David F. Helvey, acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, participates in a panel discussion titled “Peace on the Korean Peninsula” during a Center for Strategic and International Studies online forum, June 24, 2020.
Transcript
Good evening to all of our friends in Korea. Good morning. To all of our friends in Washington, we are so pleased to be able to welcome you all to this Korea US for 24 2020. And my my special thanks to Dr Lee, who heads up for your foundation is that a great personal friend and a professional friend and colleague was outside it. And thank you, Dr Lee, for bringing us together again. This is a real opportunity. Were together this time through the magic of modern collaborations. Because of the pandemic, we can’t travel, but we can talk to each other and be together and really dig in deep to the issues that are important in our day. Um, before I begin, let me just congratulate Korea for a splendid job of handling the Corona virus. Um, you have become our big brother. We look to you for how we ought to do it. We’re not doing all that well in this country managing the Corona virus, But you’ve given us a road map on how it could be done well, and I’m very grateful for that. Leaders on, Let me also say this is a important time to reflect on on the anniversary of the of the start of the Korean War 70 years ago, when we were brought together in a terrible way. But we’ve stayed together to help promote pre the strongest, most vibrant Korea ever. And it’s an unfinished job because we still have a divided Korea, and history still will give us the opportunity at some point to bring the Korean people together in peace. And it will be the most important development in my lifetime. Surely I think it will happen and the most important development for peace in Asia. I’m very excited for that possibility. We’ll talk about some of I really would like to turn if I may now to, uh Lynnley, who’s the president of Korea Foundation, been leading such a dynamic program these last years. And I’m very proud that we can have this opportunity to partner with you. I know that we’re separated by lots of miles, were separated by time zones, but we’re together right now, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Professor Lee Oh, somebody needs to. On mute professor colleagues and friends all over the world. Aziz, president of the Career Foundation. It is my privilege to welcome you all to the ROK. US. Stretches reform to 2020. The fifth iteration off this annual forum co hosted by C. S I s and the Korea Foundation President John Hamm. Knee, uh, was so kind of nice toe. Introduce me such a great way on His Excellency Choe CEO Seo, Vice Foreign minister off the ROK Ah, Ambassador Harry Harrison Andi Honorable professor, Union one and all of our distinguished delegates on guests. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining this forum. Just despite your busy schedules, the inconvenience off, social distancing and the time difference unlike in previous years, this year’s for me is being held as an online conference due Toa Corbett 19. My special things go toe Gotta Victor Char Uh, Who? I had a video conference Ah, a few hours ago and and the step of the Korea chair creature at CFCs for their exceptional preparation off this online event Distinguished delegates, your colleagues and friends. We are now in the midst of global upheaval due to Corbett 19 the novel coronavirus has infected millions, killed hundreds of thousands and impacted the well being of billions more. This invisible, invisible virus is changing the whole world, reordering our daily lives and Pitino’s against an unprecedented crisis. Unfortunately, we have come to see vividly just how fragile international solidarity and cooperation can be in the face off the pandemic. Countries are barely managing to cope with their own problems off public health, unemployment, racism and inequality that along being ready to tackle serious issues off international cooperation. However, you’re certain that a collaborative effort of global governance that incorporates co prosperity and universal values will be key to successfully dealing with these new challenges. The power to share information and resource is and work together eyes an indispensable ability that mankind possesses in the fight against this new and lethal virus. At this moment, solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons in the war against Corbett, 19. Alongside our ability to remain flexible and tow, overcome any selfish short sightedness do your friends. Exactly one year ago today, the fourth Korea US Strategic Forum was held in Washington, D. C. At their time, expectations for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula remained quite high in Seoul as a series of contacts have been made for planned between the leaders off the ROK, North Korea, the U. S. And China. Since then, many unfortunate changes have occurred. Diplomatic engagement with North Korea to achieve denuclearisation has stalled. We regret that the DPRK has yet to return to the negotiating table despite our steadfast and patient efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation. Furthermore, Northway has recently begun to accuse the ROK and the United States near daily. They have labeled the historic North Korea US summit in Singapore an empty promise. Indeed, experts are concerned that Pyongyang might resume military provocations nullifying any progress achieved since early 2018. Among the leaders off the ROK, the U. S and North Korea. Certainly the past to denuclearization and permanent peace on the peninsula is not an easy one. Some may say it is an impossible job. But anyone who anyone can accomplish an easy task. Resolving the simile impossible is reserved for great leaders and innovative minds. This is one of the reasons why we regularly bring together brilliant minds from both of our countries to exchange wisdom. Peace on the Korean Peninsula is not just in the interest of 80 million Koreans if these security issues disrupt peace and prosperity not only here but also in the greater region, off East Asia and around the entire globe. But like how we are written saying the outbreak of a health crisis in one region disrupt the whole global economy. Tomorrow marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. From 1950 to 1953 the Korean peninsula was devastated by conflict. More than 2.5 million civilians perished. Some 54,000 American soldiers were sacrificed and more than three million Koreans became refugees. As a result of this terrible war, the ceasefire treaty solidifying the 38th parallel remains to the state. The brutal fighting drove the two Koreas apart and left permanent injuries and scars. Such a tragedy should never be repeated. It is through this conflict that the South Korea U. S. Bilateral relationship grew into one of the strongest in the modern world. This is an alliance forged in blood, transformed through back. Keizo pays, taking off words, striving for lasting peace and prosperity in Korea and beyond the 138 years off diplomatic relations we have achieved were made possible because off the solid foundation off friendship boasted about by aware alliance, the Korean government remains firmly committed to staying the course toward denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. As we embark on this bold path, unwavering collaboration between the R. O. K and the U. S is more important than ever. We must continue working towards our shared goal in order to solve the North Korea nuclear issue and to establish peace. As you work. Our lions is also evolving. It has become a solid foundation in maintaining stability off the liberal international order. Now we are encountering you regional and global issues that we need to tackle together, such as cyber and space security pandemics, climate change and global governance off the digital economy. Our wisdom therefore, should extend beyond issues on the Korean Peninsula to include these new and significant areas. There is no better venue to start discussing these new issues than this ROK US strategic forum together with C. S. I. S. I hope this year’s forum will serve as the first bilateral launchpad to ignite new intellectual cooperation between our two countries on a wider range of global governance issues. Do your friends think issues Forum will be held over the next two days. During the event, we must chart the path ahead with optimism. This is befitting off the ROK US strategy form. Since its launch in 2016 has successfully served as a comprehensive dialogue channel for the discussion off critical matters that affect our common interests. I have no doubt that this forum is amount, the most important and effective forum events that the Korea Foundation presents in cooperation with its foreign partners. I hope that, as always, it’ll lead to property. If these questions and suggestions about how we can collectively respond to the challenges we face and those problems together, we are lucky to have an extraordinary array of wonderful speakers lined up this year to cover a variety of topics and share their insight, insightful ideas. Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the C I. C s i s for who organizing this forum and to all our invited experts and guests for coming together here and now. Now I turn to a congratulate or video by First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs off the Republic of Korea. Thank you very much. Dr. John Hominy, president and CEO. CS Ideas That’ll Eagen, president of the Korea Foundation, Distinguished participants. It would be privileged to address that distinguished 10 days off this forum in any year. But this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. So today it is a special honor for me to speak to you on how far this alliance has come and how much your father we can go together. I would like to begin by sharing with you an anecdote. In Korea, as in other countries, sending face masks and testing kids overseas in the thick of the pandemic is a delicate topic. But when my government decided last month to provide 500,000 masks toe American veterans of the Korean War, the Korean public expressed overwhelming support. After 70 years, our boundless gratitude to the Americans who helped defend Korea in his darkest hour has faded. Not one bit the Korea US alliances at its essence and inception, a security partnership. But in recent the case it has expanded beyond the contours of the military to realm such as free trade and development. Geographically, it is no longer limited to the Korean Peninsula and has evolved into a global partnership over the past several months. Coated, 19 has brought into sharp relief the fact that this alliance concerns not just the difficult and saving the fire officials off security or the economy, but that it can also directly touch the daily lives and well being of the citizens of our two countries. The Korean government spares no effort to support the US the Time of need l lifting hundreds of thousands of testing kids to its ally in April upon becoming the first country toe hold nationwide elections in the midst of a pandemic. Korea promptly responded to recast by U. S officials to share his experience of the election management. Naturally, this plate of close collaboration extends to the top. Our presidents has spoken on the phones on three separate occasions in as many months. Underscoring the fact that I was shared interests are simply too important to wait out the pandemic. I believe that the personal trust between our two leaders played an important part in President Trump decision to invite Korea to the G seven summit. I don’t think it was an accident that the invitation was extended to Korea. We are recognized. There’s among the top 10 countries by measures of economic, military, technological and other indexes. In fact, it is open the Koreans themselves that are caught stirring on familiarly into the reflection off capable, mature figure that they have yet to fully recognise. So in a way, the G seven invitation represents Korea finally stepping onto the big stage. But with privilege comes responsibilities, and Korea is ready and willing to take on the duties. For instance, our ODIHR levels to four short of what is expected of Korea. That is why Korea’s all the A budget for this year was one of the few areas exempted from across the board budget cuts following the pandemic and actually year marked for increase. Distinguished guests just said the G seven invitation signifies recognition of Korea’s growth and a change of the international landscape. So, too, must the US Korea Alliance Seaboard so that it can embrace the changes of the past 70 years. I think it was in this context that Deputy Secretary Bigon spoke off the needs to renew off rejuvenate the alliance. I understood his core message tweeted that certain preconditions for launching the alliance have shifted over the past 2 70 years and that the partnership needs towards so evolved with the times. This is on acute observation with which I agree completely. It is only natural that career raise contributions to the alliance in concert with his increased capabilities. At the same time, there is a crisp funding expectation among Korean people for genuine recognition and appreciation Is an equal partner of the United States. Striking the right balance between the two will be crucial as the alliance continues to evolve. Allow me to take a moment to share with you. Our efforts contribute to the alliance. Foremost Korea is increasing its financial contributions. For almost 30 years, we have supported the U. S troops in Korea in accordance with the Special Measures Agreement. Last year, the support topped more than $900 million on 8.2% increase from the year before, 8.2% Mason modest until you realize that it is over four times the rate of economic growth in Korea. Korea is also top importer of the U. S. Military equipment, and we have been increasing our own defense budget by on every job, 7.5% every year since 2017 and now spent 2.6% of the GDP on defense. No major U. S allies spends at the higher figure. These efforts paint a clear picture of an unwavering commitment to the alliance. As you are aware, our two countries are currently engaged and difficult. SME talks negotiations between countries and neighboring easy, even among the closest allies. But as they say, April showers bring May flowers, and I have not the slightest doubt that we will find the creative solution for moving forward. The Korean government is also continuing efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. Clearly, a stronger Korean military serving alongside the US benefits Korea’s own security and national interest. At the same time, it contributes directly to the national interest and strategic calls off the United States or so distinguished guest. The transition of what time Operation Control will be an important symbol of an alliance that is adapting and evolving with its sight set on the future. This will also provide the Korean people with a sense that their country is appreciated. There’s an equal partner, dignity states, and we shall do our part to meet the required conditions for a speedy transition. The roar and status of the U. N. Command is also an important subject in the evolution off the alliance. The U. N. C has kept the armistice for the past 70 years, While Korea is deeply grateful for these efforts to Korean probably also recognizes that it is time for Korea to take center stage in maintaining peace and security by ending the Corum stage off armistice and establishing a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Lifting dated the restraints on developing space and satellite capabilities which has been placed on Korea decades prior, will be a good place to start across the seven decays. The core propose of the alliance has remained the straight forward, the deterrence of war and the promotion off peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. These objectives run through the past, off denuclearization and the establishment of a permanent peace regime. Significant progress has been made over the past two years. Along the way, however, we remained clear eyed about challenges and difficulties we face. Unfortunately, we are once again confronted with the reality of a rising tensions between North and South Korea. Nevertheless, the Korean government will continue efforts to prevent escalation. The stakes are simply too high for us to turn back the clock now or become the certain bicep X dialogue step, fast engagement and healthy. Those off patients are the only constructive options for moving forward. While Northeast Asia is the reason more accustomed to rival than solidarity, Opportunities for riel corporation are by no means liking. Achieving denuclearisation and cheese on the Korean Peninsula is one important area in which the United States and China can set aside differences and work toward the common propose. We must formally present the cynicism and self fulfilling prophecy that lasting peace in this region is about a pipe dream now made even more distance by US China rivalry. Bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table. Achieving denuclearisation and creating or peace regime on the Korean Peninsula will not only benefit Korea, but also opened up opportunities for Washington to implement is the strategic objectives in the region. It is such share the strategic oars an interest while the two countries that will ultimately sustain and strengthen the alliance Distinguished guest. Five months have passed since the world was thrust into the unimaginable reality. Predictions abound as to what the post corner era we look like. Some project a future in which, in the case of meticulous works to create an open and connected world, is dialed back. Under this scenario, several lions on naked competition among nations become the norm. This represents the future of de globalisation. Others predict, in fact, a young for a world brought together in his fight against the pandemic and problems that if I go it alone solutions under this scenario, global resources consolidated and connectivity deepens. Call this the future of re globalisation. Our world is interdependent like never before. So the only way to fight global problems is through inclusion, not exclusion. By committing our service to cooperation, not by going down our separate paths. Corbett, 19 is testing not only the immunity of individuals but also the immunity and be Jillian’s off the liberal international order itself. I am hopeful that, unlike Kobe 19 the Post Corbett world will not catch us off guard. We have a choice to make between linking arms versus retreating into our respective borders. As you maybe aware Korea’s open, democratic and transparent approach during the pandemic has been praised as a winning formula for fighting infectious disease. However, we did not set out to promote these values per se. Rather, our health authorities found themselves embracing a certain set of principles as a Touchstone against which acceptability off new Corbett 19 measures was assessed when sharing our experience. Service has professionals from around the globe. We have been emphasizing the potency off the open and transparent approach at every time. We will continue to stress these principles. Working alongside partners like United States, Corbett, 19 is prompting like minded countries to pull resources like never before. Mr Realization that no one is safe until everyone is. This is yet another area in which the US Korea partnership can try distinguished guest. Our changing world is presenting the alliance 70 years young, with constant opportunities for cooperation and growth. The United States and Korea are time tested the team mates in one of the most success for partnership the world has seen since the Second World War. But we must not be complacent or satisfies. Even despite all about remarkable achievements and successes, I am convinced that this alliance can and should be pushed to evolve into a partnership that is even more effective, even more adaptable. While the United States and Korea have been costed in new chapters over history every single year for 70 years, I firmly believe that the best days of the alliance lies ahead. Still, thank you. Session one. Peace on the Korean Peninsula covers the U. S. ROK lions in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. How a transition to a permanent peace on the peninsula could work and the security, economic and political requirements for that transition. Moderated by Ambassador Mark Lippert, senior advisor at the CCS Korea chair and former U. S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. This session features Mr David Healthy Dr Talk Soon Pug Dr Entire Con Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and Dr Sunis Harry Audience, please welcome Ambassador Mark Lippert. All right. Good morning, everybody here in the United States to eating everybody in Korea and good day to everybody else around the world whose tuning into this very important, very timely broadcast of this very important conference. I’m Mark Lippert. I’m gonna moderate this panel here today and we’re not going to go through introductions. We don’t need a lot of set up because we’ve had some excellent opening remarks and some excellent video presentations that really set the frame well here today. I will just say we are gathered here today to talk about as a was alluded to in the opening comments. Some of the hard problems we brought together some of the best minds to deal with these present company excluded. There’s a sense of that. These, while these are difficult problems, one of some of the comments early whether there should be a sense of optimistic because we’ve done great things together in the past. We’re doing great things today, and we can do this as an alliance. A couple of other quick themes. Dalliances, global. Now it’s not just about the cream finance. Let not just about Northeast Asia, but the world is watching what the United States and Korea do. And there are new issues that have come to the fore that were outlined. I think very, very effectively in terms of space, cyber environment, energy, things that we need to work on together Azaz on alliance of the bilateral relationship. So for this panel, we’re going to try to do all of that in about an hour, and we’re gonna touched on three main themes one state of the alliance and a historical look back to peace. Why, it is still elusive what elements are needed. And three, some of these newer pieces that I just discussed that may come in as well as peppering in some of the issues of today that are important. Pivot point’s going forward so that I’m gonna go record questions and I’m gonna turn the first question over to Ambassador Stevens. Bathroom investor Kathy Stevens, who really does need no introduction. And Kathy Master Stephens Apologies. Let let’s just take a step back. Um, recognizing the seventh anniversary of the Korean War, can you reflect on in your time on the peninsula all these different iterations some of the two or three most important events in terms of the development of the alliance, progress towards peace and maybe why pieces proved elusive. But just that just to get us going here with a broader perspective Ambassador Stevens Well ah, Ambassador Liberte. Mark, Thank you very much is great to join you. You told me this question was coming and I have tried to reflect on it. And we are marking the 70th anniversary of, ah, a terrible day that I first learned to call Ugo just June 25th. That’s all that you had to a 2 to 4 Koreans to remember the trauma of that day and what followed. So, you know, I mean, I could talk about a lot of significant events when I think the vice minister just now alluded to many in the alliance and in the search for, ah, peace and and dealing with the unfinished business. But I think on a day like this, we do have to reflect on the history of the I’m kind of origin story of this alliance. And I think the Americans are learning that actually, history does matter. And I Two years ago I visited the Truman Library in Missouri and I read their Truman’s a farewell address when he left the presidency after a very eventful time. And his address actually says the most important decision of his presidency was the decision to defend the Republic of Korea in 1950. That’s always stuck with me and I was a lot more history there, but my point is just I think we need to understand that history better and understand that also, our alliance was actually formed, as we know in the context of the armistice of the so called temporary armistice. So we had a temporary Armas Dissident alliance, which has turned out to be not so temporary. So I think I think a lot of reflection on history and understanding that better and not seeing it purely through the lens of all that’s followed is important to get to what and also how it seemed from North Korea. And I guess the other point I would make sense us a specific events I think it is. I’m more than as more of a process, I think, in terms of the alliance where our alliance actually became a kind of values, truly values oriented alliance. I mean, you know more than what we were guests. We were against Communist aggression. We were against what that represented. But what I saw in my years in Korea, I actually was in Korea when President Carter was elected and he brought in a human rights agenda which was very in some ways destabilizing to the alliance, but over time became a part of our Values Alliance and even more important, what I saw in the 19 eighties. And it was a continuum, of course, was Korean saying, We have values to, and those are values we share against torture for human rights, for elections and democracy. And seeing all that Boston really did change the nature of the alliance. Um, so I think that’s the context in which now we have a very different platform for thinking about the unfinished business on the potential, which is of course, kind of extending those opportunities if you like, and a more and reconciliation on a still divided peninsula. All right, thanks, Kathy. Ambassador Stevens. Great. Great set up. There’s a reason I came to you first. I knew you to use a baseball analogy would hit it out of the park, and you’ve really got us off often running. Let’s go for a Korean perspective. Too hot soon. Uh, doctor Doctor, you have held a range of different positions. You also have been in around this relationship in and around this alliance, doing very important work and just a minute, a minute or two of your time to get us often running in terms of a broader context of broader perspective. Oh, thanks very much. Investor Leap fruit is truly rate. Were connected like this. Have conversation in these trying times is true. The conference, uh, investor Stevens Nation values oriented, nor lions in addition to that, let me let me think hope three bands, which in which resilience is decisions has been off their lives, has been amply expressed on the contributing to development and strengthening over lines cooperation despite all kinds of challenges in the past. First of all, creatives Mutual Defense Treaty was signed just after the Korean armistice agreement was signed, but we were already allies before the Korean War. We’ve got to getting the war and protect the interests of both countries under Korean Peninsula and in this region of the world. Second, we put again together as allies in the Vietnam or Iraq war and also war in Afghanistan. Third, South Korea could overcome financial crisis in 1997 1998 Thanks to your support, Rubin rescue so called Robert Rubin Wash the Treasury secretary and clean administration at the time. Thanks to this support, we could resurrect our economy happening. We stabilized the so called liberal economic bordered in Asia, Andy and four of us. Those 33 events are talked about has to do with the resilience side above all lies. But, uh, you know, if you give me more time a little later, I should do my thought on fast aeration side as well. Thank you. What? Excellent. Excellent intervention. And again, uh, we came to you first Dr in in part because we knew you. You working with Ambassador Stevens and the two spear of the alliance would get us up and running, So excellent intervention. Really appreciate. Okay, I’m gonna come to Mr Gave Helgi. Dave, um, you are the current U. S. Government official. Um, on this panel, you are in the Pentagon. Are you are a very senior member of the panic on you two have been around in terms of a whole range of perspectives on the alliance. You just turned from investors. Depends. You just turn back. You talk. We Some of the elements were defense in nature, some of whom were financed, but they spoke to a resilience about the alliance. Can you just walk us through from where you sit? Where What is your perspective on the state of the alliance today, where the U. S and the Korean governments are working together. Where the gaps and where is this all ahead? Well, thank you, Mr Ambassador. Mark and And thank you, C s. I s for giving me an opportunity to participate in this, uh, truly special, an important forum on. I’m also particularly glad that we can We can meet virtually even if we can’t beat beating Purcell. Um, I’d like to kind of start by just kind of reflecting on what it is we’re celebrating today and tomorrow, the 70th anniversary of the creator and war. And I think this really does, uh, Mark speak to the question that you posed to me. You know, the seventh anniversary of starting a Korean War, uh, is really meaningful at this time in the alliance. I know there’s a lot of stress intention on the alliance, but I think it’s important to kind of remember how we got where we are. Ah, and I think about in this context the memorial here in Washington D. C. To the Korean War and the words that are emblazoned on the memorial that says that you know, this is a memorial to remember the American people of the 1.5 million Americans who answered their country’s call to defend a country they never knew and a people that they never met. I think that speaks to the spirit of sacrifice IRS, but the willingness on the part of those American soldier citizens t come to Korea’s aid at a time of crisis. 70 years from that point today, though, I think we should also look. But I can say that those words were true then, but they’re no longer true. Now we know Korea. We know Korea deeply. Uh, we know the Korean people. We have deep in extensive people to people ties based on a long, rich history of our alliance relationship that extends far beyond the defense aspects of the relationship. But speaking to those, you know, I can say with certainty that our defense alliance with Korea today militarily speaking, is truly unique, one of the most capable in one of the most effective alliances, precisely because of those deep bonds and ties that we have better manifest in the combined force Thean interoperability of that that combined force creates enables and the the capabilities of that combined four springs not only to ensuring deterrence, inappropriate defense on the peninsula, but also our ability to work together in service of our combined a shared objectives blow Boy we had heard previously about our fighting together in Vietnam, in Iraq, Afghanistan. I think that really speaks to how close we are as an alliance. And you know, to your point mark in your introductory remarks, uh, you know, this this truly has evolved from a military alliance focus on the peninsula, uh, the one that is truly global in nature. It encompasses support for freemark civic engagement. You know, the people that people exchange that we talked about education, tourism, mutual respect. And in 2015 we we announced a new agenda for new frontiers for areas for cooperation. The alliance, some of which you highlighted, but one of which is particularly important today, where we talked about, uh, cooperation on global health security and to advance our ability to counter biological threats. I think the Kobe environment that we’re in today kind of under scorers The foresight on that the leadership of both countries put into that new frontiers agenda in 2015. But there’s other areas as well. Science and technology, collaboration, space and cyber. These truly are at the cutting edge of where this alliance can be, should be. And I think this is an area where we need to continue moving. So, looking into the future, I see that you know this type of cooperation, not only in terms of the military dynamics continued focus on deterrence and defense on the peninsula, evolving this alliance to be much more global in nature. I think that that can continue. It should continue and I want to see it continue in the defense base. I note that Korea over the past decade has gone from a Met security recipient in that security provider. It is truly a partner for us and for others, for peace and security and stability in the region. On an escape in this, in this respect that you see rot, the South Korean increased capacity based on the economic performance really contributes to effective alliance capabilities. Able the service, our shared visual. I think we need to continue working with our rock allies to identify and address future security challenges to both of us as well as to the region more broadly, including things, is how we can work together to support the rules based international order, how we can support things like freedom of navigation, freedom of the world flight, a peaceful resolution of disputes. But also I think there’s room for us as an alliance to be all the work on how we can cooperate in terms of our security cooperation and capacity building of third parties. And this is particularly important because, as each of us has very precious and limited resource is to dedicate to that passed. Being able to pull those resource is together makes a much more efficient and effective way of addressing security. Cooper need needs a capacity needs of our partners, and by pulling those resource is it also lightens the burden that each of us has to carry. So I think that’s important. I would be remiss if I did not say that. I’d like to see South Korea and Japan be able to work more closely together, not only bilaterally but multi laterally with us in with other like minded partners. Again, being ableto contribute cooperatively and collectively, I think, is it is the way to ensure that we’re participating in a in a network security architecture in the region. Something I know that Victor Cha has has spoken off with with the great eloquence in the past. Eso looking to the future. I’d like to see, uh, Republika Career have become even more active in global security initiatives. The rock is a respected friend and trusted partner. Too many around the region in the world. It has a tremendous capacity to be able to do good on. And so we’d like to be a partner in that we might to support. That s again. Thanks for that question. And I really appreciate again the opportunity to be here this morning. All right. Thanks, Mr Kirby. Thanks, Dave. Really appreciate it. Okay, We are going to bring in the expertise of Dr Hahn. I was sitting there in what looks like a very big room. I think it fits his his, uh, the comments he’s gonna make that are gonna be very big. But in all seriousness, uh, we’ve heard some discussion about resilient stress values, sacrifice, adaptability, interoperability, broadening multilaterally globally. Doctor on. We really could use your expertise here. Korean perspective, global perspective on really the same question here and now today. Whether is what’s your assessment of the state of the alliance? How the two governments, the two peoples are working together and where are we headed, and where should we get it? Thank you. Firstly, my assessment of Korea use alliance as we commemorate the seventies of 50 anniversary of the Korean War, I think waas remarkable about our alliances that we are Commemorating only one Korean War not to or not three. This is a red depositing, given the fact that there has been loved nuclear tests, numerous missile test and, of course, all these, if less and blew up explosives off inter Korean agent offices, all these would expect would lead one to expect there would be more conflict on the Korean finish law. But history is that there has been only one major conflict When the union finish Lor, it’s to place 70 years ago, Onda. And how come there is only one major conflict on the Korean Peninsula? In the sense during since 1953 when the Korea and the United States formed alliance, I think the main factor has seen the Korea US Alliance in particular the security guarantee that use offered to South Korea was the key to stability and prosperity of those Oh, also South Korea. So yes, South Korea Alliance for Korea use silence as mode or foot more than security guarantee. Actually, it has provided on environment finished. South Korea could transfer himself from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most prosperous market economies and also one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. The Indies aspect, I think they’re lions has been beneficial not only to Korea but also to the United States as well. Now the United States has a There’s an ally that is more than military partner but shares common values and also has same economic and political systems. And the sex success of the lions, I think has or so unexpected consequences. One of them is Borden. Sharing issue with the size off South Korean economy grows was in 100 times lots of relative to American economy. There is now increasing pressure on South Korea to pay more to keep American troops on his soil. But this increasing coal for bigger body sherry is not specific to South Korea. Your Soulias well, it is, it is common. Also in yes, Germany used Japanese alliances will. So as long as the relative pushing off off the U. S. Economy declines and Americans American public favors isolationism, the body ensuring no issue, really not go away now, turning to the gaps and north of future directions of alliance. South Korea and the United States have been close allies since the 19 state came to rescue Korea during the Korean War, and their allies will have really have to go through some fundamental changes in the future if North Korea keeps developing this noon is long range nuclear missiles as well as cyber capabilities at the coal off South Korea use. Elias has been American nuclear umbrella with South Korea. While North Korea’s icy PM’s do not directly threaten South Korea, they will threaten South Korea indirectly by weakening American nuclear umbrella. It is not difficult to imagine how the development on North Korean nuclear missile capabilities on the minds the credibility does effectiveness off years. Nuclear umbrella for South Korea. Also the U. S. South Korea, South Korea yes, alliance is less than effective in de train the North from launching cyberattacks on the South or even on the united United States. The North has led launch. Is successful cyber attacks on the South Korea and, yes, Fergus as well, such as Sony Pictures Entertainment Entertainment. Lastly, but possibly more important, the South Korea Yes or less. As a front leg, Gist is unable to lead the North to dick allies or provide incentives to implement Regine Change. On the contrary, has behavior by North indicates that or stronger Korea years. Elias is likely to harden rather than soft in North Korea’s stents. So also effort to strengthen an update. The Korea Use Alliance. He responds to new threat from the lowers seems to agitate China and deepened the security guarantee security dilemma between years and North Korea, as well as between the United States and China. Since the formation of Alliance, South Korea and United States have been great partners to deal with writing threat. Those countries need to strengthen and modernize the alliance. I think strengthening and modernization off the alliance requires more discussions between two countries, then more weapons, and I’m happy that the forum, for by much needed opportunity much needed opportunity for such discussion. Thank you. Excellent. Dr. Hahn, really appreciate the intervention there. A lot of deep thinking and analysis. Let me pull out one theme that you, uh you leave throughout your remarks, which is that with something we haven’t discussed his North Korea on the situation there. And what air impact is on peace on the peninsula. And for that, I want to bring in Dr Terry. Um, Dr Terry. You know, as I just mentioned, part of the reason we haven’t seen peace on the peninsula is air the actions of North Korea. And, you know, we’ve seen some significant developments over the last week, including last night. Um, but just can you take us through a little bit of a broader perspective? Where are the North Koreans today? Where they have been rarely going your thoughts on the North Korea piece of this discussion we’re having here today? Sure. Um so let’s start with where the North Koreans have been. Obviously, the North in the past decades have relentlessly pursued their nuclear program with the port off. Gaining international acceptance of North Korea is a responsible Nicholas, his power, and through four different US presidents, No, For almost three decades now, we may little progress on the anti nuclear on the team negotiation front. And, not surprisingly, we are at an impasse yet again with North Korea today, a little progress has been made despite U. S president having met with the North Korean leader three times. How and adding to all of this is worsening into create regulations, as you just mentioned, as we’ve seen the past week with North Korea growing up the Inter creation office in Cason, really the key symbol of inter Korean reconciliation. And you know the latest provocations follow your long dissatisfaction that North Korea had with South Korea showing that this dissatisfaction with you know, you know, sort of with a short range missile tests and practicing strike drills with the Blue House replica eyes on. And I think what the North Koreans are doing right now is this is or part of broader strategy to pressure soul to really split from Washington on and for Seoul to make concessions, particularly on the sentience front in the Hanoi summit, Conductor made it very clear that what he wanted first and foremost, was sanctions relief. And now that the economic situation in North Korea is more dire as its struggling with the secondary effects off the preventive measures that have taken to prevent coronavirus. Eso. Now they are determined to create a manufactured crisis with with South Korea, North Korea, Just yesterday, today, or you just mentioned that Kim Jong now has suspended military action plan against South Korea. But this doesn’t this is a tactical move. I think you know John Kim Jong UN’s are playing good cop bad cop. But it doesn’t change the fact that what North Korea wants, what what its overriding goal is to get sanctions relief and to put a wedge between South Korea and the United States. And if I could just quickly mention where we’re headed in terms off DPRK US relations. Also, I think North Korea, after they’re done with South Korea into the provocations it would have to turn it’s attention to Washington, entitle pressure on Washington. It’s an election year after all. Pre corner North Korea’s missile and nuclear activity was already on an escalatory path, right? Ah, frequency of North Korean provocations closely resembled the first months of 2017 with the short range missile test and North Korea’s usual M O is a brinkmanship brinkmanship strategy to overcome through mystic stresses. And there are doest excuse dresses in in North Korea so on, and they have to report provocations to dialogue. Pressure in Washington, there’s plenty of things that they can do besides an I, C, B M and nuclear tests. We can talk about that a little bit later. One final point on I just conclude here is that, you know, there was some discussion among the queer watchers were Trump and President Truman came. Someone will go for last minute, 11th hour deal I October surprise where North Korea agrees to, you know, party freezes WMD program for partial sanctions relief on. And I do think I used to think that this was very on my crates, almost dry after all, but I do. I don’t have to wonder about this because Kim did himself leave a very small opening earlier this year when he said he will freeze the nuclear program or reduced nuclear program if conditions are met. And now, when you’re seeing this Kim Eunjung Kim Jong un playing good cop bad cop, I’m wondering if he’s trying to go for the last possible minute deal with President Trump’s. I leave that as a welcome possibility. Um, and I’ll conclude here for ego. Okay, so you lots of food for thought. What’s that? Tantalizing questions. I’m gonna come back to, Dr Hon quickly. Doctor Month. Talk to us about what Dr Terry just mentioned the inter Korean peace. Um, that dynamic, You know, you you heard what, Dr Terry say her assessment. North try. I’m just splits three alliance and use kind of the inter Korean peace there. Where are we? In terms of the state of the inter Korean peace? That’s an important elements here. Can you just talk about your thoughts? There be severe. The alliance of the situation on the piste? Yeah, I think we all know what happened. Business House Korea, North Korea recently the North Korea compound complication lines. We got the inter Korean leaving office which was built for for them, and then threatened and then suddenly passport moving troops into the TNT. And they also threatened, then suddenly, response. Sending anti Monday in leaflet. Eugene Bolin’s. So, of course these actions can be cancelled and a new addition decent can be made at any time. But these really positing events and tensions has been writing on the Korean Peninsula during the past weeks. So what we make what we make of these different what we, for instance, thes fact he’s even say about inter Korean relations, especially about inter Korean channel. Do both Koreas, uh, bureau. When get along well with each other, I’m just not the North lies the South to expand inter Korean cooperation and also pushed the United States to leap to sanction. Do you see something tells? Has Bean has failed to do delivers so far, So North Koreans are angry about the hungry to to South Korea do today actually talked with each other about inter Korean, uh, conscience channels. I think the answer is yes. I think through these these events North Koreans are actually talking to South Korea and also possibly to to the United States, to Americans as well. And also, I think that the main audience, oh, recent events may be actually in North Korean. Ah, resident room looks foreign population. What we are seeing now, maybe a very carefully theoretically choreographed, tightly controlled political signaling were the roars clearly preassigned image in place. Such no other people places such another role, and the limit has been clearly defined. First of all, there was no territorial intrusion. There was no human life lost. So why the rhetoric? Six have been high and the actions were very dramatic. There was little or zero risk that these provocations go out of control and escalate into military constant. Secondly, Azaz the Terry mention the roars have bean clearly divided and the targets I think this is also important. Desert targets have been carefully selected foresters. The North Korea has not criticized Mr Trump opening org lettuce or the United States this time has stay. So this fight, despite all these provocations, I think that relations beating chairman came and Mr Trump are more or less remained intact and quite possibly, relations between Chairman Kim and Mr Moon. Maybe still okay. And because obviously, human Kimmy Jong played the backup role and only to be stopped by her elder brother and one import interesting question would be. Why did North express anger in such a dramatic, dramatic great? I think I think that they had to. They had to do it to save the face off their leader, whose image was tarnished by anti Kim breathless, so dressed interesting dramatic actions need was need to needed to take him in public so that North Koreans couldn’t see that. So all you know, my impression about the North based on recent moves is that North Korea is very strategic actress and becomes quite suddenly invulnerable when this leader is openly challenge it. Uh, does I think that sums up my impression? Thank you. Excellent. Excellent, doctor home. Let me, uh but I’m gonna go to Dave Penalty, But before you one follow up, you quickly, you really lay down a comprehensive diplomatic military landscape of drivers for behavior from North Korea. What about the economic piece? You know, there have been reports of North Koreans issuing bonds sanctions. Um, all of that that, you know, is I guess impacting pretty. You know, a weak economy. North Korea. Do you just quickly Do you think that that is also in the mix here is Well, I think so. Now, this actually let you, uh uh points to that. I mentioned toward the end of the decision. North Korea economies is in bad shape, bad shape right now. And this, even after Chairman came, stood with Mr Trump three times and was he, he and also North Korean population all expected something to come from these thes meetings. But they didn’t come. Nothing. Not now. No major constituents having made. And the sanctions are still there, the colonies still better. And and in fact, it may be worsening rapidly due to the Corbett 19. So in this kind of deterring situation, sometimes you need to make a diversionary tactic six and maybe What happened this time? Okay. Thank you. Let’s go to Dave. Mr Healthy. Just you just heard a very complicated at matrix from Dr Terry. Dr Hahn of military military provocations signaling possible diplomatic breakthroughs, Economic sanctions Given where things stand on the peninsula from your vantage point, what is the current state of defense and deterrence? And how does that lead into possible us? Uh uh, re us receptivity to possible to diplomatic contributes. But thanks very much, Mr. Ambassador. Fact question. Yeah, I think, as Dr Hahn said in his earlier response, it is important to remember, uh, that together, the United States and the Republic of Korea All right, we’ve been successful in deterring North Korea for large scale aggression or any attempts to unify the pencil by force life thing. I think it’s important to kind of underscore the turns at that fundamental and most basic level, still obtains and remains very strong and very effective. Now that hasn’t meant that there’s been the absence of provocations. We’ve seen provocations recently. We’ve seen you certainly more lethal provocations, whether it’s the ox Mayan incident, the sinking of the Chone on showing the white paedo in in recent years. Um uh, there were the cyber attacks that the doctor on also mentioned, but I think that basic, fundamental deterrence, uh, that the alliance provides still obtains. And I think that’s important to remember our security commitment to the Republic of Korea. Aziz. Well, as to Japan, if I would add, remains ironclad both in terms of the will on the capabilities that were able to bring, uh, the capabilities that are on the peninsula and the capabilities that we would bring to the peninsula in the event of a crisis. And of course, the capabilities that are resident off the peninsula that provide that fundamental deterrent capability that we don’t need to go into detail. But it is there based in our strategic forces. Um, yeah, as many of you know and I think this is something that’s kind of been, ah, a theme of the conversation thus far in this morning. You know, Korea remains that the hardest of hard targets. It’s hard to, uh, determined tactically what North Korea is going to do on a day to day basis, even though I think we’d all agree that strategically, North Korea, uh, particularly under Kim Jong un, is very predictable and understandable. But it is hard to tell what’s gonna happen the next day, the next week or the next month. And as we have seen just in the past several hours, you have shifts from focused on preparing for potential provocation to putting those on hold. So I think it it underscores the need to be able to monitor the situation. North Korea carefully, uh, and, uh, and maintain our preparations, uh, to deal to respond to events as they happen and anticipate them a za faras. Any specific provocations that North Korea made carry out in the future. It’s obviously hard to speculate. We have been monitoring the the overall increase in rhetoric and threats against soul. We know, uh, that the efforts to date. I mean, this recent cycle have been focused mostly on solar and President Moon, but I think it also kind of underscores this. Is that young? Maintaining alliance readiness, an alliance capabilities is so critically important. And I think, yeah, there’s one of important considerations that we have within the department offenses we have toe look at and be prepared for threats as they are not necessarily as we’d like them to be. And so I mean having that kind of realistic appraisal. And that’s why I haven’t been combined for Stairs critically important and having that having that effective deterrent and having the strong combined force that do you think, uh, is important to diplomacy. And this gets to the point that Ambassador Lippert raised. It’s our view that maintaining an effective deterrent based on a ready force ah, force that is prepared Teoh in the terms that many, uh, you know, USFK commanders have have referred to, you know, to be prepared to fight tonight is important precisely because that helps to create the type of environment within which multilateral diplomacy aimed at the final and fully verified denuclearization of North Korea can take place. It’s hard to talk if there’s not security on. So maintaining that basic deterrence is an important part of the diplomatic outreach. And I also think that that basic deterrence and the capabilities that we bring that our partners bring it is also important to the effort to maintain, um, uh maintained the integrity of the will, the true will of the international community. That’s representative manifest in U N Security Council resolutions. You know, enforcing sanctions, whether it’s against ship to ship transfers, o R. Restrictions on other types of commodities or access to financial markets is an important part of enabling that diplomacy to obtain Onda. We within the department defense do that as being an important part of our role as well. I was helping to create those capabilities with respect to what the future may hold. Um, our policy, as I have said, uh, remains very much focused on denuclearization. It’s a denuclearization that we believe can can only realistically be a be obtained through a diplomatic process. I mean, it’s certainly are strong, strong preference. Uh, we’ve made some progress in the past, but it’s not clear if North Korea is intent to move forward together with a denuclearization agenda that will result in a much brighter future for the people in the north side of the Korean Peninsula. Over. All right, thanks. Thanks. Gave Really appreciate the insights there. Uh, just one foot follow up on some of the things we’re watching. Uh, just you mentioned a whole array of possible threats. Provocations with this also includes asymmetric capabilities that North is developing cyber special operations forces things of that nature. And you believe the the alliance’s is ready for, um, provocations based around those functional areas? Well, yeah, I think you’re right to point out that North Korea has the capability toe launch a number of different types of provocations that run the range from, you know, the conventional through conventional and irregular. Um, you know, I I mean, we are we’re aware of, and we’re prepared to respond. Teoh provocations. Um, you know, including in the cyber and special operations types of threats. But I would also say these are areas that that we need to constantly invest. We need to constantly focus our efforts to ensure that we’re making the right types of investments and that we are improving. I think young, the one thing that is absolutely clear over the 70 years that we’ve been dealing with this challenge you have 70 years since the beginning of the Korean War is that the North Koreans or North Korea presents a very agile, in adaptable adversary. And so even if we have confidence today that we can address the threats that are presented, we know that those threats were going to change. We know there’s such gonna evolved. And that requires that our alliance also be adaptable. Our alliance also be agile. And our alliance evolved to stay ahead of not just to follow, but to stay ahead of the trucks that North Korea presents over. All right, thanks so much. We’ve been slowly making our way back to hop soon, Dr Park, and we apologize for not, you know, it feels like a little while since we’ve heard from you. And we haven’t utilized your expertise as much as we should. So I’m gonna give you two questions here. Uh, first, just any. Let me. I’ll ask the boat together. Maybe you could put them together first. Just any comments on what you’ve heard so far? We take it any which way you want on and you know so at any direction there but more working more broadly, One of the charges of this panel is to talk about peace on the peninsula. What’s been missing? We do have some new elements on the it is look a president, United States who has been willing to meet face to face with the North Korean leadership. Ah, willingness to scale back in or cancel exercises to make North Korea feel more secure. Progressive president in South Korea who seems very determined and has personal political capital on the line. T work towards peace and, ah ah, work and a relationship with the North these air new elements that often folks have, said analyst. Some analysts have said, if we just had this or this basket of things, we could move forward. On the other hand, the last couple of weeks has shown some turbulence. Now, maybe we’re headed towards a negotiation October surprises to mention Dr Terry, but just your thoughts on both. Any comment on with analysts said number one and number two, uh, the elements of peace that either missing or are there or what else we need to do to move forward. Oh, thank you. Investor and Lippert. We talked about the problems way have been experienced with North Korea by others in this parents over. Just let me focus on the issue you mentioned and, uh, on asking your question. I think that, you know, we have necessary conditions and subsequent condition. Foxes in the Korean Peninsula. Necessary conditions for peace include on the war declaration, normal military exercises against each other and just treating three of them. In my opinion, on getting him, we can include the following five items a sufficient conditions, but the 1st 2 of which are controversial. As we all know, Number one in organization. Second sensual removal and the arms control Lord, Northeast Asian multilateral security cooperation and also political will of the top leaders. And that she advises to strike a deal and faithfully carried out, which is not an easy job as vividly and powerfully revealed by John Perkins. Memoir. And so I think, uh, these are the conditions for making a chess settlement on the Korean Peninsula as a possibility in the future. But if you give me time, let me share with you a sum sum of my parts on the not the right side off our our Lions in the past. Until you know, for the past seven deck, they don’t now, let me point out three things first, that all this has to do with our frustration or concerns of our Lions capability. First, our inability to end the war syrup. She’s on the Korean Peninsula and Dina Karaj, North Korea, Even though almost seven factories were given for us and the last, a lot of Korean test to do with this defense cost a shooting negotiation this time. No, this really hurts. Oh, the forceful demand for a 500% increase in South Korea’s defense. Bolden sharing. It’s a nonstarter, one that says, If you will, which may be South Koreans ask, Is this America? We just to know that’s what the airlines is? Poor is truly hurt and still does. Finally, let me point out that little styles and the way they present issues to matter think about the differences about Bill Clinton. You know, Presidents Bill Clinton, pro Obama and Donald Trump, for instance. I think you know leaders on office sized Korea and United States represent issues and options in a Yugo Schober way and, you know, in a solvable way between analyze Oh, thank you for the time. I know I can share my thoughts on but the concerns and the frustration side of our lions, even though we had tremendous success reason, resilience, as I mentioned in the contribution our alliances made in the past. Okay, Thanks for the insights. What we are getting getting close to time here. So I’m gonna bring in Ambassador Stevens. Who we to also have neglected Kathy. Just a couple of questions for you. Anything to ah dovetail off of the the very good intervention from Dr Pack number one and number two, the last point that leaders matter. So, you know, we’re headed up to an election year in the United States. Any advice you might have for either a second trump term or a new Biden administration? I know these are big questions, but just any way you want to take it, and then we’ll probably go to Q and A from the audience. Yeah, Thanks, Mark. I, uh, really appreciate the comments been made. Knight endorsed. Just got all of them. I picking up on Hudson’s doctor pox point. Uh, I mean, I think the context that our alliance and our efforts visa be North Korea is it important is underlying but maybe stated. I think we really are an unprecedented and a new, still unpredictable. I have a storm of, of political, social geopolitical flux on that’s affecting everything. Um, in terms of kind of also what’s missing. I think I want to answer that a little bit and given the cut in the constellation of positive things that I think you rightly highlighted Aziz, we try to work on the North Korean issue. I think it’s been a perennial issue in this effort that in both countries in the Republic of Korea and United States, the, uh the effort has become partisan on, I think because this goes to because I think that any success we’re going to have on the demilitarization front on the inter Korean reconciliation front on the overall town just is a process and a pretty long process. We need an easy for me to say is a non politician, but we need to try within our own political systems to have a strong bipartisan or even non partisan support for it. Um, I also think that you know what we talk a lot about? It is very kind of matching up the denuclearization effort with the inter Korean effort. I think I’ve been better in words than in deeds, and we need to find a way to integrate that more. So I’m getting into the advice part, I guess now and have ah, I gotta have a sustainable process both on the, um you know, on the kind of political bipartisan side in both countries where there’s been a problem, but also and kind of understanding that this this cannot be in this cozy alliances, purely transactional, purely. I mean, there’s there’s a place in our time for big events, but there’s a lot of lot of kind of slow, hard work that has to be gone. And there has to be the resilience of not only the alliance but of our own political systems to deal with that, and my final point would be, we haven’t really touched on it, but that kind of regional dimension, I mean, David certainly mentioned rightly the importance of other alliance relationships such as Japan. United States has the importance of the Ridge pan relationship, but there is that that topic called China and and the many anxieties, I think in the Republic of Korea, maybe about being forced to choose, uh, between China and United States and a whole variety of fronts. And that, obviously, is the context in which we also have to look at the alliance. But also, I don’t think we’re going to get to a sustainable settlement, if you like. On the Korean Peninsula, with kind of as one of our college, sometimes called with after action drive by reports to Beijing, we’ve got to figure out a way to really, even in a very difficult time, and our bilateral relationship with China Teoh to bring the more regional and multilateral dimension to our efforts. Okay, great stuff, Kathy. We’ve got about three or four minutes left in about three or four questions from the audience. So I’m gonna try give everybody about a minute here and cut you back to you with this one. You just mentioned China. This really fits neatly with what you just your impure recent intervention analysis does the U. S. China is the student from Yale University. Does it? Does the U. S. China relationship make it harder for, um, you, Jane and the self government to talk to North Korea and maybe crafts, I would add. What about the linkage between inter Korean talks and the nuclear program that I think the meat administration, uh, you know, promulgated early in his in his in their tenure. Yeah, well, I mean, I want to hear from a Korean about about the difficulties of the moon Jae in government, but I guess my answer would be in a word, yes. I think a time of rising tensions between China and United States makes certainly diplomacy these of the North Korea more difficult, but also, just more broadly, the whole range of issues that that still looks at much more boat. Okay, let me go to Hak soon. Just for a real quick follow up on that same question to you, Dr Park. The US China relations, in terms of inter Korean conversations and dialogue oh, way have been a Justin experiencing all the difficulties just to know just in between United States and Japan on the one side of China and others from the other side on, uh, you know, even though there is a growing tension rivalry, but I don’t think this were continue to extend. We see these days, you know, election is over over in the match days, and China will have to deal with the new government in the United States. And they were just a little calm down a little bit for the benefits off size and the dismal creator. A better opportunity for the country’s let Korea and others who are very, very much seriously hurt by the year. Relentless competition and particularly brutal attacks on from both size on each other. So Well, I’m watching this very closely, but the king fortune better the federal lining. A silver lining, your after election in adjectives. Okay. Thank you. Excellent. Dr. Terry. Question for you Specifically. Uh uh. Our viewer asked you to answer this question. Um, essentially the Bolton Book. You just wrote a column about it. They add the net. Net question is scale of 1 to 10. The bolts and book, especially in terms of its accuracy. I’m gonna try to fill in some of the blanks. Ter is accurately on critiques of negotiations with North Korea. I don’t question the facts are accurately toward off from fortunes. Perspective I don’t think he was actively thinking he was going to lie. Now I’m not necessary and best agreeing with and personal perspective and use. But I do think his book shows he just took a very meticulous knows. So these are the truth as he sees them. But as a leader, you know, investor borders, viewpoints. It’s very well known. So I think a leader, a small video can sort of sort of go through the book and understand all that. But I don’t think he was actively making things up, if that’s what you’re asking. OK, absolute great. And we’re gonna get to this last one. We’re over time, but I’m gonna ask both these. This is a question directed at the American. So from a student, um, and the net that this question is, can the us ever give up the ROK as an ally? And the student asked, I want they asked for a realistic not a theoretical answer. So I’m gonna, uh, Dave, your practitioner, I’m just gonna ask you not to answer the whole of your radical question, but within the Pentagon, each and every day, thousands of hard working men and women in uniform on both sides of the Pacific. Um, as well as the rock counterparts are working to make this alliance stronger, as you outlined earlier. Is that a fair in any Anything you want to say? Just about the practical modalities on that question was asked for a realistic cancer. I thanks for thanks for that question. And absolutely, we are. We are committed to this alliance. I mean, it’s the lines since based not just on a military presence, but its alliances based on our shared values are shared. Democratic political systems are shared, uh, economies. I mean, this is something that certainly, yeah, supports the interests of both nations in the region. So our alliances strong. Um, and that’s something we’re gonna continue. Continue focusing on making even better over. All right. Last question. Last last word to Kathy. Kathy. Same question. You’re a former ambassador of practitioner number one. And number two did this day you work on the alliance from different hats, including the key I as well as your chair of the Korea Society. So same question to you in a realistic, non theoretical man. Yeah, well, maybe also in a somewhat personal and emotional batter. I would say, if by alliance, I mean, you know, we mean the relationship between the people of Korea and the people, United States. I think it’s an incredibly deep thing. And it is. It is deepened beyond my imagination over the 40 plus years that I’ve been following Korea, and I think all of us kind of feel it if we mean alliance in terms of the security alliance and how we rely, how we work together that way. I mean, first of all, is lasted a lot longer than most security military alliances. Dio, Um, but it is. It will response to changes in the world. And in fact, our security alliance does in 1953 doesn’t vision of a world a world which is a different kind of security order in Northeast Asia. So I don’t want to send down a tremors there, but I think right, you know, let’s not assume we’re in a state of great flux here, But I think the very deep relationship between our two again our shared values are shared sense of shared challenges is going to depend a very important relationship. But what the future of the security alliance and relationship is, I think will depend on the evolution of great power relationships and also our ability to cry Finish the unfinished business in a positive way on the Korean Peninsula in terms of division and suffering. Okay, that excellent. Wait a and that That sets up Day two tomorrow of C S I. S Korea Foundation Conference tune in tomorrow 8 a.m. Eastern time. When they say the old Batman show, I’m dating myself. Same bat time, same bat channel. Um, and we really look forward to another day of excellent discussion. Excellent deliberations of finding areas where we can work together finding areas by which with that will do exactly what Cathy said work on this alliance. Making a dynamic entity that has a bright future for decades to come. So thanks, everybody really appreciate the participants. Those who stayed up late, Korea, those who woke up early in the United States and all the viewers. We apologize. We didn’t get every question, but that just means more questions. More time for day two. Thanks again