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order to defend the ROK. The Secretary reaffirmed the continued U.S. commitment to provide extended
deterrence to the ROK using the full range of military capabilities, including U.S. nuclear, conventional,
and missile defense capabilities. The Secretary and the Minister pledged to explore jointly measures to
enhance the Alliance deterrence posture and continue to implement the Tailored Deterrence Strategy
while considering the effects of changes in the security environment on the Peninsula and in the region.

6. The Secretary and the Minister expressed appreciation for U.S. and ROK service members in
commemoration of the 40 anniversary of the establishment of the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command
th
(CFC), which has played the central role in deterring war on the Korean Peninsula and defending the
ROK since its establishment in November 7, 1978. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed preparations
for the relocation of CFC Headquarters to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) compound and
pledged to work together to ensure that the relocation further strengthens the current combined defense
system and contributes toward a stable transition to a new combined defense system following transfer
of wartime operational control (OPCON). The Secretary and the Minister also pledged to continue to
maintain a robust combined defense posture during the process of easing military tension, implementing
confidence-building measures, and achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea.

7. The Secretary and the Minister committed to cooperate closely to develop comprehensive Alliance
capabilities in response to common security threats. The Minister emphasized the ROK plans to continue

to reinforce its defense capabilities through the ongoing Defense Reform 2.0. The Secretary expressed
his hope that the ROK military’s defense reform would contribute to enhancing comprehensive Alliance
capabilities. In addition, the Secretary and the Minister pledged to continue cooperation in support of
acquisition and development of advanced military assets by the ROK military.

8. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the progress of relevant tasks for OPCON transition, including
acquisition of Alliance capabilities and development of strategic documents. The Secretary and the
Minister highlighted that there has been substantive and significant progress in preparation for OPCON
transition since the June 2017 U.S.-ROK Summit commitment to enable the expeditious conditions-
based transfer of OPCON. The Minister emphasized the ROK commitment to complete expeditiously the
preparations necessary to exercise OPCON in accordance with the Conditions-based OPCON Transition
Plan (COTP), such as by acquiring critical military capabilities, in conjunction with the ongoing defense
reform. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continue to provide bridging capabilities until
the ROK fully acquires an independent defense capability and enduring capabilities. The Secretary
and the Minister committed to evaluate jointly and continuously the necessary conditions for OPCON

Appendix 373