Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Highlights of S. Korea-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting:

Emphasizing Overwhelming Defense Alliance Posture Against Threats from N. Korea

Promising to Deepen and Expand the Scope and Level of Alliance Cooperation

Also Discussing Strengthening Cooperation in Defense Industry, Science, and Other Areas

Minister Shin and Secretary Austin strongly condemned North Korea's continuous missile provocations and the release of balloons with trash, which escalate tensions in the region. Both countries reaffirmed their unified stance on the “complete denuclearization of North Korea” and agreed on joint efforts to strengthen the implementation of extended deterrence through mechanisms such as the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG).

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Minister Shin and Secretary Austin held a South Korea-U.S. Defense Ministerial meeting during the 21st Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) to discuss key alliance issues, including coordination on North Korea policy, extended deterrence and defense alliance posture, and cooperation in regional security and defense industry sectors.

The two spoke in unison, saying that North Korea's recent military reconnaissance satellite launch is "a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the use of ballistic missile technology and scientific and technological cooperation, threatening peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, as well as in the international community."

"North Korea's release of balloons with trash is a clear and serious violation of the Armistice Agreement," Minister Shin particularly emphasized. "We will provide full support for an official investigation through the United Nations Command."

Both parties affirmed their close, coordinated responses to any North Korean threat or provocation, drawing on the overwhelming defense capabilities of the alliance between the two nations.

They also recognized that the expansion of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, such as illegal arms trading, poses a serious threat not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their commitment to taking strict countermeasures to such threats in cooperation with the international community.

During the meeting, the two officials, reconfirmed their common goal of "complete denuclearization of North Korea" and agreed to continue their efforts through existing bilateral consultative bodies, including the NCG, to enhance deterrence and response capabilities for the North's nuclear and missile threats and the execution of extended deterrence.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to extended deterrence using all categories of military capabilities. He said that U.S. forces stationed in South Korea will continue to play a role in preventing armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula and promoting peace and stability in the region in cooperation with the South Korean Armed Forces.

Both parties also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in regional security, the defense industry, and the defense science and technology sector. In addition, they shared an understanding of the importance of cooperation among like-minded countries to strengthen the defense industry bases of both nations.

Furthermore, Minister Shin expressed support for the “Statement of Principles” announced by Secretary Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

He also promised to faithfully implement the “South Korea-U.S. Alliance Defense Vision” to deepen and expand the scope and level of alliance cooperation as a “global comprehensive strategic alliance.”

By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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