Korea Chair Monitor | Vol 4 Issue 3

The Korea Chair team takes a biweekly look back at events of interest in Washington, Seoul, and the region from February 11 - February 24, 2016.

U.S.-ROK RELATIONS
President Obama Signs H.R. 757
On February 18, U.S. president Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 757, the “North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act.” The new bill has received bipartisan support and will strengthen the U.S. sanctions regime against the DPRK.

Admiral Harris and General Scaparrotti Briefs Congress
On February 23 and 24, Admiral Harry B. Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commander of UNC/CFC/USFK testified at hearings before the Senate and House Armed Services Committee, respectively. Both expressed concern about DPRK’s continued provocations, and were in support of discussions concerning the deployment of THAAD to the ROK as part of strengthened layered defenses.

Cho Tae-Yong Visits Washington
On February 18, ROK deputy national security adviser Cho Tae-yong met U.S. deputy secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington. They discussed U.S.-ROK coordination on DPRK policy and agreed to maintain close bilateral consultations in responding to provocations.