Seoul: A senior Pentagon official on Monday praised President Lee Jae Myung's decision to increase defense spending and enhance South Korea's own defense capabilities, describing it as a decision based on a "clear-eyed and sage" understanding of the current security environment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby remarked that Seoul's initiative will strengthen the long-standing alliance with the United States, ensuring its stability over time. Colby is visiting South Korea to discuss the modernization of the alliance and other security-related matters. His visit follows the release of the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy (NDS) last week, which assessed that South Korea is equipped to take "primary" responsibility for deterring North Korea with "critical, but more limited" support from the U.S.

Colby stated at a forum in Seoul that President Lee's commitment to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of the country's GDP and to take on greater responsibility for its conventional defense showcases a clear and strategic approach to the security challenges faced by both nations. He emphasized that this initiative aims to solidify the historic alliance between South Korea and the United States for the future.

The U.S. has been urging its allies to increase defense spending, and President Lee's vow reflects a voluntary response to these calls. U.S. officials, including Colby, have praised South Korea as a "model" ally. Colby highlighted the importance of "shared responsibility rather than permanent dependency," noting that South Korea has fully embraced this notion.

Colby chose South Korea as the destination for his first international trip in his current role, underscoring the country's status as a model ally and expressing optimism about the alliance. He emphasized that adapting to the changing security landscape and sharing burdens more equitably will ensure that deterrence remains credible and resilient globally.

During his three-day visit, Colby is scheduled to meet with key South Korean security officials, including the foreign and defense ministers.