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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

South Korea to bolster alliances, self-defense amid North Korea threats

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik pledged to strengthen alliances and self-defense capabilities to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation.
  • He emphasized enhancing South Korea's independent defense capabilities, including advancing the "three-axis system" and deepening extended deterrence cooperation with the United States.
  • Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Shin stated that South Korea recognizes the importance of freedom of navigation and is actively considering practical ways to contribute to its security, following an investigation that pointed to Iran for an attack on a tanker.

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik announced a dual strategy of strengthening alliances and enhancing self-defense capabilities to address the escalating security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its deepening military cooperation with Russia.

Our military will maintain a strong ROK-U.S. combined defense posture while actively pursuing the strengthening of independent capabilities for the defense of the Korean Peninsula led by the Republic of Korea.

— Shin Won-sikDefense Minister outlining South Korea's security strategy at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Speaking at the 23rd Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore, Shin highlighted the interconnectedness of the Korean Peninsula's situation with global security. He stated, "Our military will maintain a strong ROK-U.S. combined defense posture while actively pursuing the strengthening of independent capabilities for the defense of the Korean Peninsula led by the Republic of Korea."

Shin detailed plans to further develop South Korea's "three-axis system", comprising Kill Chain, Korean Air and Missile Defense, and Korea Massive Retaliation, to counter North Korean threats. He also emphasized deepening cooperation with the United States on extended deterrence, alongside efforts to bolster capabilities in AI-based detection and targeting, combined unmanned-manned combat systems, cyber, and space.

Our government recognizes the great importance of guaranteeing free navigation based on international law in major sea lanes.

— Shin Won-sikDefense Minister discussing South Korea's stance on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing the security of the Strait of Hormuz, the minister affirmed South Korea's commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in key maritime routes. "Our government recognizes the great importance of guaranteeing free navigation based on international law in major sea lanes," Shin said. He noted that South Korea is participating in international efforts for Hormuz Strait security and is "actively considering practical contribution measures" in line with domestic laws, following an investigation that identified Iran as the perpetrator of an attack on the oil tanker "Namho."

Our government recognizes the great importance of guaranteeing free navigation based on international law in major sea lanes. We are participating in various international efforts for the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and are actively considering practical contribution measures in line with domestic laws.

— Shin Won-sikDefense Minister discussing South Korea's stance on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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