Jung Kyung-doo: "Postponing ROK-US Joint Exercises Will Not Affect Transfer of Wartime Operational Control"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-du stated that the postponement of the ROK-US joint military exercises due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will not hinder the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).

On the 2nd, during a National Assembly interpellation session, in response to a question from Baek Seung-ju of the United Future Party, Minister Jeong said, "Due to COVID-19, we had no choice but to adjust the (ROK-US joint) exercises, but we will ensure that this does not affect the OPCON transfer going forward."

Regarding the relocation of the US military base in Daegu, he said, "Legally, and through agreements between local governments, the selection criteria were properly followed," and "it is most desirable to proceed through agreements between local governments."

Regarding the projectile launched by North Korea that day, he replied, "We are continuing to analyze the type of projectile."

Concerning masks used by soldiers, he said, "There is no shortage for the soldiers," and added, "Today as well, we transferred about 200,000 masks intended for our reservists and military use to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, and there is no problem with the military's operation of these supplies."

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