Page 42 - 2018 Defense White Paper

2. Tenets of the National Security Strategy

To achieve its security policy goal, “a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula,” the ROK
government adopted strategies to be implemented in the f ields of national defense, unif ication,

and diplomacy. These strategies include taking the initiative in the pursuit for a peaceful and
prosperous Korean Peninsula; realizing strong national security through steadfast defense;
pursuing well-balanced and cooperative diplomacy; and ensuring the people’s safety and

protecting their rights.

| Taking the Initiative for a Peaceful and Prosperous Korean Peninsula | As a directly

involved party of Korean Peninsula issue, the ROK government will continue its efforts for peace
and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Once progress is made in the North Korean nuclear
issue and favorable conditions are set, the ROK government will create a virtuous cycle of
peace and prosperity by fully implementing the “Korean Peninsula New Economic Initiative” 1) .

Furthermore, the ROK government will develop a sustainable inter-Korean relationship through
regular inter-Korean talks, wider exchanges and cooperation across multiple fronts, and the

legislation of inter-Korean agreements.

| Ensuring Strong National Security through Steadfast Defense | The ROK government
will establish a robust security posture by realizing a “steadfast national defense” under the motto,

“our defense is our responsibility.” It will maintain a firm defense posture against transitional
security situations and, upon the foundation of an ironclad ROK–U.S. Alliance, build a new
ROK-led combined defense system by completing an early transition of wartime operational

control. By robustly pursuing “Defense Reform 2.0” in a future-oriented manner, the ROK
government will reinforce our national defense capacity and improve the transparency and
eff iciency of our defense programs so that the people do not grow anxious during transitions in

the external environment. In addition, the ROK government will cultivate a military that walks

1) It is the core element of the “realization of a new economic community on the Korean Peninsula,” which is one of
the three goals of “Moon Jae-in’s Policy on the Korean Peninsula.” It aims to secure a new growth engine for the
economy by promoting inter-Korean economic cooperation and to cultivate a foundation for economic unification
by inducing changes from North Korea.

40 Chapter 2 National Security Strategy and Defense Policy