How disagreement over no-fly zone shows Seoul and Washington increasingly at odds on Korean peninsula
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has forged ahead with engaging Pyongyang, even as critics accuse him of focusing on feel-good theatrics at the expense of progress
The United States opposes a plan by South and North Korea to set up a no-fly zone over their heavily fortified border, the latest sign of a rift between Seoul and its top ally, two sources familiar with the matter said.
Washington and Seoul both publicly insist they are on the same page about dealing with Pyongyang. But behind the scenes, there are growing signs of disagreement as South and North Korea forge ahead with plans to defuse military tensions and rebuild economic ties.
The military accord, sealed during last month’s summit in Pyongyang, is one of the most concrete agreements between the neighbours this year. But US officials have raised concerns that it could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on denuclearisation.
The pact includes a halt in “all hostile acts”, a no-fly zone around the border and a gradual removal of landmines and guard posts within the demilitarised zone.
US Secretary of State Pompeo expressed “discontent” with the agreement during a phone call, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said last week in a rare disclosure of discord between the allies.
The United States was not likely to openly protest against an inter-Korean initiative, Seoul officials said, but its deep involvement in sanctions enforcement and military operations give it leverage to delay or change the policy.
The agreement would make it impossible to carry out air cover and overall exercises
The no-fly zone is a key sticking point for the US because it would effectively prevent close air support drills, the sources said, adding that Pompeo raised the issue during the call with Kang. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
