US President Joe Biden (2nd from right), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd from left), and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pose for a photo at the Archmere Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday as they gather for a Quad summit. (AFP)
The leaders of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia on Saturday denounced North Korea's "destabilizing" missile launches and nuclear program while reaffirming their commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement after the fourth in-person Quad summit held in Wilmington, Delaware.
The summit took place amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula following North Korea's recent disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, continued weapons tests, and the launch of balloons filled with trash into South Korea, along with its inflammatory rhetoric.
"We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability," the leaders said in the statement, named "the Wilmington Declaration."
The leaders urged North Korea to abide by its obligations under UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations, and engage in substantive dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in line with the relevant UNSCRs and called on all nations to fully implement these resolutions.
The Quad leaders also expressed grave concern about North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activities, and overseas workers to fund its unlawful weapons programs. They urged all UN member states to comply with resolutions prohibiting the transfer or procurement of arms and related materials to or from North Korea.
Additionally, the leaders voiced concerns about nations deepening military cooperation with North Korea, saying such actions undermine global nonproliferation efforts. They emphasized the importance of sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang, particularly following the disbandment of a UN expert panel monitoring sanctions violations.
Earlier, Biden and Kishida held a bilateral meeting in which Biden praised the strengthening of ties between Seoul and Tokyo, recognizing the improved relations that were further solidified at the Camp David Summit in August 2023. The summit led to historic trilateral cooperation agreements between the US, Japan, and South Korea, including a "Commitment to Consult" in the event of a shared threat.
The Quad leaders also addressed concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, condemning the militarization of disputed features and the use of coercive and intimidating maneuvers. They denounced the dangerous actions of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the region.
In terms of maritime security, the leaders announced plans for a "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission" in 2025 to enhance interoperability and maritime safety. They also introduced a "Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network" pilot project to improve civilian response to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific.
The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. (Yonhap)
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