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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.

On January 26, 2026, South Korea's defense ministry noted the US National Defense Strategy's emphasis on the country's leading role in Korean Peninsula security. The strategy states that South Korea can take 'primary' responsibility for deterring North Korea, with US support being 'critical but more limited.'

Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said during a regular press briefing, 'Our government takes note of how the US government assessed our capabilities and determination to play a more leading role in the security of the Korean Peninsula in the 2026 NDS.' She added, 'While maintaining a robust combined defense posture, our military will closely cooperate with the United States so that the South Korea-US alliance will develop into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance.'

The strategy aligns with US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, which urges allies to bolster their own defenses. On Saturday, President Lee Jae Myung stressed that achieving self-reliant national defense is the 'most basic of basics,' adding that 'a robust self-reliant defense and peace on the Korean Peninsula will enable sustainable economic growth.'

On the same day, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby over breakfast in Seoul. Cho highlighted that South Korea's push for nuclear-powered submarines would strengthen deterrence and contribute to the alliance, calling for concrete implementation through working-level talks. Colby expressed appreciation for South Korea's commitment as a model ally in leading Peninsula defense and pledged active efforts to implement key summit agreements.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on Korean Peninsula issues since the start of their administrations, working together for regional peace and stability while upholding a strong combined defense posture. This builds on recent leaders' summits to foster a mutually beneficial, future-oriented alliance.

Watu wanasema nini

X discussions focus on the Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy assigning primary deterrence responsibility against North Korea to South Korea with limited US support, aligning with burden-sharing and America First policies. Sentiments include approval of ally self-reliance, analyses of strategic shifts, concerns over North Korea's nuclear threat to the US homeland, and balanced critiques of both US and South Korean positions.

Makala yanayohusiana

Strategic map illustration showing South Korea's strengthened defense against North Korean threats with limited U.S. support, highlighting the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy.
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U.S. defense strategy emphasizes South Korea's lead in deterring North Korea

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The U.S. Department of Defense's 2026 National Defense Strategy states that South Korea has the capability to take primary responsibility for deterring North Korean threats with limited American support. This aligns with the Trump administration's America First policy, aiming to modernize the alliance and shift focus toward countering China. While assessing North Korea's nuclear threat as severe, the strategy omits any goal of denuclearization.

Pentagon announces Colby's trip to South Korea and Japan after NDS release

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.'

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The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, released on December 5, raises questions about South Korea's security and its role in the Indo-Pacific by prioritizing Taiwan defense and omitting North Korean denuclearization goals. The document urges South Korea and Japan to build capabilities to defend the First Island Chain and stresses increased burden-sharing among allies. It reaffirms the U.S. 'America First' principles.

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