ROK-U.S. News

Yonhap – U.S., S. Korea agree to expand joint military drills, take strong steps against N. Korean provocations

By Byun Duk-kun

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (Yonhap) — The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States have agreed to further expand the countries’ joint military exercises amid intensifying North Korean provocations, they said in a joint statement released Tuesday.

South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also agreed to continue taking strong steps against North Korean provocations.

“The two leaders also pledged to further expand and bolster the level and scale of this year’s combined exercises and training,” said the joint statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense.

“To this end, the two leaders concurred on the need to take into account changes in the security environment, including the DPRK’s recent steps with respect to its nuclear and missile programs, to strengthen combined exercises and training, including the upcoming combined bilateral exercises,” it added.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the North’s official name.

South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (R) and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, hold a joint press conference after their talks at the defense ministry in Seoul on Jan. 31, 2023. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (R) and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, hold a joint press conference after their talks at the defense ministry in Seoul on Jan. 31, 2023. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Lee and Austin held a bilateral meeting in Seoul on Tuesday (Seoul time). The U.S. defense chief is on a trip to the region that will also take him to the Philippines.

North Korea fired 69 ballistic missiles, including eight intercontinental ballistic missiles, in 2022 alone, marking a new annual record that far exceeded the previous record of 25 ballistic missiles launched in a year.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has also called for “exponential” growth of his country’s nuclear arsenal, while Pyongyang said in September that its new nuclear law would allow it to “preemptively” use its nuclear weapons against South Korea and the U.S. in case of any contingency.

Lee and Austin strongly condemned the North’s continued provocations and violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which prohibit North Korea from ballistic missile testing, according to their joint statement.

“They also affirmed that the ROK-U.S. alliance, along with the international community, will continue to take a strong stance against any further provocations by the DPRK,” it said.

The defense chiefs also reaffirmed measures to enhance the implementation of U.S. extended deterrence to underscore the U.S. security commitment to South Korea, according to their joint statement.

To this end, the countries will hold the Deterrence Strategy Committee table-top exercise next month, “in order to facilitate alliance discussions on deterrence and response options to deal with the DPRK nuclear threat,” it said.

“Minister Lee and Secretary Austin also discussed measures to strengthen regional security cooperation including ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation,” it added.

bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


Article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230131012600325?section=national/defense

News articles do not necessarily reflect the views of KDVA. Any copyrighted materials depicted on this web site are presented for educational purposes only and no claim of ownership is made by KDVA.

Read more

Yonhap – S. Korea, U.S. hold combined air drills, involving B-1B bombers, F-22, F-35 stealth fighters: defense ministry

SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) — South Korea and the United States staged combined air drills, involving B-1B strategic bombers and F-22 and F-35B stealth fighters from the U.S. Air Force, in a show of Washington’s “will and capabilities” against North Korean threats, Seoul’s defense ministry said Thursday.

The allies conducted the drills over the Yellow Sea — the first of their kind this year — on Wednesday. The drills also involved F-35A fighter jets from the South.

“The combined air drills this time show the U.S.’ will and capabilities to provide strong and credible extended deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats,” the ministry said in a press release.

Extended deterrence means the U.S.’ commitment to use a full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

The defense ministry noted that the drills were in line with an agreement from the two countries’ summit last year to deploy U.S. strategic assets in a “timely and coordinated” manner, and that the drills reflected their “firm” determination for national security as an “alliance that acts.”

“Going forward, the two countries will enhance our citizens’ confidence in the U.S.’ extended deterrence by strengthening combined drills in connection with the deployment of the U.S.’ strategic assets,” it said.

The latest drills came as some in South Korea raised doubts over the credibility of Washington’s extended deterrence amid Pyongyang’s persistent push to develop a nuclear-tipped long-range missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland.

In Seoul on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there would be more deployments of such advanced military assets involving F-22 and F-35 jets to ensure the U.S.’ security commitment.

South Korean and U.S. Air Force aircraft engage in joint air drills over the Yellow Sea on Feb. 1, 2023 in this photo provided by Seoul's defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

South Korean and U.S. Air Force aircraft engage in joint air drills over the Yellow Sea on Feb. 1, 2023 in this photo provided by Seoul’s defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


Article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230202000252325?section=national/defense

News articles do not necessarily reflect the views of KDVA. Any copyrighted materials depicted on this web site are presented for educational purposes only and no claim of ownership is made by KDVA.

Read more

Yonhap – N. Korea warns of ‘toughest reaction’ to U.S. military drills with S. Korea

By Kim Soo-yeon and Chae Yun-hwan

SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) — North Korea said Thursday it will take the “toughest reaction” to the U.S. move to expand joint military exercises with South Korea, as the U.S. defense chief has pledged to deploy more strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula to ensure its security commitment.

The North’s warning came as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Seoul earlier this week for talks with his South Korean counterpart and said there would be more deployments of strategic assets, including F-22 and F-35 jets, to Korea in order to deter the North’s evolving military threats.

Pyongyang’s foreign ministry claimed the United States has been driving the security situation on the peninsula toward an “extreme red-line” and is pushing to spur further tensions through joint military drills of larger scale and scope with South Korea.

“This is a vivid expression of the U.S. dangerous scenario which will result in turning the Korean Peninsula into a huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone,” it said in an English-language statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

This file photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 19, 2022, shows the North's firing of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

This file photo, carried by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 19, 2022, shows the North’s firing of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

North Korea will “take the toughest reaction” to any military action by the U.S. under the principle of “nuke for nuke and an all-out confrontation for an all-out confrontation,” it added.

“If the U.S. continues to introduce strategic assets into the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding area, the DPRK will make clearer its deterring activities without fail according to their nature,” it read, using the acronym of the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The North said it is ready to counter any military challenges from the U.S. with the “most overwhelming nuclear force,” while stressing it is not interested in any dialogue with the U.S. as long as Washington pursues a “hostile policy.”

Hours earlier, South Korea and the U.S. staged combined air drills, involving B-1B strategic bombers, as well as F-22 and F-35B stealth fighters, from the U.S. Air Force, in a show of Washington’s “will and capabilities” to provide credible extended deterrence against North Korea’s military threats.

In a related move, the allies plan to hold discussion-based table-top exercises this month to sharpen extended deterrence. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S.’ commitment to use a full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

The White House, meanwhile, said it has no hostile intent toward Pyongyang, rejecting its claim that the allies’ joint military exercises are provocative.

“We have made clear we have no hostile intent toward the DPRK and seek serious and sustained diplomacy to address the full range of issues of concern to both countries and the region,” a spokesperson for the National Security Council stated.

North Korea launched around 70 ballistic missiles last year alone, the most in a single year, amid persistent speculation it may conduct a nuclear test in the near future.

The North’s leader Kim Jong-un called for an “exponential” increase in its nuclear arsenal and the need to mass-produce tactical nuclear weapons at a key party meeting held late last year.

North Korea is likely to hold a military parade next Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces in a bid to flex its military muscle.

In response to the North’s statement, Seoul’s unification ministry reiterated calls for the North to refrain from taking provocative acts and return to the dialogue table.

South Korean and U.S. Air Force aircraft engage in joint air drills over the Yellow Sea on Feb. 1, 2023, in this photo provided by Seoul's defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

South Korean and U.S. Air Force aircraft engage in joint air drills over the Yellow Sea on Feb. 1, 2023, in this photo provided by Seoul’s defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap Article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230202000454325?section=nk/nk

News articles do not necessarily reflect the views of KDVA. Any copyrighted materials depicted on this web site are presented for educational purposes only and no claim of ownership is made by KDVA.

Read more

KDVA Celebrates Korean American Day

Earlene Hollerith, VP of Programs and Leadership Support at KDVA reads General Brooks’ Korean American Day letter on Capitol Hill Jan. 10, 2023.

 

KDVA Celebrates Korean American Day

January 13, 2023

 

Each year, Korean American Day marks a special time when all Americans can reflect upon the accomplishments and contributions of the millions of Americans of Korean heritage. Korean Americans have an American story full of hope and determination that inspires us all. This year, on the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, let us reflect on the special bond between the people of Korea and the Veterans who fought in the Korean War, and the Korea Defense Veterans who continue to defend the Republic of Korea today.

Korean American Day reminds us that we must continue to build our Alliance on the strength and perseverance of the Koreans who first immigrated to the United States over 120 years ago and those who came, under myriad circumstances, since then. Respect, admiration, and goodwill should be hallmarks of our remembrance.

The Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) is committed to supporting our iron-clad commitment to the Alliance. We are the Alliance … asking our members, partners, and supporters to continue their important work to keep the Alliance strong and relevant. Let us resolve to continue to work together with renewed determination for peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

Thank you, Korean American Foundation of Greater Washington, for giving KDVA the opportunity once again to be a part of this special day of remembrance and celebration. And thank you for your continued support and friendly relationship.

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

 

Sincerely,

 

Vincent K. Brooks
General, U.S. Army (Retired) Chairman & President
Korea Defense Veterans Association

Read more

U.S. Veterans Day 2022: Remembering Veterans Who Served in Korea

November 11, 2022

2022 년 11 월 11 일
U.S. Veterans Day 2022: Remembering Veterans Who Served in Korea

2022 년 미국 재향군인의 날: 한국에서 복무했던 복무장병들을 기억하며

On U.S. Veterans Day, KDVA and KUSAF honor the courage and sacrifice of all living Veterans who served in war and peace.

미국 재향군인의 날에 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 전쟁 및 평화시기에 복무한 생존 복무장병들의 용기와 희생에 경의를 표합니다.

November 11, 1918, marked the end of World War I, “at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” For many years, this date was known as Armistice Day, but in 1954 only a year after the Korean War, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed November 11th as Veterans Day to recognize the millions of living Veterans.

1918년 11월 11일, 제1차 세계대전이 종료된 시점은 “11월 11일 11시”였습니다. 수년 동안 이 날짜는 정전의 날로 알려졌지만 한국 전쟁이 끝난 지 1년 후인 1954년에 드와이트 아이젠하워 대통령은 11월 11일을 재향군인의 날로 선포하여 수백만 명의 살아있는 제대군인을 예우하는 날로 선포했습니다.

While it is a day for the living, it is still a solemn time to honor of the sacrifice in body, mind, and spirit of these Veterans, whose sacrifice was just shy of the “last full measure of devotion” so profoundly stated by Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address. It is also a day that many Veterans are once again confronted with the memory of friends they lost.

생존하신 분들을 위한 날이지만, 몸과 마음과 정신을 모두 바친 제대군인들의 희생을 기리는 엄숙한 시간입니다. 이분들의 헌신은 아브라함 링컨이 게티즈버그 연설에서 표현했던 “마지막 최고의 헌신”이란 표현도 부족하게 들립니다. 이 날은 많은 제대군인들이 잃어버린 친구의 기억을 다시 한번 떠올리는 날이기도 합니다.

The 1.8 million Americans who served in the Korean War and the 3.3 million U.S. Defense Veterans who served in Korea for the past 69 years are unique in that this conflict has never really ended. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, and our Veterans have never had the opportunity to both address atrocities and reconcile with their former enemies. They cannot revisit most of the battlefields of their youth as have the Veterans of wars in Europe and other parts of Asia. Even during Armistice in Korea, Defense Veterans have witnessed 92 fellow U.S. Service Members perish in sporadic incidences of violence perpetrated by North Korea and many more suffered wounds.

한국전쟁에 참전한 180만 미군과 지난 69년 동안 한국방위를 위해 복무한 330만 미군들은 이 전쟁이 끝나지 않았음을 잘 알고 있습니다. 한반도의 긴장은 여전히 높습니다. 우리 복무장병들은 당시 적의 잔학행위를 매듭짓고 화해할 기회가 없었습니다. 그들은 유럽과 아시아의 참전 용사처럼 젊은 시절 복무했던 전장을 다시 방문할 수 없습니다. 주한미군들은 한국의 정전 기간 동안에도 북한의 빈번한 도발로 92명의 동료 미군이 사망하고 더 많은 장병들이 부상당하는 것을 목격했습니다.

Through war and armistice, Americans have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean counterparts facing the same dangers and sacrifices. Korean War Veterans and Korea Defense Veterans, together, can take solace and pride that their sacrifices enabled and assisted the Republic of Korea to rise from the dark shadows of war to become one of the most prosperous, generous, and technologically advanced democracies on Earth.

미국은 전쟁과 정전을 통해 파트너인 한국과 어깨를 나란히 하면서 같은 위험과 희생에 대처해 왔습니다. 한국전 참전 용사들과 한국 복무장병들은 그들의 희생으로 대한민국이 전쟁의 그림자에서 벗어나 세계에서 가장 번영하고 친절하며 기술적으로 발전된 민주주의 국가로 성장하는데 기여한 것을 큰 위안과 자부심으로 생각합니다.

Please join us in honoring and remembering all American Veterans who answered the call to serve.

국가의 부름에 응한 모든 미국 제대군인을 기리고 기억하는 데 동참해 주시길 바랍니다.

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

“함께해요 한미동맹”

Vincent K. Brooks

General, U.S. Army (Retired)
President, Korea Defense Veterans Association

빈센트 K 브룩스

예비역 육군 대장

주한미군전우회 회장

Jung, Seung Jo

General, ROK Army (Retired)
President, Korea-US Alliance Foundation

정승조

예비역 육군

대장 한미동맹재단 회장


Download: 221110 KDVA KUSAF for U.S. Veterans Day_20221111_Final

Read more

KDVA Marks the Activation of the U.S. 7th Air Force on November 1, 1940

KDVA Marks the Activation of the U.S. 7th Air Force on November 1, 1940

1940년 11월 1일 창설된 미7공군 창설 기념일에 대한 주한미군전우회(KDVA) 축하 서신

October 31, 2022

    2022년 10월 31일

 

The Korea Defense Veterans Association stands together with the U.S. 7th Air Force and congratulates the command on the anniversary of its activation on November 1, 1940. 7th Air Force is the premier air combat force in the region and a major part of the defense of the Republic of Korea.

주한미군전우회(KDVA)는 미7공군과 함께 1940년 11월1일에 창설된 기념일을 맞이하여 축하의 인사말을 전합니다. 미7공군은 역내 최고의 공군이며 대한민국 방위의 주요한 역할을 수행하고 있습니다.

First established as the Hawaiian Air Force on November 1, 1940, and nicknamed the “Pineapple Air Force,” the command was the first to enter combat and suffer casualties, when the Hawaiian Islands came under attack by the forces of Imperial Japan on December 7, 1941.

1940년 11월 1일에 하와이 공군으로 창설되어 “파인애플 공군”이라 불리운 미7공군은 1941 년 12 월 7 일, 일본 제국군에 의해 하와이 제도가 공격 당하자 가장 먼저 전투에 투입되어 사상자가 발생한 최초의 공군 부대였습니다.

Redesignated the 7th Air Force after the start of the war, its airmen fought throughout the Central Pacific during World War Two, and the unit remained in the Pacific being deactivated and reactivated two times for operations in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and for deployment to the Korean Peninsula.

전쟁 발발 후, 미7공군으로 재지정되어 제2차 세계대전 중에는 공군 장병들이 중앙 태평양 전역에 걸쳐 싸웠고 이후 부대는 태평양지역에 남아 해체된 후 베트남전과 동남아시아 기타지역에서의 작전을 위해 두번의 해체와 재결성을 겪었고, 이후 다시 한번 재결성되어 한반도 파병을 위해 전개했습니다.

7th Air Force deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea in 1986 to assume the responsibilities previously performed by the 314th Air Division. The command is part of joint U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the U.S. Air Force component to the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command’s Air Component Command. (https://www.7af.pacaf.af.mil/) For well over three decades now, the 7th Air Force has shared a dynamic partnership with the ROK Air Force and has worked to deter aggression from North Korea.

미7공군은 1986년에 오산 공군 기지에 배치되었습니다. 이곳에서 제314항공사단이 한국에서 이전에 수행했던 임무를 이어 맡게 되었습니다. 미7공군 사령부는 주한미군(USFK)과 한미 연합사령부 공군 구성군 사령부의 일축을 담당하고 있습니다. (https://www.7af.pacaf.af.mil/) 30년이 넘는 긴 세월동안 미7공군은 대한민국 공군과 활발한 파트너십을 공유하며 북한의 도발 억제에 함께 해왔습니다.

The long service of 7th Air Force on the Korean Peninsula makes the unit the main source of Airmen who have served in the defense of Korea. KDVA congratulates and thanks the members of the 7th Air Force, past and present, for their outstanding service and sacrifice to help maintain the security of the Republic of Korea and the strength of the U.S. – Republic of Korea Alliance.

한반도에서 미7공군의 오랜 역할과 함께 미7공군 장병들은 대한민국 방위에 헌신한 주요 공헌자들입니다. 주한미군전우회(KDVA)는 미7공군의 과거와 현재 구성원들께서 굳건한 한미 동맹 관계 유지를 위해  힘써주신 점에 대해 감사의 마음을 표합니다.

 

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

“함께해요 한미동맹”

Vincent K. Brooks

General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Chair and President, Korea Defense Veterans Association

 

빈센트 K. 브룩스

미 육군 대장 (예)

주한미군전우회, 이사장 및 회장


Download:  7AF Message

Read more

Joint Message for ROK Veterans Day

KUSAF KDVA Joint ROK Veterans Day Message

Joint Message for ROK Veterans Day

Read more

Annual “U.S.-ROK Alliance Day” on October 1, 2022

2022 9월 30 일

September 30, 2022

 

한미동맹재단 및 주한미군전우회 『한미동맹의 날』 메시지

Annual “U.S.-ROK Alliance Day” on October 1, 2022

Press Release_KDVA and KUSAF for U.S.-ROK Alliance Day

 

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 미국이 한국과 미국의 강력한 결속을 다지기 위해 10 1일을 한미동맹의 지정하고 기념하게 것을 자랑스럽게 생각합니다. 10 1일은 1953 한미 상호방위조약이 체결된 날입니다. 지난 수십년간 한미상호방위조약은 세대에 걸쳐 문화적 유대 관계 구축 양국 국민들을 연결시키는 중요한 교량 역할을 해왔습니다. 오늘날, 한미 양국은 당시 참전용사들이 상상하지 못했던 이상으로 연결되어 있습니다.

The Korea-US Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association are proud to sponsor the annual “U.S.-ROK Alliance Day” on October 1st in recognition of the strong and vital bond between the people of the United States and the Republic of Korea.  October 1st commemorates the signing of the 1953 ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, and through the decades, the Treaty has become a bridge enabling significant people-to-people connections, economic ties, and cultural bonds between generations of Americans and Koreans.  Today, our two nations are linked in ways that our Veterans of that era probably could not have even imagined.

10월에는 중요한 기념일들이 있습니다. 10 1일은 국군의 공군 창설 기념일이며, 3일은 개천절, 8일은 재향군인의 날입니다. 수백만명의 한국 참전용사들은 6.25전쟁에서 대한민국을 지키기 위해 싸웠으며, 베트남과 중동에도 파병되었습니다. 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 기념일을 축하하고 참전용사들의 헌신을 기억합니다.

There are several other important milestones in October … so KDVA is very honored to join our close partner, the Korea-US Alliance Foundation, in celebrating the anniversaries of the ROK Armed Forces as well as the birth of their Air Force — all on October 1st!  And two days later is ROK National Foundation Day.  The week closes with the ROK Veterans Day on October 8th .  Millions of Korean Veterans fought in the Korean War to protect their motherland as well as served overseas in Vietnam and the Middle East.  ROK Veterans have built the ROK military into a global force!

대한민국을 사랑하고 지지하는 분들을 위한 한미동맹의 맞이하여, 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회 회원, 지지자, 파트너, 후원자들은 날을 기억하고 한미동맹이 대한민국 국민들의 역사를 변화시키고 미국 국민들의 풍요로운 삶에 기여하고 있음을 알려야 것입니다. 많은 미국 국민들이 대한민국에 대해 알게 될수록, 대한민국에 우호적인 생각을 갖게 만듭니다. 한국경제연구소 조사에 따르면, 한국에 대해 정보를 접한 미국인의 90% 한국을 호의적으로 생각하게 되었다고 합니다. 여러분의 가족, 친구, 동료들에게 한미동맹의 널리 전파했으면 합니다. 사실 10월은 한미동맹의 달이 되어야 것입니다. 대한민국에서의 경험이 개인은 물론 대한민국과 미국 국민 모두에게 중요한 이유입니다.

As we celebrate this remarkable time for anyone who cares about and supports the Republic of Korea, we encourage all KUSAF and KDVA members, supporters, partners, and donors to remember this important date and celebrate how the Alliance changed history for the Korean people and enriches American lives every day. Did you know that the more Americans learn about Korea, the more likely they are to have favorable opinions about Korea?  A survey by our partner, the Korea Economic Institute, showed that over 90% of Americans who followed information about Korea, thought favorably about Korea!  So, please let your family, friends, and colleagues know about “U.S.-ROK Alliance Day” … actually, we should call October “Alliance Month” … and all the reasons for why your experiences with Korea matter to you as well as Americans and Koreans.

함께해요 한미동맹

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

빈센트 K 브룩스                            

예비역 육군 대장                       

주한미군전우회 회장                    

Vincent K. Brooks

General, U.S. Army (Retired)

President, Korea Defense Veterans Association

정승조

예비역 육군 대장

한미동맹재단 회장

Jung, Seung Jo

General, ROK Army (Retired)

President, Korea-US Alliance Foundation

 

Read more

KDVA ROK-U.S. Alliance Journal 2022-3

2022 3rd Quarter Edition

Featuring stories and articles by KDVA members and supporters of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

English version: KDVA Journal 22-3 Final English

Korean version: KDVA Journal 22-3 Final Korean

Read more

Yonhap – S. Korea, U.S. to resume key high-level deterrence talks next week

By Song Sang-ho

SEOUL/WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) — South Korea and the United States will hold a key high-level deterrence dialogue in Washington, D.C., next week for the first time since 2018, the defense and foreign ministries said Thursday, amid the allies’ move to bolster joint efforts to counter North Korea’s evolving military threats.

The Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), a gathering of the two countries’ vice-ministerial defense and diplomatic officials, is scheduled to take place on Sept. 16 (Washington time), they said.

The EDSCG has not been held since its second and last session in January 2018, when the then liberal Moon Jae-in administration pushed for an initiative to promote inter-Korean rapprochement and cooperation.

The U.S. Department of State noted U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed to re-establish the dialogue when they met in Seoul in May.

“The EDSCG provides an opportunity for the two governments to discuss peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific,” it said in a press release.

Seoul’s vice defense and foreign ministers, Shin Beom-chul and Cho Hyun-dong, respectively, will attend the session while the U.S. side will be represented by Colin H. Kahl, under secretary of defense for policy, and Bonnie Denise Jenkins, under secretary of state for arms control and international security.

“In this grave security situation on the Korean Peninsula, the two sides plan to have in-depth discussions on comprehensive ways to deter North Korean threats, including measures to strengthen the credibility of extended deterrence,” the two ministries said in a joint press release.

Extended deterrence refers to America’s stated commitment to mobilizing a full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear options, to defend its ally.

The meeting has been arranged amid concerns that Pyongyang could engage in provocative acts, like what would be its seventh nuclear test and another ballistic missile launch.

 

This file photo, taken on Aug. 29, 2022, shows South Korean and U.S. troops engaging in a regular combined exercise in the southeastern city of Busan. (Yonhap)

This file photo, taken on Aug. 29, 2022, shows South Korean and U.S. troops engaging in a regular combined exercise in the southeastern city of Busan. (Yonhap)

sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)

Read more