Jeju: Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris emphasized the necessity for an expanded concept of security that transcends traditional military cooperation. He argued that in today's fragmented world, security must also encompass economic, technological, and supply chain dimensions to effectively address modern threats.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Harris made these remarks during a session titled "Between Collective Defense and Collective Security: Toward a New Security Architecture in East Asia" at the Jeju Forum, a global platform dedicated to discussions on peace and security. He highlighted that while self-defense and collective defense remain critical, there is a pressing need for a broader approach that includes cooperation in areas such as AI, big data, and cyber resilience.
Harris underscored the importance of evolving the Seoul-Washington alliance from a primarily military partnership to one that also emphasizes economic and technological collaboration. The session, moderated by Robert Hill, former Australian defense minister, included other notable figures such as Suh Wook, former South Korean defense minister, and Shigeru Kitamura, former secretary-general of Japan's National Security Secretariat. The 21st edition of the annual international peace forum, which opened on Wednesday, aims to explore ways to enhance global cooperation amidst growing geopolitical challenges.
He further elaborated on the shifting international landscape, noting that the international order is becoming increasingly fragmented. "We're seeing tectonic shifts in the international order. Freedom, sovereignty, and the rules-based system are no longer givens," Harris stated. He identified China as a significant long-term geopolitical challenge, highlighting its willingness to use military, economic, and coercive means to further its interests.
Harris also addressed the ongoing threat from North Korea, criticizing past reliance on diplomacy which he believes was insufficient in halting Pyongyang's nuclear advancements. "We waited too long through at least six U.S. administrations and relied too heavily on diplomacy," he remarked. Despite these challenges, Harris maintains that diplomacy should still be pursued as a potential solution, expressing hope for future progress.