South Korea’s Blue House denied on Friday that Seoul and Washington are discussing a naval blockade against North Korea following Pyongyang’s test of a long-range ballistic missile.
Korea JoongAng Daily said President Moon Jae-in’s administration was reacting to press speculation that US and South Korean warships would seal North Korea’s coastline in response to Tuesday’s firing of a Hwasong-15 missile.
US President Donald Trump and Moon talked by phone this week after the North Korean launch.
“A naval blockade was not mentioned during President Moon Jae-in’s telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump,” a senior presidential official reportedly said. “I checked directly with President Moon and National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong and they told me that no discussion or report on this matter has taken place. I want to assure you that a naval blockade is not being discussed between the governments.”