Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Denouncing the North’s ICBM-class ballistic missile launch

Korean and US defense ministers denounced the North’s ICBM-class ballistic missile launch and discussed a counterplan. Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo and US Defense Minister Mattis had a phone call on the evening of July 6, and shared the view that North Korean provocation is not acceptable since it causes a serious threat not only to the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region but also to international peace and stability.

In particular, Minister Han said, “I strongly criticize the provocation that was carried out just 3 days after the day both governments urged North Korea to stop its provocations and come out in support of denuclearization at the Korea-US summit conference. The more North Korea insists on developing nuclear weapons and missiles, the more it causes isolation and trouble.”

In addition, he proposed expanding Korea-US cooperation to stop North Korea’s provocations and to make North Korea give up its nuclear and missile development. Also, it was reconfirmed that the redevelopment of our military’s 3-axis system ability would be further accelerated – Kill-Chain, KAMD and KMPR.

Minister Mattis agreed wholeheartedly, saying, “The US defense commitment to Korea is very tight and any attacks on the US or other allies will be repelled.”

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >

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