Page 4 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Minister’s Message

Our recent security situation is extremely complex and grave, both
internally and externally. Neighboring countries of the Korean Peninsula
continue to reinforce their cutting-edge military capabilities, pushing their
own priorities while expanding their military domains not only in the sea

and air but also to space and cyber. In addition, transnational and non-
military threats such as COVID-19, disasters and terrorism are emerging as
challenges to national security. In particular, with the spread of COVID-19
and the strategic competition between the United States and China, the
f uidity and uncertainty of the regional security structure are increasing.

Meanwhile, despite showing its willingness to improve inter-Korean
relations following the conclusion of the Comprehensive Military Agreement
in 2018, North Korea has not responded proactively to the efforts of our
government and the international community towards peace establishment.

Amid such challenges within the security landscape, the ROK Armed
Forces maintains a robust military readiness posture based on "formidable

force" and unwavering ROK–US Alliance while fulfilling the role and
responsibility as "Armed Forces for the people", exerting their utmost efforts
to construct "Strong Security, Proud Armed Forces and United National
Defense".

The ROK Armed Forces maintains a combined defense posture and a

military readiness posture that can respond to local provocations and all-out