Esper, US Secretary of Defense: "Facing Continuous Threats from Rogue States like Iran and North Korea... Vigilance Needed"

Mentioned the Need for Investment to Establish a 'Multilayered Missile Defense System'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated that there is a need for vigilance as the United States faces continuous threats from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea.

According to Voice of America (VOA) on the 7th, Secretary Esper made these remarks on the 6th (local time) at a National Defense Strategy (NDS) forum hosted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance against threats from rogue states like Iran and North Korea.

Esper also referred to the recent U.S. actions toward Iran, adding that it was a message to restore deterrence in the region and to make clear that the U.S. military will not stand idly by if its interests are threatened.

He then explained the U.S. defense strategy in three main points: strengthening military readiness, investing in military modernization, and building alliances worldwide while rallying new partners. He also mentioned ongoing reforms within the Department of Defense.

He emphasized that the U.S. defense strategy is very broad and not limited to Russia and China. Secretary Esper said, "First, the main competitors are China and Russia, but secondly, we must address rogue states such as Iran and North Korea."

Meanwhile, he mentioned the need for investment to build a layered missile defense system to counter North Korea's ballistic missile threats.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.