| March
1. | - ･ “In December last year,
we launched the Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for
Infectious Disease Control and Public Health along with the
United States, China, Russia, and Mongolia. Japan is also
considering joining, and I look forward to North Korea’s
participation. We will actively cooperate with the countries
involved. The transnational spread of livestock epidemics
and new infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can only be
dealt with effectively through multilateral cooperation that
transcends one country’s ability.”
･ “We will also
continue to make efforts for denuclearization and permanent
peace on the Korean Peninsula. We will develop inter-Korean
relations based on the three principles of zero tolerance
for war, mutual security guarantees, and common prosperity.
I hope that North Korea will cooperate and interact with the
countries in the region, beginning with its participation in
the Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative that aims to
protect peoples’ lives and safety. This will lead to a
breakthrough for mutual benefit and peace on the Korean
Peninsula and in East Asia.”
･ “The Tokyo Summer
Olympic Games scheduled for this year may offer an
opportunity for dialogue between South Korea and Japan,
South and North Korea, North Korea and Japan, and North
Korea and the United States. South Korea will work together
with Japan for the success of the Olympics. I also hope that
Seoul and Tokyo will be able to revive their economies,
which were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and jointly create
a new order in the post-COIVD-19 era through even more
robust cooperation.” |
| March
2. | - ROK National Security
Advisor Shu Hoon speaks by phone with U.S. National Security
Advisor Jake Sullivan.
･ “The two sides agreed to
continue close coordination for denuclearization and
establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.
They held discussions on ways to cooperate on the COVID-19
pandemic as well as regional and global issues and agreed to
further strengthen the alliance on the basis of shared
values. They pointed out that Seoul and Washington
communicate closely and as often as necessary at all levels
including the National Security Council and agreed to
continue cooperation by face-to-face meetings as soon as
possible in consideration of the COVID-19 situation.”
|
| March 3. | - North Korea holds the 13th plenary
meeting of the 14th Presidium of the Supreme People’s
Assembly (SPA).
･ Enacted the Social Insurance and
Social Security Act, and the Disinfection of Imported Goods
Act.
･ Approved and adopted the national economic
development plan for 2021 and the master plan for land
development along the east coast. |
| March 3. | - The United
States releases the Interim National Security Strategic
Guidance.
･ “Regional actors like Iran and North
Korea continue to pursue game-changing capabilities and
technologies, while threatening U.S. allies and partners and
challenging regional stability.”
･ “We will empower
our diplomats to work to reduce the threat posed by North
Korea’s growing nuclear and missile programs, standing
shoulder-to-shoulder with the Republic of Korea and Japan.”
･ “The use of military force should be a last resort,
not the first; diplomacy, development, and economic
statecraft should be the leading instruments of American
foreign policy.” |
| March
8-18. | - The ROK and the United
States conduct a springtime military exercise.
|
| March 11. |
- Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina), the UN Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea,
issues the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human
rights situation in North Korea at the 46th session of the
Human Rights Council in Geneva.
|
| March 12. | - The Quad
summit of the U.S., Japanese, Indian, and Australian leaders
is held.
|
| March 15. |
- Kim Yo Jong, vice department
director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of
Korea (WPK), issues the statement: “It Will Be Hard to Again
See the Spring Days of Three Years Ago.”
･ “We have
opposed the joint military drills targeting the compatriots
but never argued about their scale or form.” “To be frank,
we feel sorry about the plight of the South Korean
authorities as they are to stake their lot on hostile acts
against the compatriots even by resorting to scaled-down war
games, now that they find themselves in the quagmire of
political, economic and epidemic crisis.” “Nevertheless,
they opted for ‘war in March’ and ‘crisis in March’ again
under the eyes of all Koreans, instead of ‘warmth in
March.’”
･ “We cannot but put on the agenda the issue
of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the
Country, an organization for dialogue with the South, which
has no reason for its existence.” “We also examine the issue
of dissolving the Kumgangsan International Tourism Bureau
and other organizations concerned as any cooperation and
exchange with the South Korean authorities antagonizing us
are no longer necessary. Such crucial steps have already
been reported to our supreme leadership.” “We will watch the
future attitude and actions of the South Korean authorities.
And if they dare resort to more provocative acts, we may
take a special measure of resolutely abrogating even the
North-South military agreement.” “Whatever and however the
South Korean authorities may do in the future under their
master’s instructions, those warm spring days of three years
ago, which they desire so much, won’t easily come again.”
･ “We take this opportunity to warn the new U.S.
administration trying hard to give off powder smell in our
land. If it wants to sleep in peace in the coming four
years, it had better refrain from causing a stink at its
first step.” |
| March 17. |
- Choe Son Hui, first vice minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea (DPRK), issues a statement.
･ “The U.S. has
tried to contact us since mid-February through several
routes including New York.” “But we don’t think there is
need to respond to the U.S. delay tactics again.” “We have
already declared our stand that no DPRK-U.S. contact and
dialogue of any kind can be possible unless the U.S. rolls
back its hostile policy towards the DPRK. Therefore, we will
disregard any such attempt by the U.S. in the future, too.”
･ “Even in reference to the national anti-epidemic
measures taken by us, it uttered such thoughtless words that
they hinder ‘humanitarian aid.’” “We are curious what
senseless rhetoric he would make in South Korea to take the
world by surprise.” “If the U.S. wants so much to sit even
once with us face to face, it must drop its bad habit and
adopt a proper stand from the beginning.”
･ “We make
it clear that we won’t give it such opportunities as in
Singapore and Hanoi again.” “We will readily react to the
sanctions leverage which the U.S. is so fond of.” “We
already clarified that we will counter the U.S. on the
principle of power for power and goodwill for
goodwill.” |
| March 17-18. |
- US Secretary of State Antony J.
Blinken visits
South Korea and has a meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign
Minister Chung Eui-yong.
･ “The Secretary and the
Foreign Minister shared the view that the North Korean
nuclear and ballistic missile issues are priorities for the
ROK-US alliance and had an in-depth discussion on ways for
the two countries to cooperate with each other and make
progress toward complete denuclearization and establishment
of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
･ “They
agreed that it is important to prepare and implement a
fully-coordinated strategy toward North Korea between the
two countries. To this end, the two sides committed to
continuing close coordination and cooperation on all issues
involving the Korean Peninsula, including the United States’
ongoing DPRK policy review.” |
| March 17-19. | - US
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visits South Korea
and has a meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of
National Defense Suh Wook.
･ The Secretary of Defense
and the Minister of National Defense “reaffirmed the shared
goals of complete denuclearization and establishment of
permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and remain committed
to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
･
The two sides “shared the view that ROK-US-Japan trilateral
defense cooperation is important to responding to the North
Korean nuclear and missile threats and shaping the
cooperative security structure in Northeast Asia.”
|
| March 18. | - The 5th Republic of Korea – United
States Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (“2+2”) is
held.
･ “The Ministers and Secretaries emphasized
that the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile issues
are priorities for the ROK-US alliance and reaffirmed a
shared commitment to address and resolve these issues. They
affirmed the importance of full implementation of relevant
UN Security Council resolutions by the international
community, including North Korea.”
･ “The ROK and the
United States are closely coordinating on all issues
involving the Korean Peninsula. Both sides shared the view
that these issues should be addressed through a
fully-coordinated strategy toward North Korea between the
ROK and the United States.”
･ “The Ministers and
Secretaries affirmed the importance of ROK-U.S.-Japan
trilateral cooperation and pledged to continue promoting
mutually-beneficial, forward looking cooperation to promote
peace, security, and prosperity in the region.”
･
“Against the backdrop of increasing challenges to the
regional security environment, the shared values of the
ROK-U.S. alliance undergird the two countries’ commitment to
opposing all activities that undermine and destabilize the
rules-based international order.” |
| March 18-19. | - The
high-level talks between the United States and China are
held in Anchorage, Alaska.
|
| March 19. | - North Korea’s
Foreign Ministry issues a statement.
･ “On March 17,
the Malaysian authorities committed an unpardonable crime,
in the end, of forcibly delivering the innocent citizen of
the DPRK to the United States by having charged him as a
‘criminal.’”
･ “This world-startling incident is an
out-and-out product of an anti-DPRK conspiracy created from
the heinous policy of hostility by the United States aimed
at isolating and suffocating our country and the pro-U.S.
subservience of the Malaysian authorities.”
･ “With
regard to the grave situation that has prevailed, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK hereby announces
total severance of diplomatic relations with Malaysia, which
committed a super-large hostile act against the DPRK in
subservience to the U.S. pressure.”
･ “We warn in
advance that the U.S. - the backstage manipulator and main
culprit of this incident - that it will also be made to pay
a due price.” |
| March 22. |
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and
Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK)
exchange verbal messages.
< Chairman Kim Jong Un’s
verbal messages >
･ “As required by the times that
call for increased strategic communication between the two
parties on the basis of deep comradeship….Kim sent the
message to notify the accounts of the 8th Congress of the
WPK.”
･ “It emphasized the need to strengthen the
unity and cooperation between the two parties and two
countries to cope with the hostile forces’ all-round
challenges and obstructive moves while notifying the policy
stand on the bolstering of defense capabilities of the
country, inter-Korean relations, and DPRK-U.S. relations
discussed and decided at the congress, based on the WPK’s
analysis of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and
international relations.”
･ “This year marking the
100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist
Party and the 60th anniversary of the sealing of the
Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and
Mutual Assistance, the two parties will continue cooperation
as well.”
< Chinese President Xi Jinping’s verbal
messages >
･ “Under the new situation, the Chinese
side stands ready to work with the DPRK comrades to
maintain, consolidate, and develop China-DPRK relations, and
strive to achieve new outcomes in the socialist causes of
both countries, so as to bring more benefits to both
peoples.”
･ “While the international and regional
situation is witnessing profound changes, the Chinese side
is willing to work with the DPRK side and other involved
parties to preserve peace and stability on the peninsula, so
as to make new and positive contributions to regional peace,
stability, development and prosperity.” |
| March 23. | - The UN
Human Rights Council adopts the resolution proposed by the
EU at its 46th session in Geneva by consensus.
|
| March 25. |
- North Korea launches two unidentified projectiles into
the waters of the East Sea at 07:06 and 07:25.
･ They
flew 450 kilometers with an altitude of 60km from an area
near the coastal city of Wonsan into the waters of the East
Sea. |
| March 25. | - US President Biden holds his first press
conference.
･ “(What, if any, actions will you take?
And what is your red line on North Korea?) Let me say that,
number one, U.N. Resolution 1718 was violated by those
particular missiles that were tested — number one. We’re
consulting with our allies and partners. And there will be
responses — if they choose to escalate, we will respond
accordingly.”
･ “But I’m also prepared for some form
of diplomacy, but it has to be conditioned upon the end
result of denuclearization. So that’s what we’re doing right
now: consulting with our allies.”
･ “(Diplomacy: Can
you define what you mean? And former President Obama warned
incoming President Trump that North Korea was the top
foreign policy issue that he was watching. Is that how you
assess the crisis in North Korea?) Yes.” |
| March 26. | - The
Academy of Defense Science of North Korea launches a
new-type tactical guided projectile.
･ “The new
weapon is an upgrade that can carry a 2.5-ton warhead. The
two projectiles accurately struck a target 600km (373 miles)
off North Korea’s east coast.”
･ “The North’s Academy
of Defense Science confirmed the irregular orbit features of
low-altitude gliding leap type flight mode, a feature that
makes such weapons harder to detect and shoot down, as well
as the reliability of the upgraded version of a solid fuel
engine by conducting several engine ground jet tests and
their test-firing processes.”
･ “Today’s test is
important in carrying out the policy of defense science set
forth at the 8th Congress of the WPK.” “The development of
this weapon system is of great significance in bolstering
the military power of the country and deterring all sorts of
military threats.” |
| March
26. | - President Moon Jae-in
gives a speech on the 6th West Sea Defense Day
･ “I
am well aware that the people have serious concerns over the
North’s test firing of missiles yesterday. Now is the time
for the two Koreas and the United States to make efforts to
resume dialogue. It is never desirable to undermine the
atmosphere for dialogue. We have world-class missile
capability that is sufficient to defend ourselves and
complies with the principle of the Korean Peninsula’s
denuclearization. The KF-X, the cutting-edge next-generation
fighter jet developed with our own technology, will soon be
unveiled to the public. I can confidently say to the people
that our country has firm security readiness to repel any
provocations with national defense capabilities and an
ROK-U.S. alliance that remains stronger than ever
before.” |
| March 26. |
- The United Nations Security Council
Sanctions Committee on North Korea has its meeting.
|
| March 26.. | - Ri Pyong Chol, secretary of the Central
Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea issues a statement
regarding US President Biden’s press conference.
･
“The recent test-fire of new-type tactical guided missiles
was an act tantamount to the exercise of the full-fledged
right of a sovereign state for self-defense.”
･ “We
express our deep apprehension over the U.S. chief executive
faulting the regular test-firing, exercise of our state’s
right to self-defense, as a violation of UN ‘resolutions’
and openly revealing his deep-seated hostility toward the
DPRK. Such remarks from the U.S. President are an
undisguised encroachment on our state’s right to
self-defense and provocation against it.”
･ “We
clearly remember that, after the inauguration of the new
administration in Washington, there has been exploitation of
every opportunity to make words and acts provoking the
sovereignty and dignity of our state in which we were
branded as the most serious ‘security threat.’”
･ “If
the war exercises staged by the U.S. right before its
belligerent party across the ocean are for ‘defense’, we are
supposed to have the full-fledged right to self-defense to
contain the former’s military threat on its mainland.”
･ “I think that the new U.S. administration obviously
took its first step wrongly. If the U.S. continues with its
thoughtless remarks without thinking of the consequences, it
may face something that is not good.” |
| March 28. | - Jo Chol Su,
director-general for international organizations at the
Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, issues the statement: “Double
standards will bring about a graver situation.”
･ “At
the closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council Sanctions
Committee on North Korea on March 26, the United States
called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the
implementation of existing measures and denounced the test,
our self-defense measure, as a violation of UN resolutions.”
･ “The committee decided to have a closed session of
the UNSC on March 30 to discuss the recent missile
test-firing as raised by some countries including the UK and
France.”
･ “It constitutes a denial of a sovereign
state and an apparent double standard that the UNSC takes
issue with the exercise of our right of self-defense, a
normal state activity, on the basis of UN ‘resolutions’ –
direct products of the U.S.’s hostile policy.”
･ “If
the UN Security Council persists in the double standard, it
will instigate not detente but the aggravation of the
situation, and not dialogue but confrontation on the Korean
Peninsula.”
･ “Any attempt to infringe upon our right
to self-defense will inevitably prompt a countermeasure in
kind.” |
| March 30. | - Some amended provisions of the
Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act and interpretation
guidelines go into effect.
|
| March 30. | - Kim Yo Jong,
vice-director of the Information and Publicity Department of
the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK),
issues a statement.
･ “South Korean President Moon’s
speech at the so-called ‘ceremony for commemorating the West
Sea Defense Day’ on March 26 again astonished the people of
the DPRK.”
･ “He meant that for the missile tests by
the national defense institutes of South and North Korea,
the step taken by the South is for peace and dialogue on the
Korean Peninsula while the step taken by us has aroused
apprehension among the South Koreans and caused trouble and
obstacle to the efforts to create an atmosphere conducive to
dialogue. This is height of effrontery.” |
| March 30. | - The
United Nations Security Council holds a closed-door meeting
to discuss North Korea’s recent missile launches.
|
| March 30. |
- The US Department of State issues 2020 Country Reports
on Human Rights Practices.
|
| March 31. | - The panel of
experts provides a midterm report to the UNSC Sanctions
Committee on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
|
