ARF Chair's Statement Mentions "Complete Denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula" for Second Consecutive Year

Foreign ministers from the Indo-Pacific region have adopted the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Chair's Statement, expressing concern over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs while urging the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, denuclearization, and dialogue.

The Chair's Statement for this year's ARF, which was attended by South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, and Russia—with North Korea absent for the second consecutive year—included the phrase "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" following last year.

According to diplomatic sources, the ARF meeting was held in Manila, Philippines, on the 23rd, and the Chair's Statement was released the day before yesterday (the 25th).

The statement noted, "The meeting expressed concern over recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and underscored the importance of resuming peaceful dialogue among all relevant parties to achieve lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula."

It further pointed out, "The meeting expressed grave concern over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's continuing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and represent a concerning development threatening regional peace and stability."

It also emphasized, "The meeting urged the full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and noted international efforts to promote the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner."

At the same time, the statement stated that diplomatic efforts, including creating a favorable environment for peaceful dialogue among all relevant parties, must remain a top priority, adding, "The meeting reaffirmed its readiness to play a constructive role—including through the utilization of ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF—in fostering a conducive atmosphere for peaceful dialogue among the relevant parties."

The ARF Chair's Statement has shown a shift in tone compared to the past, starting last year when North Korea was absent for the first time.

Until 2024, the term "CVID" (complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation) was used for three consecutive years regarding North Korea's nuclear program, but it was replaced by "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" starting last year.

CVID is an expression that North Korea has consistently opposed, and the inclusion of the lower-level expression "complete denuclearisation" appears to reflect the South Korean government's policy direction aimed at improving relations to make progress on the North Korean nuclear issue.

Regarding dialogue with North Korea, while 2024 emphasized to "continue dialogue," last year and this year mentioned "resuming dialogue," reflecting the reality that inter-Korean communication has been cut off.

Regarding the situation in the South China Sea, the statement noted, "We look forward to continued efforts to conclude the negotiations on an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) within this year."

It also added, "The meeting emphasized the importance of self-restraint in the conduct of activities by claimant states and all other states, which could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea."

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, it expressed "grave concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the resumed hostilities between the United States and Iran," and stated its support for "diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting and durable peace in the Middle East."

(Photo provided by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.