Page 371 - 2018 Defense White Paper

of the United States and the ROK and pledged to work together closely to complete these efforts
successfully. The Minister and the Secretary reaffirmed their commitment to strive for the timely
completion of the Yongsan Relocation Plan (YRP) and Land Partnership Plan (LPP). The Minister and
th
the Secretary noted the force relocation process is being advanced, including the relocation of the 8
Army Headquarters to U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys (USAG-H). They also noted that the relocation of
most remaining units to USAG-H, such as USFK and the 2 Infantry Division Headquarters, is planned
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for 2018. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the ROK's support of the outstanding construction
of USAG-H and the smooth relocation process. The two sides intend to continue to cooperate closely
to enable seamless progress of the remaining USFK base relocation. The two also decided to continue
efforts to consult closely on camp return issues through the Joint Environmental Assessment Procedure
(JEAP).

14. The Minister and the Secretary recognized that the United States, the ROK, and Japan face common
security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, and declared that North Korea’s development of nuclear
and ballistic missile capabilities—including intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missile
development—threatens the security and prosperity of the three countries. They also committed to
continue exercises including those for missile warning and anti-submarine warfare, and lauded trilateral
efforts to expand information sharing on North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and enhance
response capabilities, including the execution of multiple combined flight training missions with U.S.

bomber aircraft. Accordingly, the two pledged to take necessary steps to improve trilateral information-
sharing and strengthen response posture through robust consultations. Additionally, Minister and the
Secretary committed to promote security cooperation among the United States, the ROK, and Japan to
contribute to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

15. The Minister and the Secretary confirmed that defense cost-sharing contributes to strengthening
combined defense capabilities on the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary offered his appreciation for
the ROK’s contributions in providing a stable stationing environment for U.S.FK and for the ROK’s
comprehensive and equitable security burden-sharing efforts.

16. The Minister and the Secretary praised the inaugural meeting of the Defense Technology Strategy and
Cooperation Group (DTSCG) in July 2016 and committed to hold the next round of DTSCG meetings
in the near future to advance policy and strategic discussions on defense technology security, foreign
policy, and defense industrial technology cooperation in support of the Alliance.

Appendix 369