First New Year Call Between South Korea and U.S. Joint Chiefs Discusses Deployment of Cheonghae Unit

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Park Han-ki and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley had their first New Year's phone call and discussed the Cheonghae Unit's presence in the Strait of Hormuz.

On the 22nd, the Joint Chiefs of Staff explained, "During the phone call, Chairman Park explained to the U.S. side the South Korean government's 'independent dispatch' plan to expand the Cheonghae Unit's operational area to include the Strait of Hormuz, and Chairman Milley expressed his understanding of the South Korean government's decision and conveyed his gratitude."

The Joint Chiefs also stated, "The two chairmen evaluated that through close cooperation and coordination between the South Korean and U.S. military authorities last year, the defense of the Korean Peninsula was firmly strengthened," and added, "Based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance, they agreed to further solidify the combined defense posture and actively support the diplomatic efforts of both governments for the complete denuclearization and permanent peace settlement of the Korean Peninsula."

Meanwhile, it was reported that Chairman Park also had a phone call with Indo-Pacific Commander Philip Davidson on the 10th, exchanging views on ways to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance.