South Korean President Calls for Stronger Independent Defense

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on Tuesday for stronger independent defense capabilities, while stressing that annual civil-defense exercises held alongside joint military drills with the US are defensive and not intended to threaten North Korea.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the joint military exercises with South Korea.

Lee said Seoul should proceed without disruption with the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the United States to its own military during his term, in line with the government’s existing plan.

“A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally”, Lee said at a cabinet meeting, describing the US-South Korea alliance and independent defense capabilities as mutually reinforcing.

He also called for faster progress on South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program and for developing officers capable of integrated operations in future conflicts.

At a National Security Council meeting, Lee said the civil-defense exercises were aimed at protecting South Koreans’ lives and safety. Seoul had no intention of using them to attack North Korea or raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

(Reuters, max)