States conduct a detailed analysis of the projectiles.

 

North Korea is yet to report on the launch through its state media.

 

The ROK Government immediately held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council and discussed the background and impact of the regrettable situation in which the North continues to conduct four missile tests since the beginning of the new year. The meeting noted that resuming dialogue at an early date is crucial in restoring stability and preventing further tension on the Korean Peninsula, and called to increase such efforts together with the North and other related countries.

 

To fundamentally resolve concerns stemming from the North’s successive missile launches, the Unification Ministry will maintain peace and stability on the peninsula together with related agencies and countries, and continue efforts to improve inter-Korean relations and advance peace on the Korean Peninsula.

 

We urge the North to pursue peace-building dialogue over missile launches for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

 

2. Q&A

 

Q. North Korea tested its fourth missile this year. What is the Ministry’s position regarding the recent test launch, and are recent tests by the North still considered not provocative?

 

A. The Ministry of Unification, considering the North’s recent series of missile tests as regrettable actions that do not help with improving inter-Korean relations and settling peace, has repeatedly urged North Korea to pursue dialogue over missile launches.

 

Sharing the position of the NSC regarding the North’s missile tests, the Ministry will make efforts to restore stability while also working toward advancing inter-Korean relations, achieving complete denuclearization, and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

 

Q. A North Korean cargo train crossed the border into China yesterday. Does the Ministry evaluate the recent train operation as temporary or long-term? Could this signify an expansion of human exchanges? What impact will it have on inter-Korean exchanges? If border restrictions have in fact been eased, what policies will the Government pursue? Would providing vaccines to the North be an option?

 

A. Movements of the North preparing for trade by rail with China has been observed constantly since last year, including the adoption of a new law concerning the disinfection of imported goods, construction of disinfection facilities, and working-level consultations on quarantine procedures. Since yesterday, freight trains traveling between North Korea’s Sinuiju and China’s Dandong have been detected.

 

As train operations between North Korea and China are matters to be discussed and decided by the two parties, it is not appropriate for the South Korean Government to confirm related details such as future plans or evaluate its significance. We will have to wait an see whether trade by rail will continue and lead to easing border control, restoring trade between North Korea and China, and resuming human exchanges.

 

The Government will closely examine related developments, including the frequency and scale of rail transport as well as quarantine procedures, while also comprehensively considering the impact this has on the North’s disease prevention measures, trade with China, and inter-Korean relations. Based on such judgements and evaluations, the Ministry will review and prepare for ways to implement policy on North Korea in times of change.

 

Q. The United Nations has reportedly offered to provide 60 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the North, and North Korean officials are awaiting Pyeongyang’s approval. Can the Ministry confirm this report?

 

A. A South-North joint response to infectious diseases such as Covid-19 is essential as it concerns the safety of both North and South Korean residents.

 

However, the Government believes that providing Covid-19 vaccines to the North is a matter to be pursued at a time when the safety of our people is secured and public consensus is formed. The North’s intentions and international community trends are also factors to be considered. Under such a position, the Government is not reviewing specific measures at this moment, and the subject is not being discussed between the ROK and the U.S.

 

The Ministry has nothing to comment on regarding discussions surrounding vaccine cooperation between the United Nations and North Korea.