Seoul: At the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized the nation's efforts to bolster its "self-reliant" defense capabilities. This initiative comes amid heightened threats from North Korea and a volatile global security landscape partly influenced by tensions in the Middle East.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Ahn reiterated South Korea's commitment to strengthening its alliance with the United States while pursuing self-reliance in defense. In his plenary session speech, Ahn identified North Korea's military expansion and its closer ties with Russia as significant factors in global security. He stressed the interconnectedness of security on the Korean Peninsula with that of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Ahn introduced South Korea's initiatives to develop a "smart military," leveraging artificial intelligence and drone defense systems. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported these efforts, applauding South Korea and other allies for their increased defense spending and commitment to greater burden sharing.
Hegseth commended President Lee Jae Myung's administration for its pragmatic approach to defense, highlighting the decision to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense. The transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the U.S. to South Korea was also discussed, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to the transition.
Ahn, responding to Hegseth's remarks, interpreted them as a call for collaboration to align efforts toward the OPCON transfer. Additionally, Ahn announced the resumption of joint naval rescue and search exercises with Japan, marking a significant step in improving bilateral relations after a nine-year hiatus.
The forum also provided an opportunity for discussions on a Tokyo-proposed bilateral military logistics support pact. This marked the first acknowledgment by a Seoul official that such an agreement was a topic of discussion between Japan and South Korea.
The summit served as a platform for South Korea, the U.S., and Japan to strengthen their trilateral partnership. Ahn met with U.S. lawmakers to seek support for South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and the OPCON transfer. Bilateral talks with defense counterparts from various countries focused on advancing cooperation in defense and military technology.
South Korea and the U.S. are set to begin negotiations on nuclear-powered submarine programs and nuclear energy cooperation. The discussions will involve a U.S. delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who is scheduled to visit Seoul soon.