Seoul: The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States commenced their annual security discussions in Seoul, focusing on modernizing the long-standing alliance between the two nations. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth co-chaired the enlarged session of the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), marking their first time leading the event since assuming office earlier this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, before the session, Hegseth inscribed a message celebrating 72 years of peace through strength in the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance. The defense chiefs are expected to reveal the outcomes of their discussions at a joint press conference and through a communique later today.
This year's meeting is anticipated to cover key security topics, including the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces in South Korea and Seoul's objective to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington. The discussions may also touch on Seoul's plans to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine, a topic previously addressed by President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump during recent summit talks.
South Korea aims to reclaim OPCON from the U.S. within President Lee's term, ending in 2030. Hegseth has expressed support for Seoul's OPCON transfer initiative, recognizing South Korea as a combat credible partner while emphasizing the importance of allies assuming more significant security responsibilities. Ahn has committed to ensuring the transfer while maintaining a robust alliance.
In a recent meeting in Gyeongju, President Lee requested Trump's approval for South Korea to secure nuclear fuel supplies for submarines, aiming to ease operational burdens for U.S. forces. Trump later announced via social media that South Korea has been approved to build a nuclear-powered submarine at a Philadelphia shipyard operated by Hanwha Ocean.
The talks occur amidst North Korea's growing military ties with Russia and advancements in its nuclear and missile capabilities, highlighted by the unveiling of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during a recent military parade. Seoul's defense ministry has identified policy coordination on North Korea, combined defense posture, extended deterrence, and naval maintenance as key discussion points for the bilateral talks.
The U.S. Department of War stated Hegseth's participation in the SCM and praised Seoul's commitment to increased defense spending and responsibility within the alliance. This visit to South Korea marks the final stop in Hegseth's Asia tour, which included Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Upon arrival, Hegseth and Ahn visited the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone, marking the first joint visit by defense chiefs from both countries in eight years.