On July 28, 2024, Minister of National Defense Shin Wonsik and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met in Tokyo to hold discussions on major issues facing the ROK-U.S. Alliance, including the security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, strengthening Alliance capabilities for deterrence and defense, and opportunities to deepen the Alliance.
The Minister and the Secretary exchanged views on the recent Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) situation and reaffirmed their resolve to deter and respond to DPRK threats and provocations, based on the combined defense posture and capabilities of the Alliance. Minister Shin emphasized that the recent ongoing act of DPRK sending trash balloons is a clear violation of the Korean Armistice Agreement and a threat to ROK sovereignty. The two leaders strongly urged North Korea to immediately cease these provocative acts.
The two leaders discussed Russian-DPRK military cooperation and made clear that illegal arms trade and transfer of high technology between Russia and the DPRK constitute a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). The two officials stressed that they will continue to enforce the UNSC sanctions, in close cooperation with the international community.
The Minister and the Secretary welcomed the tremendous progress in the first year of the Nuclear Consultative Group, as evidenced by the signing of the 'ROK-U.S. Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula' (hereinafter, Guidelines). Two leaders reaffirmed that as both President Biden and President Yoon stated, the Guidelines provide a solid foundation for enhancing U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner. Secretary Austin and Minister Shin noted that the Guidelines further strengthen the practical posture and capability of the Alliance to deter and respond to advancing DPRK's nuclear and missile threats. Based on the Guidelines, the Minister and the Secretary noted the importance of implementing the key tasks of the NCG. In addition, the Secretary reaffirmed that the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence to the ROK is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities.
The Minister and the Secretary discussed the importance of faithfully implementing the 'Defense Vision of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.' Both sides agreed to intensify efforts to modernize Alliance capabilities and evolve into a science and technology alliance. They pledged to continue to seeking cooperative measures to enhance defense industrial cooperation, including co-sustainment opportunities. In addition, the two leaders pledged to expand cooperation with the United Nations Command and UNC member states, and strengthen cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region with partnerships like the Association of South East Asian Nations and the Pacific Islands.
Minister Shin and Secretary Austin affirmed that the ROK-U.S. Alliance is stronger than ever, and they pledged to continue efforts to enhance the Alliance's contributions to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.
