Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo re-emphasized the need for a posture of readiness during a visit to the Fleet Command
 

"The intimidating low-altitude and close range fly-bys by Japanese patrol planes are serious provocative acts against an ally. We will never condone any acts that threaten the safety of our soldiers on normal duty."

Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo stands by Korea's lawful and strong response to the repeated intimidating low-altitude and close-range fly-bys by Japanese patrol planes, describing them as “serious provocative acts against an ally.”  

Minister Jeong made the remarks during his visit to the Fleet Command (FC) on January 26th, in which he emphasized his position that he would not condone any acts that threatened the safety of our soldiers on normal duty. 
 

After a briefing on operational readiness at the command and control center of the FC, Minister Jeong praised the Navy sailors for their operational readiness capabilities and their response in line with their rules of conduct to the four threatening fly-bys by Japanese patrol planes that have occurred since December 20th. He also condemned Japan for not admitting to its actions, saying “The four threatening fly-bys by Japanese patrol planes are very threatening acts that no navy of any country in the world could condone. Making false accusations against Republic of Korea instead, including calling for an apology for directing its fire control radar (STIR) at the Japanese patrol plane, is preposterous both in word and deed.”

“We will never condone any acts that threaten the safety of our soldiers on normal duty,” Minister Jeong said, stressing that the Republic of Korean Navy should sternly deal with any possible threatening fly-bys by Japanese patrol planes, and maintain a perfect and balanced readiness posture, whatever the circumstances.  

Earlier, Minister Jeong visited Republic of Korean Navy’s first Aegis-equipped destroyer, the King Sejong The Great (DDG-991), to encourage its crew members and call on them to make full preparations for maritime security operations. 

An official from the MND said that Minister Jeong’s visit to the FC was meant to encourage our Navy sailors who are doing their best to prepare against the full range of security threats, and to call for the maintenance of a perfect military readiness posture. 

In a command letter, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Park Han-ki urged the military to "establish a prompt and accurate situation reporting system".

So far, Japanese maritime patrol planes have carried out threatening low-altitude and close-range flight above Republic of Korean Navy ships four times: once on December 20th and again on January 18th, 22nd, and 23rd. On January 23rd, the Japanese plane flew at an altitude of just 60 to 70 meters about 540 meters away from our ship, despite its clear identification of the ship.

The military considers this as an apparent provocation and has condemned it strongly, warning that it will respond firmly and in line with its code of conduct to any similar acts in the future.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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