The Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense held the 25th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue from September 23-24, 2024, in Seoul.
Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy, Mr. Cho Chang Lae, led the ROK delegation. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, Mr. Anka Lee, led the U.S. delegation. Senior defense and foreign affairs officials from both countries participated.
Discussions focused on three pillars: enhancing extended deterrence against North Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities through science and technology cooperation, and strengthening regional security cooperation with like-minded partners. Both sides acknowledged the importance of implementing these goals to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance and reviewed specific tasks related to them.
Both parties reaffirmed their common goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea and emphasized maintaining a vigilant combined defense posture. They exchanged views on DPRK threats and its advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, condemning provocations that undermine regional peace.
They commended efforts to enhance extended deterrence since President Biden and President Yoon's April 2023 Washington Declaration. The United States reiterated its commitment to defending South Korea using all available defense capabilities, including nuclear options if necessary.
Progress was reviewed regarding a joint study on counter-missile strategy, with future enhancements in information sharing through the U.S. Shared Early Warning System discussed. The two sides pledged to continue developing response capabilities via the Counter-Missile Working Group.
Concerns were expressed over DPRK's use of balloons for propaganda purposes as well as cyber attacks near key border areas like the Northwest Islands and Northern Limit Line (NLL). Both parties recognized NLL's role in preventing military tension over decades.
Recent exercises such as ULCHI FREEDOM SHIELD 24 were assessed positively for enhancing crisis management and combined defense capabilities against realistic threats like GPS jamming and cyber attacks by DPRK.
Discussions also covered potential dangers from DPRK-Russian military cooperation following their "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." Concerns included illegal arms trade violating United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Both sides pledged close international collaboration in response.
Efforts to modernize Alliance capabilities based on science and technology were highlighted along with establishing a Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee under SCM within this year. Future areas include artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, crewed-uncrewed teaming, next-generation communications, among others.
The dialogue also touched upon expanding cooperative measures to enhance both nations' defense industrial base through initiatives like Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) projects involving Air Force aviation maintenance extending into Army aviation/naval vessels domains while welcoming recent contracts between U.S Navy & ROK shipyards conducting MRO activities reciprocally ensuring market access deepening supply chain resiliency leading towards Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement advancements too!
Work done by Space Cooperation Working Group & Cyber Cooperation Working Group was appreciated; emphasizing interoperability/information sharing contributing towards space domain awareness strengthening joint responses against increasing space threats welcomed further progress made during Joint Commercial Operations led by US Space Force similarly highlighting positive outcomes achieved under Cyber Flag Exercise conducted recently showcasing solidified commitments across multiple domains including cyberspace!
Conditions-based OPCON Transition Plan progress was reviewed; bilateral evaluation scheduled later this year aims at systematically transitioning OPCON reinforcing combined defensive postures throughout respective Indo-Pacific strategies aligning shared security objectives regionally/globally deepening ties amongst like-minded countries via enhanced peace stability frameworks agreed upon previously under Regional Cooperation Working Group consultations continued focusing ASEAN members/Pacific Islands Countries expected reporting outcomes upcoming SCM meeting planned late December period!
Lastly but importantly DEPMIN Cho DASD Lee reaffirmed strong solidarity showcased during successful completion ongoing dialogues paving way forward meaningful engagements culminating forthcoming SCM sessions marking another milestone journey together striving secure prosperous future aligned mutual interests safeguarding common values cherished dearly upheld resolutely unyielding spirit partnership camaraderie unity purpose-driven mission achieving greater heights unprecedented success enduring legacy generations come honoring brave service members unwavering dedication sacrifices made ensuring lasting peace harmony prevail forevermore standing testament resilience fortitude collective willpower exemplified ROK-US Alliance transcending boundaries forging brighter tomorrow today!
