South Korea: Yoon Suk-yeol says North Korea is conducting increasingly 'aggressive' provocations

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concern about North Korea’s multiple weapons launches this year. The launches come as Pyongyang has apparently expressed confidence in its arsenal of nuclear and missile weapons.

On the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Cambodia over the weekend, Yoon met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden. Yoon urged for stronger cooperation among the three allied countries, saying that Pyongyang’s confidence in its arsenal has resulted in multiple launches.

“North Korea is conducting more hostile and aggressive provocations based on confidence over its nuclear and missile capabilities,” said Yoon during the meeting that was broadcast in South Korea.

In a separate meeting with Biden, Yoon stressed the importance of strengthening the extended deterrence against the threats posed by North Korea. Yoon added that they should show North Korea that it would not benefit from nuclear and missile programs, according to a statement released by Yoon’s office.

North Korea has been testing a record number of missiles this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, amidst growing fears that Pyongyang was gearing up for its first nuclear test in five years.

Also, during the meeting with Biden, Yoon also expressed concerns about the US electric vehicle tax credit reform, which would come into effect by January 1, 2023. Biden said that the contribution of South Korean companies to the US economy should be considered when implementing the new rules.

The discussion follows concerns by Seoul that the new rules would breach the US-South Korea free trade agreement. South Korea is looking for a three-year grace period to allow South Korean auto manufacturers to continue receiving EV incentives in the US.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday that Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo would have a coordinated response should Pyongyang conduct its nuclear test.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as Biden travelled to Indonesia for the G20 Summit, Sullivan also said that should North Korea conduct a nuclear test, it would be considered a “flagrant violation” of multiple resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council.