Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister of National Defense Shin Won Sik’ Gave a Speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue

"Unimaginable for a Normal Country and Needs to Be Ceased Immediately"

N. Korea's Nuclear Development is "A Direct Challenge to World Peace"

He Also Criticized Russia for Illegal Weapons Trade with N. Korea

Minister of National Defense Shin Won Sik gives a speech on “South Korea's Role in Peace and Stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Region” at the 21st Asia Security Summit held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on June 1 (local time).

Minister of National Defense Shin Won Sik strongly urged an immediate cessation of North Korea's recent release of "balloons with trash," calling it a "petty and vulgar act." He also criticized Russia, which has been receiving weapons support from North Korea, labeling it a "betrayal of the international community."

Minister Shin made these remarks in his speech on “South Korea's Role in Peace and Stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Region” at the 21st Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

"A few days ago, North Korea released more than 260 balloons with trash into our territory under the pretext of responding to South Korean civic groups' balloon launches sending humanitarian aid to North Korea. This is an unimaginably petty and vulgar act for a normal country," Minister Shin said. "It is inhumane and a clear, serious violation of the Armistice Agreement. I strongly condemn the act here and now."

Minister Shin also raised criticism of North Korea's continuous, highly intensified military provocations, such as the launch of what it claimed to be a military reconnaissance satellite last month.

Minister of National Defense Shin Won Sik gives a speech on “South Korea's Role in Peace and Stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Region” at the 21st Asia Security Summit held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on June 1.

Minister Shin pointed out, “North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities despite strong opposition from the international community. It is developing a variety of missiles that could be used as nuclear delivery systems, launching a dozen missiles this year alone.”

He added, “North Korea's reckless nuclear and missile development program poses an existential threat that could strike all countries present here, which is a direct challenge to peace in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.”

He also strongly condemned Russia for illicitly acquiring weapons from North Korea, urging understanding and active support from the international community.

"It is increasingly evident that weapons used in Russia's attacks on Ukraine were illegally imported from North Korea,” Minister Shin said. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia should be a guardian of global peace, yet it is receiving weapons from a regime that is violating UN Security Council resolutions."

He continued, "This is an extremely self-contradictory action and a betrayal of the international community that is difficult to imagine,” and added, “The arms trade between Russia and North Korea is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and poses a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula and the international community, which must be ceased immediately."

Minister Shin also explained that "military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is not only heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula by advancing North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile capabilities but also affecting the situation in Europe."

He further called for a unified voice condemning North Korea's illegal actions and urged the faithful implementation of many UN Security Council resolutions agreed upon by the international community.

"Today's Republic of Korea is a prime example and living testament to the UN's founding purpose of 'cooperation and solidarity,’” Minister Shin said, emphasizing the spirit of the United Nations. “South Korea will strive to uphold the UN spirit and the international order based on it, and it will work with the international community to resolve North Korea's nuclear issue peacefully."

The Shangri-La Dialogue, held annually in Singapore since 2002, is attended by defense officials, senior military officials, and security experts from major countries in Asia and Europe. This year, it began on May 31 and was held until June 2.

By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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