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North Korea

Spokesperson- Foreign Ministry

January 27, 2018¹

"The so-called unilateral sanctions the United States has taken under its own sanctions law are a clear and wild violation of sovereignty under the international law that says a sovereign state can never be subject to the judicial power of another country under any circumstance and a serious provocation.”

"The U.S. should break away from its foolish way of thinking even now and give up its anachronistic hostile policy toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and its provocative actions that intensify tension on the Korean Peninsula.”

Rodong Sinmun

January 25, 2018²

U.S. sales of interceptor missiles to Japan a dangerous military action which is part of the efforts for global missile defence system and brings regional situation to a phase of confrontation.”

“As a result, regional countries cannot but channel efforts into bolstering up deterrent for self-defense.”

Statement- Joint conference of the government, political parties and organizations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

January 24, 2018³

“Let us promote contact, travel, cooperation and exchange between the north and the south on a wide scale to remove mutual misunderstanding and distrust and make all the fellow countrymen fulfill their responsibility and role as the driving force of national reunification!”

“Let the people of all strata in the north and the south bring down the barrier of national division and share kindred feelings by freely traveling by air and sea and overland and actively promote the trend of reconciliation and unity.”

“The appeal called upon all Koreans to firmly believe in the bright future of the nation and turn out as one in the sacred struggle for glorifying this significant year as a year of great changes and great events to eternally shine in the history of national reunification.”

Rodong Sinmun

January 24, 2018⁴

“The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Jan. 22 announced a decision on setting February 8 as the founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA).”

Ri Myong- Councilor, Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea

January 22, 2018⁵

“We reiterate that our measures are not ones for "gaining time", "disintegrating south Korea-U.S. alliance" and "making a breakthrough in overcoming the sanctions" but the important decision for the fellow countrymen and the nation.”

“The rapidly changing inter-Korean relations are the strict indictment and judgment on the thrice-cursed crimes of the conservative group of Lee Myung Bak and Park Geun Hye who drove the north-south relations to the worst catastrophe and the Korean Peninsula to the danger of a nuclear war while resorting to sycophancy to the U.S. and confrontation with the fellow countrymen.”

“If these traitors and psychopaths defaming the dignified Korean nation are allowed to go scot-free, the national reconciliation, unity and the building of a reunified powerful country will be delayed so much.”

The statement was in response to protests and criticisms by South Korea’s conservative politician on the North Korean participation in Winter Olympics and the recent inter-Korean dialogues.

KCNA

January 22, 2018⁶

“At a time when a peaceful environment has been created on the Korean Peninsula thanks to our active efforts, the U.S. and its vassal forces held the meeting (January 16, 2018- Vancouver foreign ministers' meeting). This is unpardonable provocation going against the aspiration and desire of all Koreans for the country's peace and reunification and aggravating the regional situation.”

Spokesperson- Institute for Studies of Japan, Foreign Ministry

January 20, 2018⁷

“The Abe group is creating an atmosphere of pressure against the DPRK, taking issue with our self-defensive nuclear deterrence while driving the whole of Japan into an atmosphere of terror by fabricating a national crisis. Their purpose is to make Japan a country that can be able to wage a war by revising the present constitution through all means.”

Rodong Sinmun

January 17, 2018⁸

"We can never pass over the South Korean leader's remarks that offended us and openly laid his vicious mind bare at a time when the two Koreas just took their first step to improve their relations.”
"Each word, uttered by Moon, well shows his pathetic mind trying to curry favor with the U.S.," the paper censured.

"The South Korean authorities should not make a misjudgment. We'll make efforts to better inter-Korean ties, but never overlook undiscerning acts against them.”

The statement was in response to President Moon Jae-in for his remarks on unwavering sanctions on North Korea's nuclear development, irrespective of inter-Korean dialogue.

USA

Donald Trump- President

January 30, 2018⁹

"North Korea's reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland. We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from happening."

"Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation. I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this dangerous position."

"We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose to America and our allies."

"You (Otto Warmbier) are powerful witnesses to a menace that threatens our world, and your strength inspires us all. Tonight, we pledge to honor Otto's memory with American resolve."

Michael Cavey-  Spokesman, State department

January 30, 2018¹⁰

"We remain in close coordination with the Republic of Korea."
"As President Trump said to ROK President Moon on January 4, the United States is committed to a safe and successful Winter Olympic Games."

Resolution- House of Representatives

January 30, 2018¹¹

"Reaffirms the strong and unwavering commitment of the United States to its ally -- the Republic of Korea -- to support, participate in, and help ensure the safety and security of the Winter Olympic Games PyeongChang 2018."

Resolution- The Senate

January 30, 2018¹²

"Expresses hope that the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 will contribute to the decision by (North Korea) to engage in negotiations that will result in complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Statement- Department of Defense

January 26, 2018¹³

In statement issued on the meeting between South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo and U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Hawaii on January 26, 2018, the Defense Department said,

“Secretary Mattis and Minister Song welcomed the resumed inter-Korean dialogue, which has resulted in North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.”

"Both (US and South Korea) sides reaffirmed their mutual objective of complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and agreed to closely cooperate with the international community to ensure that the inter-Korea dialogue, resumed on the occasion of the upcoming Olympic games, supports this objective.”

 "Moreover, they emphasized that any efforts to drive a wedge in the U.S.-ROK alliance would fail."

Donald Trump- President

January 26, 2018¹⁴

"My administration is proud to have led historic efforts, at the United Nations Security Council and all around the world, to unite all civilized nations in our campaign of maximum pressure to de-nuke the Korean Peninsula.”

Jim Mattis- Secretary of Defense

January 26, 2018¹⁵

“The Kim regime is a threat to the entire world. It's an international problem that requires an international solution.”

January 25, 2018¹⁶

“The defense of South Korea is a treaty alliance with us.”

"Numerous times, North Korea has violated (the armistice) over the years, and out in the waters, and even against airliners -- civilian airliners, that sort of thing.”

 "We could fight tonight, shoulder to shoulder with the Koreans -- or South Koreans, if they're attacked."

"They (military option) exist so that the diplomats speak from a position of authority, that they have to be listened to, because an attack on the Republic of Korea will be severely rebuffed if it's attempted.”

"I've got modest expectations that I can predict Kim Jong-un."
"It's very open communication, absolute trust between us (US and South Korea).The tensions are the tensions of the issues, not of the between us."

Heather Nauert- Spokeswoman, State Department

January 25, 2018¹⁷

"We certainly would support those kinds of contacts and conversations.”

"We think it's good to have conversations, to be able to pick up the phone and have a conversation with your neighbor. So that we support and we look forward to having a terrific Olympics in Korea."
"We're not there yet. We are willing to have talks with the North Korean regime, but the time is not right. Not right now. They know what they need to do. They need to be serious about denuclearization and we're not seeing that they are serious about denuclearization."

Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie- Director, Joint Staff, Department of Defense

January 25, 2018¹⁸

"We haven't suspended. We're deconflicting during the period of the Olympics, and exercises will continue immediately after the Olympics.”

"There's no suspension contemplated."

Steven Mnuchin- Secretary, Department of Treasury

January 24, 2018¹⁹

On January 24, 2018 US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals over their links to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. New sanction targets nine entities, including two Chinese firms, 16 North Korean individuals and six North Korean vessels. Announcing the sanction Treasury Secretary said,

"Treasury continues to systematically target individuals and entities financing the Kim regime and its weapons programs, including officials complicit in North Korean sanctions evasion schemes."

"We are sanctioning additional oil, shipping, and trading companies that continue to provide a lifeline to North Korea to fuel this regime's nuclear ambitions and destabilizing activities."  

H.R McMaster- National Security Advisor

January 23, 2018²⁰

“It is the President’s (Donald Trump) policy — his ability to rally international support behind the campaign of maximum pressure — that has made a significant difference.”

“The international community, and China in particular, does have a great deal of coercive economic power to be able to bring to bear to this”

“Everyone recognizes that we can’t repeat the mistakes of the past; really, to fall for what in the past has been the North Korean ploy to create the illusion of success in talks, and to use that lock in the status quo as the new normal while they continue to pursue these programs with undiminished vigor.”

“It’s important for all of to recognize the North Korean regime for what it is and how grave a threat this is to the world.”

Statement- Secretary of Defense

January 23, 2018²¹

“Mattis thanked Indonesia for its efforts to implement international sanctions against North Korea, emphasizing that the issue was still in the diplomatic realm to resolve.”

Mike Pompeo- Director, CIA

January 23, 2018²²

"Kim Jong-un will not rest with a single successful test.”

 "The logical next step would be to develop an arsenal of weapons that is not one, not a showpiece, not something to drive on a parade route ... but rather the capacity to deliver from multiple firings of these missiles simultaneously."

"I want everybody to understand that we are working diligently to make sure that a year from now I can still tell you they are several months away from having that capacity.”

"We are equally, at the same time, ensuring that if we conclude that is not possible, that we present the president with a range of options."

Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, State Department

January 23, 2018²³

“We are moving ahead with our diplomatic efforts. We will continue in those diplomatic efforts. They are tireless efforts. We keep pushing ahead with that, but we will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed stated. We remain firm in our opposition of that. We will never allow them to gain the legitimate – the international legitimacy that they seek to have by defining themselves as that kind of state.”

Mike Pompeo- Director, CIA

January 22, 2018²⁴

"We can always identify that the program is continuing. We'll never know the exact nature of what's taking place. We'll never know the exact moment that they're going to continue. But the core risk that the policymakers needed to know was that North Korea's nuclear weapons program is continuing to expand, advance, become more powerful, more capable, more reliable."

Asked how close North Korea is to being able to carry out a nuclear attack on the mainland U.S., Pompeo replied, "A handful of months.”

Spokesperson- State Department

January 22, 2018²⁵

"We have been clear about our position on U.S.-North Korea talks.”

 "There are no plans to meet with North Korean officials before or after the end of the Olympic games."

Jim Mattis- Secretary of Defense

January 22, 2018

“North Korea comes up in our discussions everywhere in the world, because this is a global issue."

January 19, 2018²⁶

“Rogue regimes like North Korea and Iran persist in taking outlaw actions that threaten regional and even global stability.  Oppressing their own people and shredding their own people's dignity and human rights, they push their warped views outward.”

Statement- Pentagon

January 19, 2018²⁷

"The leaders (South Korean Vice Defense Minister Suh Choo-suk and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan) reaffirmed the ironclad nature of the alliance, and the importance of maintaining vigilance and unity in the face of North Korean aggression.”

"The U.S. and Republic of Korea will remain unified in working to achieve a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Donald Trump- President

January 18, 2018²⁸

“Russia is not helping us at all with North Korea.”

“What China is helping us with, Russia is denting. In other words, Russia is making up for some of what China is doing.”

“Unfortunately we don’t have much of a relationship with Russia, and in some cases it’s probable that what China takes back, Russia gives. So the net result is not as good as it could be.”

Regarding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Trump said,

“I’d sit down, but I‘m not sure that sitting down will solve the problem.” 

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White House

January 18, 2018²⁹

"We see this as an opportunity for the regime to see the value of ending its international isolation via denuclearization," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said during a regular news briefing. "We still are very much focused and hope that that happens."
On the march itself, she noted it would not be the first time.

"We hope that this experience gives North Korea and its athletes a small taste of freedom, and that rubs off and is something that spreads and impacts in these negotiations and in these conversations.”

Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, State Department

January 18, 2018³⁰

“Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the Canadian foreign minister cohosted foreign ministers and representatives of 20 countries from around the globe in Vancouver to demonstrate global solidarity in opposition to North Korea’s unlawful and dangerous development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Participants in Vancouver emphasized the urgency of addressing the current instability precipitated by the DPRK’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile development.”

“Among the things they agreed to: Support progress in the inter-Korean dialogue in hopes that it leads to a sustained easing of tensions; maintain readiness to support a political solution, and recognize China’s special role and responsibility to contribute to the effort; work closely with partners in the region and globally, including China and Russia, to ensure full and effective implementation of existing sanctions on North Korea, particularly through enhanced information sharing and expanded support to the UN Panel of Experts, to combat sanctions evasion; to further strengthen the international pressure campaign through diplomatic advocacy with states that lack the political will to implement the sanctions; help build global capacity to effectively implement sanctions and prevent proliferation financing, including from criminal activities and cyber operations; sever financial lifelines for all of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs, including through enhanced coordination within the region and internationally; counter North Korea’s maritime smuggling in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions, including measures to stop its unlawful use of ship-to-ship transfers; agree to consider taking steps to impose unilateral sanctions and further diplomatic actions that go beyond those required by the UN Security Council resolutions; finally, undertake preparatory efforts to outline principles and requirements for a verification mechanism sufficient to guarantee the complete and irreversible dismantlement of all of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs and related delivery systems.”

Rex Tillerson- Secretary of States

January 17, 2018³¹

"It's apparent to us that they're (Russia) not implementing all the sanctions and there's some evidence they may be frustrating some of the sanctions." 

South Korea

Statement- Unification Ministry

January 30, 2018³²

“North Korea notified its plan to cancel the joint culture event agreed to be held at Mt. Geumgang on February 4.”

“North Korea stated that it has no choice but to cancel the agreed culture event as South Korean media is spreading public opinion insulting the North’s sincere efforts regarding the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and is taking issue with North Korea’s internal commemoration event.”

Song Young-moo- Defense Minister

January 29, 2018³³

“The North Korean regime will probably be removed from the map if it uses developed nuclear weapons against South Korea or the United States.”

"It's an anachronistic idea that North Korea will use nuclear weapons for the unification (of the two Koreas).”

"It (denuclearization) may be a rough path, which could take a long time. But I think we have to go that way by being patient and patient again.”

Choi Hyun-soo- Spokeswoman, Ministry of National Defense

January 26, 2018³⁴

"The exact date and size of the planned joint exercises cannot be disclosed, but they will be carried out after the close of the Olympics.”

Cho Myoung-gyon- Unification Minister

January 26, 2018³⁵

"There is a high possibility that the North could hold an intimidating military parade by mobilizing sizable numbers of military personnel and almost all of its weapons." 

"The North seems to be preparing for major events massively on the ground as the regime marks the 70th anniversary of its creation, and its leader Kim Jong-un apparently wants to show his absolute power." 

"The public and the international community probably have grave concerns (about the North's parade). But (I think) the government's efforts to make the PyeongChang Games a 'Peace Olympics' and the North's participation in the games could (also mitigate such concerns)." 

"We are facing tasks over how to make momentum (for more inter-Korean dialogue) lead into April and extend after June." 

Noh Kyu-duk- Spokesman, Foreign Ministry

January 25, 2018³⁶

On January 25, 2018 South Korea's nuclear envoy,  Lee Do-hoon and  Sigal Mandelker, US Treasury undersecretary discussed cooperation in maintaining pressure on North Korea. On their meeting ministry said,

"The two shared the view that watertight coordination is under way between South Korea and the U.S. in their sanctions and pressure on the North.”

"And they also agreed that they will maintain close cooperation to induce the North out to the path toward denuclearization.”

Official- Foreign Ministry

January 24, 2018³⁷

"Now is the best time, as the U.S. opens its door for talks.”

 "The U.S. could close the door shut anytime. It is important for the North to stop provocations and come out for talks."

"Though their rhetoric has been strong, (U.S. Secretary of State Rex) Tillerson signaled that talks could be possible if the North stops provocations for some time, and Trump has also joined in this.”

 "There has never been any time before that (U.S. officials) have said this."

"It's hard to predict, but one thing is clear, that our participation should be guaranteed and be part (of the process), both in terms of content and methodology.”

 "We still do not oppose the U.S. and the North having talks first."

"Even if there is an inevitable need for us to provide support, we will decide in a transparent manner through consultations with relevant countries and the International Olympic Committee and the sanctions committee (of the U.N. Security Council).”

"Against this backdrop, it would be better for the North to resume talks with the U.S. first and then have talks with the South and steadily expand the countries involved.”

Park Soo-hyun - Spokesperson,  Office of the President

January 23, 2018³⁸

"The Moon Jae-in government's efforts to overcome the crisis on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue led to North Korea's participation in the Olympics. We are confident the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games will go beyond establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula to become priming water for global peace."

"North Korean athletes took part in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, along with a North Korean cheering squad, while a high-ranking North Korean delegation watched the games. But no one called it the Pyongyang Asian Games.”

"North Korea too is a participating country and we ought to respect it as we would respect all the others.”

"Let us warmly welcome participating guests as hosts of the Winter Olympic Games and make preparations so everyone can enjoy them. Let us welcome the guests as dignified hosts."

Moon Jae-in –President

January 22, 2018³⁹

"Right now, we are facing a very precious opportunity to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. It is entirely due to the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games that allowed the South and the North to sit face to face. Such dialogue came dramatically while the possibility of war again loomed.”

"But the current condition is so fragile that no one can be optimistic about how long the dialogue will last.”

"However, if it ends just at that, we will have no way of knowing how difficult the problems we may face in our foreign and security relations in the future, and creating another opportunity for dialogue will not be easy.”

"We need wisdom and efforts to continue the miraculously earned opportunity for dialogue even after the end of PyeongChang (Olympics)."

"I ask the people to show their support in maintaining and expanding the dialogue as they will protect a candle in the wind, which we may not be able to create such an opportunity again.”

"I also ask the political circle and the media to lend their support at least for the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Olympics."

Choi Hyun-soo- Spokesperson, Ministry of Defense

January 22, 2018⁴⁰

South Korea offered to resume military talks with the North Korea in July 2017. On this matter the spokesperson said,

"We continue to wait for a response (from the North Korea)."

"There is nothing specific going on now but we will let you know immediately when (the talks) start."

Chang Je-won- Spokesman, Liberty Korea Party (Opposition Party)

January 21, 2018⁴¹

"The Moon Jae-in administration has given up the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and declared it the Pyongyang Olympics.”

Moon Jae-in – President

January 17, 2018⁴²

"I hope it will be an Olympic event of peace. Olympics are naturally events of peace. In addition to that, I believe we could not ask for more than the PyeongChang Olympic Games being a chance to begin establishing peace on our Korean Peninsula.”

"Fortunately, North Korea decided to take part in the PyeongChang Olympic Games. I am confident North Korea's participation will help promote the PyeongChang Olympics.”

"Secondly, I believe it will be a great opportunity to thaw the South-North Korea relationship that is frozen solid.”

"How North Korea will take part has not yet been decided. We still have no way of knowing whether they will march together and whether they will be able to form a single team in certain events. But should they march together or be able to form an unified team, I believe it will provide a much better chance to develop the South-North Korea relationship than North Korea's simple participation would.”

"I believe our people and people around the world will be moved while watching such a sight. It will also mark a good start to improving South-North Korea ties for the future.”

Kang Kyung-wha - Foreign Minister

January 19, 2018⁴³

"We are closely working with the United States and the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea so that there should be no controversy regarding the North's PyeongChang Olympic participation running counter to international sanctions."

"The UNSC has its sanctions framework on North Korea's nuclear and missile developments."

"The ministers (20 nations foreign ministers' meeting in Vancouver, Canada) agreed that sanctions and pressure will continue on North Korea as it keeps developing nuclear weapons and missiles.”

"We reaffirmed that the North Korean nuclear problem should be solved with peaceful and diplomatic ways and such pressure and sanctions are diplomatic tools to lead Pyongyang to denuclearization talks."

Statement- Foreign Ministry

January 19, 2018⁴⁴

“We decided to make a contribution to the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Olympics by opening or supporting high-level diplomatic events, while intensifying efforts to secure global understanding and support to have the recent momentum for talks turn into a peaceful resolution of the North's nuclear problem.”

"In particular, we emphasized that we will focus our diplomatic capacity on inducing North Korea and the U.S. into a dialogue process so that it could create a virtuous cycle of inter-Korean talks resulting in North Korea-U.S. talks.”

"We will seek to enter into a full-fledged dialogue phase going forward while maintaining inter-Korean talks and U.S.-North Korea talks as two major pillars." 

Statement- Ministry of Unification

January 19, 2018⁴⁵

"The government will seek regular high-level meetings to discuss ways to enhance inter-Korean relations comprehensively.”

"Seoul also will seek sectoral talks with Pyongyang. It will pursue an improvement in ties and the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue in tandem.”

"Based on inter-Korean talks and international coordination, we hope that North Korea can be induced into negotiations to discuss the North's denuclearization.”

Official- Office of the President

January 18, 2018⁴⁶

“We believe the agreements are the result of the best efforts from both sides.”

 "We highly evaluate the outcome."

Statement- Ministry of Defense

January 18, 2018⁴⁷

"In today's meeting, the U.S. side reaffirmed its firm security commitment to the defense of South Korea using all categories of its military capabilities.”

The two countries have "agreed to continue the rotational deployment of U.S. strategic assets to South Korea and nearby areas as long as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats persist."

Joint Press Release of Inter-Korean Working-Level Talks – Ministry of Unification

January 17, 2018⁴⁸

“South and North Korea will march in together at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics opening ceremony with the Korean unification flag, and will organize a joint North-South women’s ice hockey team.”

“North Korea will dispatch a cheering squad of around 230 members. They will cheer for events of the PyeongChang Olympics as well as games of South and North Korean athletes, and will jointly cheer with the South’s cheering squad. South and North Korea will guarantee activities of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan(Chongryon)’s cheering squad.”

“North Korea will send around 30 Taekwondo demonstrators.”

“North Korea’s National Olympic Committee delegation, athletes, cheering squad, Taekwondo demonstrators, and journalists will come and go through the land route of the Gyeongui Line.”

“ South and North Korea will hold a joint culture event at the North side of Mt. Geumgang and hold a joint training session of South-North skiers at North Korea’s Masikryong Ski Resort before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.”

Kang Kyung- wha- Foreign Minister

January 17, 2018⁴⁹

"Everyone is welcoming North Korea coming to the (PyeongChang) Olympics and Paralympics and appreciating the results of inter-Korean (high-level) talks on Jan. 9.”

"Given common aspirations for North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang (Olympics) and the successful hosting of it, I don't think the South-North Korea talks that we are doing for the North's Olympic participation run counter to sanctions that the international community is putting together.”

"The reason why the North has come to the inter-Korean talks is participation in the Olympics, but the ministers today agreed that the talks could lead to discussion on a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue if this opportunity is handled well and sustained during the Olympics.”

"The current timing is of great importance.”

"So I plan to coordinate closely (with the U.S.) to create momentum for denuclearization talks with the North, which the U.S. wants, and work toward further talks that go beyond those on the PyeongChang (Olympics)."

China

Wang Yi- Foreign Minister

January 30, 2018⁵⁰

“The current momentum of easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula presents all parties with an opportunity to demonstrate greater sincerity for dialogue and negotiation and to facilitate more good interactions. To put it more broadly, as a partner that all sides can count on, China will continue to uphold the equality of countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, stand for dialogue and consultation as the only approach to disputes and differences, support political settlement to regional hotspots and act constructively to that end. It is our sincere hope that dialogue and cooperation will prevail in our world”

Hua Chunying- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 23, 2018⁵¹

“China has always comprehensively and strictly implemented the Security Council  resolutions. At the same time, we maintain that the UN Security Council sanction measures against the DPRK should not affect the humanitarian assistance for the DPRK. This is also the explicit requirement of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

“In the context of Security Council sanctions and the unilateral sanctions imposed by some countries over the DPRK, there are many reasons for the problems with the DPRK's humanitarian assistance. China attaches importance to the humanitarian aid work conducted by the United Nations and other international agencies in the DPRK and has provided and will continue to provide the necessary support and assistance in this regard.”

Lu Kang- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 18, 2018⁵²

“In recent days, the DPRK and the ROK have been delivering good news to the international community, whether it is about cooperating on the Pyeongchang Olympics or improving bilateral ties. We get a sense of closeness between the DPRK and the ROK as members of one family. We bear witness to their reciprocal demonstration of goodwill and constructive efforts towards improving bilateral ties and ameliorating the situation on the Korean Peninsula. These efforts, as we said before, need to be encouraged.”

“I must stress that the current reprieve on the Korean Peninsula does not come by easily and deserves all the more to be cherished. The international community shall seize this opportunity and be generous in its support and coordination.”

January 17, 2018⁵³

“We have said many times that the nature of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is one of security. Only by addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties in a balanced way through dialogue can we find an effective pathway towards the peaceful settlement of the Peninsula issue.”

“We all know that the so-called UN Command, as a product of the Cold War era, has long lost its relevance. As initiators of the meeting, the US and Canada co-hosted the meeting under the banner of the so-called UN Command sending states. That is Cold War mentality pure and simple, and will only drive a wedge among the international community and undermine the concerted efforts to seek proper settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. When major parties to the Korean Peninsula issue are not present, such a meeting will not contribute to properly resolving the issue, as it shall be approached and addressed mainly through the framework of the Six-Party Talks and the UN Security Council. That is why, from the very beginning, the legality and representativeness of this meeting is extensively questioned by the international community.”

Russia

Statement – Foreign Ministry

January 24, 2018⁵⁴

Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on  January 24, 2018.

“They expressed a common opinion that North Korea should strictly comply with the requirements of the UN Security Council, which repeatedly denounced North Korea’s nuclear test explosions and missile launches. At the same time, Sergey Lavrov cautioned against escalating tensions around the Korean Peninsula through aggressive rhetoric, anti-North Korean blocs and threats of a naval blockade. The Russian minister pointed out that Pyongyang had demonstrated readiness for dialogue and called for settling disputes exclusively by diplomatic means and with due regard for the related Russian-Chinese initiatives.”

Igor Morgulov- Deputy Foreign Minister

January 20, 2018⁵⁵

“We, welcome the resumption of Korean dialogue, its agenda and the agreements that the parties reached at their first meetings.”

“The direct dialogue between representatives of North and South Korea is part of the Russia-China roadmap for resolving the situation on the Korean peninsula; therefore, we see the resumed negotiations as a step in the right direction.”

“Russia has never been in favour of unilateral restrictions that bypass the UN Security Council.”

“Moscow is certainly willing to assist in facilitating a direct dialogue between the United States and North Korea as soon as possible.”

Sergei Lavrov- Foreign Minister

January 19, 2018⁵⁶

"While our U.S. counterparts say we don’t cooperate, we say we do cooperate and we ask them to provide any facts that would highlight any inconsistencies on our part.”

"We recall the phrase ‘Trust me’ that Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of our most favorite actors, would always say, also without any facts.”

"Let’s work along this principle then. I think very little will come out of it in practical terms, though, if we abide by the rules of this kind."

"Still, if the committee (UN Security Council’s special committee) doesn’t get any well-specified complaints, this means there are no concrete facts and I can’t say anything more.”

Dmitry Peskov- Spokesman, Kremlin

January 19, 2018⁵⁷

"We welcome the continued process of direct talks between the North and the South. We believe that it is very important amid a continued direct dialogue to avoid any actions or statements that may undermine the fragile atmosphere of the dialogue."

"The main thing is that the process of a direct dialogue is under way and it deserves all-out support."

Igor Morgulov- Deputy Foreign Minister

January 18, 2018⁵⁸

Responding to statements by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Moscow allegedly fails to fulfil international sanctions against North Korea, Deputy Foreign Minister said, 

"These accusations made by the United States are absolutely unfounded."

"Russia is fulfilling its obligations under the corresponding UN Security Council resolutions in full."

"The relevant UN Sanctions Committees do not set any claims to us with regard to fulfilling the sanctions against North Korea."

Statement- Foreign Ministry

January 17, 2018⁵⁹

“The results of the Vancouver meeting on the DPRK held on January 16, which are included in the statement of its co-chairs - the United States and Canada - reinforced our doubts about the usefulness of this event.”

“The “decision” of the meeting participants “to reflect on imposing unilateral sanctions and other diplomatic measures that go beyond the requirements set forth in UN Security Council resolutions” is absolutely unacceptable and counterproductive.” 

“We regret to say that such meetings, which are conducted in a hurry and which negatively affect the function of proven multilateral formats, do little to normalise the situation on the Korean Peninsula, but rather aggravate it.”

Japan

Taro Kono- Foreign Minister

January 30, 2018⁶⁰

“ROK and North Korea have been engaging in dialogue towards the successful holding of the PyeongChang Olympics. The international community’s stance on the issue of North Korea and its denuclearization, meanwhile, has not changed at all. We continue to fully implement the economic sanctions against North Korea and increase pressure, with the expectation that North Korea will demonstrate its serious will and concrete actions towards denuclearization.”

Shinzo Abe- Prime Minister

January 24, 2018⁶¹

““If various factors permit and I can attend the Opening Ceremony (Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea on February 9, 2018), I definitely want to have a meeting (with Moon).” 

“I want to directly convey the importance of not wavering from the policy of heightening pressure to the maximum level to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs.”

Taro Kono- Foreign Minister

January 23, 2018⁶²

“The reality is that North Korea’s methods for evading sanctions have become very skillful, so I think that we must respond to that in a variety of forms. I intend to firmly deal with this by doing what is possible with the agreement of the international community.”

“I think there is no way forward other than applying the maximum pressure on North Korea by the international community now.”

January 19, 2018⁶³

“The ROK participated in the meeting in Vancouver and confirmed in a Japan-US-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and in other venues that maximum pressure should be applied, that North Korea has become highly skilled in its efforts to avoid sanctions, and that Japan, the US, and the ROK should take the lead in providing technical assistance so that sanctions can be implemented effectively. We intend to proceed with these efforts.”