US Department of Defense: "Korea-US Exercises Important... Committed to Maintaining Readiness"

John Kirby, U.S. Department of Defense Spokesperson [Photo by AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The U.S. Department of Defense emphasized the importance of training to maintain the readiness of the combined forces in relation to the ROK-U.S. joint exercises.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said at a briefing on the 28th (local time) in response to a question about the future direction of the ROK-U.S. joint exercises, "We recognize the value of training and exercises to keep the military prepared, and there is no place more important than the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We are committed to maintaining readiness."

Over the past few years, as diplomatic negotiations with North Korea progressed, the nature of some ROK-U.S. joint exercises changed or were suspended. This was to avoid provoking North Korea as much as possible during the North Korea-U.S. negotiations. Additionally, last year, the spread of COVID-19 led to the cancellation or significant reduction of ROK-U.S. joint exercises.

Regarding this, Kirby said, "We were still able to conduct exercises and training at a level that maintains readiness capability." He referred to the ROK-U.S. alliance's readiness motto, "Ready to Fight Tonight," meaning "ready to fight tonight," saying, "This is not just a slogan; it is truly important on the Korean Peninsula." He also said that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is committed to doing the same.

Kirby added that he is not yet prepared to discuss the specific form the training system will take in the future but emphasized, "We fully understand the need to maintain readiness and are committed to that."

The South Korean government plans to discuss with the Biden administration how to conduct joint exercises. On the 27th Korean time, Defense Minister Suh Wook said at a press briefing that they are preparing to conduct the first half ROK-U.S. joint command post exercise expected in early March but also stated that any issues, including joint exercises, can be discussed with North Korea for the sake of easing tensions and building trust between the two Koreas.

Kirby also said that they are aware of North Korea's attempts to enhance its military capabilities and stated, "We will continue to ensure the readiness we need on the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding a question about North Korea's development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), he said, "I will not evaluate specific weapons systems at this time." He added, "What I want to say is that we are certainly mindful of North Korea's desire to enhance their military capabilities," and "We know exactly what those military capabilities are designed to do."

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