Lee Jong-seop and US Indo-Pacific Commander: "Strong Message to North Korea with Firm Response"

Lee Jong-seop Meets U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander... "Strong Alliance Defense Posture Cooperation"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander John Aquilino and agreed that the alliance's firm response to North Korea's provocations would send a strong message to North Korea.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 7th, Minister Lee and Commander Aquilino reaffirmed their shared understanding that the more North Korea provokes, the stronger the alliance's military response will become.

Both sides also agreed to cooperate closely to ensure that the solid combined defense posture between our military and the Indo-Pacific Command is maintained even more firmly.

Minister Lee expressed serious concerns about North Korea's advanced nuclear and missile capabilities and its recent successive missile provocations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a seamless combined readiness posture through close ROK-U.S. cooperation. He also requested the Indo-Pacific Command's unwavering support to strengthen the combined defense posture to deter further provocations by North Korea. Commander Aquilino noted that North Korea's repeated provocations pose a serious threat to regional security and emphasized that the Indo-Pacific Command will actively support strengthening the combined defense posture to effectively deter and respond to North Korea's threats.

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Defense reported that Commander Aquilino stated that the ROK-U.S. alliance, a core pillar of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, will continue to develop as a global comprehensive strategic alliance with ongoing support from the Indo-Pacific Command.