U.S.-South Korea Alliance
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.
A U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine, the USS Greeneville, arrived at a naval base in Busan on December 23 to replenish supplies and allow crew rest. South Korea's Navy plans to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two nations' navies on this occasion. This marks the first visit by a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine since President Lee Jae-myung took office in June.
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The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, released on December 5, omitted any mention of North Korea's denuclearization, shocking South Korea. China's recent defense white paper also removed support for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. Seoul must now urgently strengthen self-reliant defense and alliance coordination.