Page 5 - 2020 Defence White Paper

war, while also strengthening realistic and practical education and training
focused on combat missions. In addition, by preemptively and proactively
responding to COVID-19, our Armed Forces has executed the sworn duties
of protecting the lives and safety of the people.

As the linchpin of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the
region, the ROK–US Alliance continues to develop into a comprehensive
strategic alliance, sharing common values. The Armed Forces of both
countries will continue preparing for a further leap forward for the Alliance
while pursuing the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) and

establishment of a new combined defense structure. Furthermore, through
strategic defense exchange and cooperation with our surrounding countries
and diversification of defense diplomacy partners, the ROK Armed Forces
is driving forward the substantialization and expansion of outer edges of
defense exchange and cooperation. The ROK Armed Forces will continue
contributing to world peace via active defense diplomacy activities in the
future.

The ROK Armed Forces is building defense capabilities suitable for
the future battlefield environment. We are strengthening both the ROK
Armed Forces’ and ROK–US combined capabilities against threats of
various weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons; we are
also reinforcing core forces, centered around critical military capabilities.

Furthermore, we are endeavoring to transform into a cutting-edge science