US-South Korea Alliance
New US defense strategy highlights Seoul's leading role in peninsula security
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The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes South Korea's leading role in Korean Peninsula security, which the defense ministry welcomed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed with a US official the need to acquire nuclear-powered submarines to enhance deterrence and the alliance. This aligns with President Trump's 'America First' policy, pushing for stronger self-reliant defense in South Korea.
South Korea and the United States are considering outlining a timeline for Washington's transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul in their annual defense ministerial talks this year. The year 2028 is widely seen as a likely target, aligning with President Lee Jae Myung's push for a conditions-based handover within his term ending in 2030.
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The Pentagon announced on Saturday that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby will visit South Korea and Japan this weekend, following the release of the new National Defense Strategy (NDS). The trip aims to advance President Donald Trump's 'peace through strength' agenda, discussing burden-sharing and potential adjustments to U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula. In response, President Lee Jae Myung stressed that achieving self-reliant defense is the 'most basic of basics.'