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South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks with CNN Korea Correspondent Paula Hancocks during an interview at the Blue House on Sept. 14 (Blue House Photo Pool)

On September 14, President Moon Jae-in said, “I do not agree with those who think we should develop our own nuclear weapons or bring tactical nuclear weapons back to South Korea in response to North Korea's nuclear program.” He has drawn a clear line against conservatives' claims that redeployment of nuclear weapons here is the best solution to the North Korean threat.

When asked about the nuclear issue in an interview with CNN on the 14th, Moon said, “To respond to North Korea by having our own nuclear weapons will not maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula, and could lead to a nuclear arms race in northeast Asia.”

■ “There is no danger of war.”

In the CNN interview, Moon was also asked how he could promise that there would be no second Korean war. He responded, “The goal of the sanctions and other pressure put on the North is to avoid the danger of war and draw Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. The United States and President Trump also stand by that goal, so we must resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through peaceful, diplomatic means.”

He added, “Despite the North's repeated provocations, South Korean financial markets and other aspects of the economy remain unshaken. Our people's unruffled view that there is no danger of war supports my assertion.”

President Moon reemphasized the role that the international community's strong sanctions play in taking us toward a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the North's nuclear threat. “There will never be another war on the Korean Peninsula,” he insisted. Asked if he had given up on dialogue, he replied, “I have not. We are sticking to the basis of our policy toward the North. But of course, the dialogue becomes possible only when North Korea steps forward to participate. Pyongyang has to create the conditions necessary for dialogue.”

Although Moon definitely opposes the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, he said, “In the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile advances, I do agree that we need to strengthen our military capabilities.”

Moon strongly supported the UN Security Council's unanimous vote on September 11 to place additional sanctions on North Korea and predicted that if provocations continue, “The international community could broaden the scope of its cuts on trade in petroleum products.” About the illegal trade in petroleum products with Pyongyang, Moon said, “It's important to watch how strictly the UN sanctions are adhered to. Besides the North's official imports and exports of petroleum products, there are a lot of unofficial, secret dealings going on. If we can cut off such illicit trade, the UN sanctions will be all the more effective.”

Asked about China's economic retaliation since the deployment of THAAD, Moon said, “It is critical for us to have China's cooperation and assistance in dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue, and right now, with a Communist Party Congress scheduled for October, it would be difficult to redirect attention to the THAAD problem. I don't think this is something we can solve in the short term, but we will restore good relations with China in the long term.”

■ “No rash decision should be made on the KORUS FTA.”

About the KORUS Free Trade Agreement, Moon said, “First of all, we have to evaluate the issue properly,” and added that both countries want a mutually beneficial solution. As for renegotiating the FTA, he said, “We are ready and willing to work out a healthy arrangement with the United States. The negotiations are just beginning, so it would be rash to jump to negative conclusions or talk about abolishing the deal at this point.”

By Kim Bo-hyeop, staff reporter

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