Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Outcomes of ROK-US defense ministerial talks

On July 29 (local time), Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup and his United States (US) counterpart Lloyd J. Austin III held ROK-US defense ministerial talks.

The two ministers shared their assessment of the evolving threats from North Korea, and discussed the current main issues related to the alliance.

Reaffirming the commitment to the combined defense in keeping with the mutual defense treaty between the two countries, the two ministers agreed to work to coordinate on all current issues to reinforce the combined defense posture.

The two ministers shared the view that the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is very grave due to North Korea’s continued provocations, and stressed that any provocation from North Korea will only result in a stronger ROK-US alliance. 

The two ministers also clarified that if North Korea carries out a seventh nuclear test despite the opposition of the international community, the two countries will respond strongly and sternly based on a firm combined defense posture.

Significantly, Austin reemphasized the extended deterrence commitment of the US to the ROK's defense, using the full range of US defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.

The two ministers agreed to incorporate and expand joint military exercises, slated for the second half of the year, into the government exercise (Ulchi exercise), to respond firmly to North Korea’s provocations, and to beef up the deterrence posture of the alliance, including through the deployment of a ballistic missile defense system and US strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula.

The two ministers agreed to hold a high-level extended deterrence strategic consultative group (EDSCG) in the near future, in order to enhance the alliance deterrence and strengthen the strategic communication between the two countries as a follow-up to the latest ROK-US summit, and affirmed that they will take this as momentum to contribute to regional security.

Lee also emphasized that our military is pushing forward with the establishment of a strategic command, as well as strengthening the 「Korean three-axis system」, to prepare against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

The two ministers affirmed their commitment to developing the ROK-US alliance, which serves as a linchpin of peace and prosperity in the region, into a comprehensive global strategic alliance that contributes to building peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and in the world, on the basis of universal values such as freedom and human rights.