The US-ROK alliance has grown “more powerful than ever,” and military leaders of both countries said they are preparing to update their strategic planning guidance to thwart North Korea’s military threat. Joint statement..
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Secretary Seo Wook approved new strategic planning guidance that reflects changes in the strategic environment at a meeting in Seoul on Thursday.
The two leaders promised to “strengthen the alliance’s deterrence by leveraging all available alliance functions, including cyber and space functions,” in response to the security threats on the Korean Peninsula. Agreed to update the operational plan.
“While the strategic planning guidance from 2010 remains valid, we share the evolution of the threat from North Korea, the changes from defense reform and combined command, and the need for a new war plan that can reflect the overall strategy. “The environment,” Austin told reporters.
According to the statement, the Korean Peninsula is one of the most unnoticed places in the world where conflicts can begin, and South Korean troops, including 28,000 Americans, must be ready to “fight tonight.”
The two defense officials discussed the preparations for the joint unit’s “Battle tonight” and considered ways to strengthen their preparations.
According to the statement, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to provide South Korea with extended deterrence and to utilize the full range of US defense capabilities, including nuclear, usually missile defense capabilities.
Looking beyond the peninsula, both countries have committed to a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific. “We also reaffirm the importance of deepening trilateral security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan,” Austin said.
The joint statement also reaffirmed “the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” and used it for the first time in May when South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with US President Joe Biden in Washington. It reflects the words.
Mr. Sue said the United States maintained its current army of 28,500 on the Korean Peninsula, and the two allies made progress by meeting the conditions for the transfer of operational control to South Korea.
The two chiefs aim to carry out a full operational capability assessment of the future US-Korea Union Command next year.
North Korean, Chinese hypersonic missiles
North Korea is steadily developing a weapons system amid deadlocks in negotiations aimed at dismantling nuclear ballistic missile weapons in exchange for easing US sanctions.
The country reportedly launched a new hypersonic missile off the east coast into the sea in September. State media have described the new missile, called Hwasong-8, as a “strategic weapon”, suggesting that it has nuclear capabilities.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also accused the United States of being the “source” of instability on the Korean Peninsula and vowed to build an “invincible” army. Kim spoke at the Defense Development Exhibition on October 12, and the Associated Press reported that he exhibited a series of military hardware, including the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles.
At a press conference following Thursday’s meeting, Austin was asked by reporters whether China’s unique hypersonic missile program would further complicate the situation in South Korea.
“As I said before, we are concerned about military power. [Peoples Republic of China] We will continue to pursue it, “Austin said.
“And the pursuit of those capabilities raises tensions in the region. We know that China conducted a test of hypersonic weapons on July 27,” he said.
“This only emphasizes why China considers it a challenge at our pace, and its ability to defend and deter various potential threats from China to ourselves and our allies. Will continue to maintain. “
Reuters contributed to this article.
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