Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
On July 28, 2024, Minister of National Defense Shin Wonsik and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met in Tokyo to discuss major issues concerning the ROK-U.S. Alliance. The agenda included the security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, strengthening Alliance capabilities for deterrence and defense, and opportunities to deepen the Alliance.
The Minister and the Secretary exchanged views on the recent Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) situation and reaffirmed their resolve to deter and respond to DPRK threats and provocations based on the combined defense posture and capabilities of the Alliance. Minister Shin emphasized that "the recent ongoing act of DPRK sending trash balloons is a clear violation of the Korean Armistice Agreement and a threat to ROK sovereignty." The two leaders strongly urged North Korea to immediately cease these provocative acts.
They also discussed Russian-DPRK military cooperation, noting that illegal arms trade and transfer of high technology between Russia and DPRK constitute a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Both officials stressed their commitment to enforcing UNSC sanctions in close cooperation with the international community.
The Minister and the Secretary welcomed progress in the first year of the Nuclear Consultative Group, highlighted by signing the 'ROK-U.S. Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula.' They reaffirmed that as both President Biden and President Yoon stated, "the Guidelines provide a solid foundation for enhancing U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner." Secretary Austin noted that these guidelines further strengthen the practical posture and capability of the Alliance to deter advancing DPRK nuclear and missile threats. The importance of implementing key tasks from these guidelines was underscored, with Secretary Austin reaffirming that U.S. commitment to extended deterrence includes nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities.
Additionally, they discussed faithfully implementing the 'Defense Vision of the ROK-U.S. Alliance,' agreeing to intensify efforts to modernize Alliance capabilities into a science-and-technology alliance. They pledged cooperative measures to enhance defense industrial cooperation, including co-sustainment opportunities. Furthermore, they committed to expanding cooperation with United Nations Command member states and strengthening partnerships across regions like ASEAN and Pacific Islands.
Minister Shin and Secretary Austin affirmed that "the ROK-U.S. Alliance is stronger than ever," pledging continued efforts toward peace and stability in both the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific region.
