S. Korea, U.S. seek closer ties on deterrence against N. Korea

All News 15:27 August 21, 2017

By Lee Chi-dong

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korea and U.S. defense officials sought Monday to dispel public concerns that North Korea's fast-evolving nuclear and missile program may undermine the alliance as they discussed joint deterrence strategies.

Meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo in Seoul, Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, promised all efforts to effectively offer strategic assets and missile defense means for the defense of the ally, according to Song's ministry.

Hyten reaffirmed that Washington's ironclad security commitment will remain unchanged.

South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo (R) talks with Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2017. (Joint Press Corps-Yonhap)

The minister also stressed the importance of close coordination between the defense authorities of the two sides in order to counter the North's threats.

Hyten is on a visit here, along with Pacific Command chief Adm. Harry Harris, to inspect the allies' annual combined command post training, named Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG), that opened earlier in the day.

Song pointed out that Hyten's command plays a key role in the U.S. operation of a nuclear weapons and missile defense system.

In separate talks with Hyten, Gen. Jeong Kyeong-doo, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), requested the "aggressive and timely" deployment of U.S. strategic assets to Korea for deterrence, the JCS said.

Gen. Jeong Kyeong-doo (L), chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), enters a war game room in Seoul together with Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, on Aug. 21, 2017, in this photo provided by the JCS. (Yonhap)

The U.S. has sent strategic bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines here in a show of force and the robust alliance against North Korea for its provocative acts.

Hyten was quoted as emphasizing that despite the North's saber-rattling, the alliance will get stronger amid the unswerving U.S. extended deterrence policy.

Meanwhile, Hyten and Harris are scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday at Osan Air Base, south of Seoul and home to the Patriot missile defense system.

It will be joined by Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The Osan base is the U.S. Air Force base closest to North Korea.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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