Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced on Tuesday that South Korea aims to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States by the end of his term in 2030, presenting it as a strategic opportunity to enhance the bilateral alliance with the US. The announcement was made during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who visited Seoul for annual security talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth and Ahn agreed that South Korea's increased defense spending would strengthen its ability to lead conventional deterrence against North Korea. Hegseth reassured that the US would continue its nuclear deterrence commitment. He further mentioned the possible regional role of US troops stationed in South Korea, hinting at flexibility in responding to contingencies involving China, indicating a shift in Washington's focus towards China.
President Lee's urgency to regain OPCON aligns with his vision of a self-reliant defense, emphasizing that South Korea, ranked fifth globally in military strength, should not depend on foreign nations for its defense. However, the US aims to ensure that its forces in South Korea remain a counterbalance to both North Korea and China. This dual focus suggests the need for cautious deliberation in Seoul's OPCON retaking plans, considering the potential gaps in defense capabilities, especially in reconnaissance, surveillance, and missile interception.
Despite plans to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035, concerns persist regarding South Korea's ability to maintain military capabilities comparable to US support. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty restricts South Korea from acquiring nuclear arms, making self-reliant defense challenging without nuclear capabilities or foreign assistance under nuclear threat.
The Lee administration's approach, which includes scaling down joint military drills with the US, raises questions about readiness for OPCON transfer. These exercises are vital for ensuring a smooth transition of command to a South Korean four-star general post-transfer.
The process of OPCON transfer is currently in its second evaluation stage, and experts urge that it should not be expedited for political reasons. The focus should be on fulfilling all necessary conditions for a successful transfer, ensuring that it fortifies the alliance rather than undermines it. The ultimate objective remains to enhance deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threats, prioritizing trust and cooperation in the US-South Korea alliance.