State Dept. Jan. 17 on S. Korea's New Missile Guidelines

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2001

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

New Republic of Korea Missile Guidelines

Earlier today in Seoul, the Government of the Republic of Korea (South
Korea) announced new guidelines governing the Republic of Korea's
possession and development of missile and rocket systems.

The Republic of Korea will be able under its new guidelines to possess
missiles with range/payload capabilities up to the Missile Technology
Control Regime threshold (missiles capable of delivering a payload of
at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km).

While addressing its legitimate defense and deterrence needs, the
Republic of Korea is simultaneously respecting Northeast Asian
security and global nonproliferation principles by remaining within
the Missile Technology Control Regime threshold.

Before announcing its new missile guidelines, the Republic of Korea
consulted extensively with the U.S. This is because of our alliance
relationship and the U.S.'s leading role in nonproliferation.

The U.S. fully supports the Republic of Korea's new missile
guidelines. The U.S. believes those new guidelines strike the right
balance between bolstering the Republic of Korea's security and
respecting regional stability and global nonproliferation principles.

Taking account of the new guidelines, the U.S. will be supporting the
Republic of Korea's immediate membership in the Missile Technology
Control Regime.