South Korean ruling party leader says defence boost aligns with US alliance
DPK leader Kim Min-seok told U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel that Seoul’s push for greater defence self-reliance does not conflict with deepening ties to Washington.
In a discussion with U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel at the National Assembly, Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok asserted that South Korea’s drive to enhance its own defence capacities is compatible with a stronger US-South Korea partnership. He recalled the United States’ historic support during Korea’s industrialisation and democratisation, and argued that building autonomous capabilities does not contradict alliance goals.
Steel responded by noting South Korea’s importance as a global peace promoter and pledged to work with Kim and the ruling party to reinforce the bilateral relationship. She also met opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who called for an upgraded alliance to address North Korean threats, including troop deployments to Russia and nuclear development. Steel welcomed continued cooperation from the People Power Party in bolstering security ties.
Why it matters
The remarks signal political consensus in South Korea on balancing defence autonomy with its key security partnership with the United States.
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