Secretary of War Pete Hegseth applauded South Korea on Tuesday for its plans to increase military spending and adopt a larger role in defending against North Korean aggressions.
Following discussions with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul on Monday, Hegseth told reporters on Tuesday that he is “greatly encouraged” by the South Korean defense minister’s plan to increase defense spending and push for “greater” investments in the South Korean military, according to The Associated Press. The Hill reported that Hegseth explained the investments are expected to include “critical” space and missile defense capabilities that “our forces need to preserve the peace and prevail, God forbid, in war.”
According to The Associated Press, Hegseth emphasized cooperation on maintaining and repairing U.S. warships in the region to “ensure our most lethal capabilities remain ready to respond to any crisis.” “We face, as we both acknowledge, a dangerous security environment, but our alliance is stronger than ever,” Hegseth told reporters.
Hegseth noted that while the alliance between the United States and South Korea is primarily concerned with preventing North Korean aggression in the region, other regional threats need to be considered as well.
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The secretary of war stated, “There’s no doubt flexibility for regional contingencies is something we would take a look at, but we are focused on standing by our allies here and ensuring the threat of the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] is not a threat to the Republic of Korea and certainly continue to extend nuclear deterrence as we have before.”
According to The Hill, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced last month that the country will increase defense spending by 8.2 percent next year. The outlet noted that the defense spending increase will allow South Korea to manufacture precision-guided missiles, autonomous drones, and combat robots.
Hegseth told reporters that the alliance between the United States and South Korea is “stronger than ever,” adding, “I’m confident that we will continue to lead the region toward a more safe and secure future.”
According to The Hill, Hegseth also confirmed that the U.S. supports South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
“President Trump wants our allies to be strong, and the Republic of Korea is a model ally,” Hegseth told reporters. “Because of that, the president has been open to Korea acquiring greater and more advanced capabilities.”
Hegseth shared pictures Monday on social media of his visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone with Gyu-back. In a caption to the post, Hegseth wrote, “Our forces remain ready to support President Trump’s efforts to bring lasting peace through strength.”
