Top U.S. and South Korean defense officials met at the Pentagon to deepen joint technology pursuits and counter North Korea’s recent deployment of soldiers to support Russia. They discussed co-modernizing weapon arsenals and enhancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Plans were made to launch a Regional Cooperation Framework covering various focus areas, such as maritime security and defense industry cooperation. A Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee will be established to explore cutting-edge technology applications in the defense sector. The officials also discussed upgrading early warning systems and missile defense capabilities to counter North Korean missile threats.
The meeting took place amid concerns about North Korea’s troops being sent to Russia, potentially to support combat operations near the Ukraine border. South Korea views this deployment as a war crime and believes North Korea may seek technology transfers from Russia in exchange. The South Korean defense minister does not see North Korea interfering in the upcoming U.S. presidential election as a major concern, but warns of potential exaggeration of their nuclear capabilities around that time.
The defense officials also discussed plans for a 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meeting involving the U.S. Secretary of State and South Korean Foreign Minister. This meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and address regional security challenges in the face of North Korean provocations and threats. Austin and Kim pledged to work together with allies and partners to respond to the escalating situation and maintain peace in the region despite the challenges posed by North Korea and their alignment with Russia.
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