South Korea’s Ruling Party Calls for Strengthening Independent Defense Capabilities
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, South Korea‘s ruling Democratic Party on Monday called for the strengthening of the country’s independent security capabilities, issuing a warning regarding potential changes in the approaches of the United States and North Korea toward Pyongyang’s nuclear program. This report is based on data published by Mehr News Agency, citing Anadolu Agency.
Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, stated in his policy speech at the National Assembly that the days when South Korea could solely rely on the United States have ended. He added that Washington is transforming into a “tough negotiator rather than a generous big brother.”
Kim’s remarks came following a series of recent actions by the United States, including President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back joint military exercises with Seoul. He emphasized that South Korea must strive to facilitate dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.
The leader of the ruling party of South Korea asserted that if Washington-Pyongyang relations significantly improve and the U.S. adopts a “halt first, then resolve” approach to North Korea’s nuclear program, Seoul must have already reinforced its independent security capabilities.
Last month, President Trump announced his willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un later this year and ordered a reduction in a major joint U.S.-South Korea military exercise. He also stated that these exercises are costly and could send “highly inappropriate and hostile” messages to Pyongyang.
