Seoul: South Korea has conveyed to the United States its determined intent to advance the modernization of their alliance, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun indicated on Monday, suggesting Seoul's preparedness to enhance its defense capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is working to "modernize" the longstanding alliance with Seoul. This move aims to ensure that U.S. forces in South Korea and related assets can be deployed for operations beyond the Korean Peninsula, addressing potential threats from China more effectively.

During a parliamentary audit session concerning his ministry, Cho noted the U.S. has positively received Seoul's initiative to modernize the alliance. "The U.S. side has vowed to reaffirm the ironclad security commitment and bolster bilateral cooperation in (Washington's move to provide) extended deterrence," Cho remarked.

Cho also highlighted the significance of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, scheduled for two weeks from now. He mentioned that if President Trump visits South Korea during the summit, it will represent reciprocal visits by the leaders of the two nations, following President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Washington in August for a summit with Trump.

Furthermore, Cho addressed the anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea for the APEC summit, emphasizing the opportunity to reinstate leadership-level exchanges between Seoul and Beijing.