Lee Jong-seop: "U.S. Extended Deterrence Is Being Closely Coordinated at a Level Comparable to NATO"

From NATO-Level Consultative Channels to Information Sharing and Training
"We Share the Same View" on the Call to "Strive for Quad Membership"

Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop is reviewing documents at the plenary meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 14th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop stated that consultations between South Korea and the United States on the U.S. extended deterrence strategy will be conducted as closely and concretely as those of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Minister Lee appeared at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee's non-economic departments review on the 14th and responded to Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the People Power Party's remark that "there should be a stronger treaty-level agreement between South Korea and the U.S." by saying, "We are conducting close consultations between South Korea and the U.S. in detail."

He continued, "Whether it is the Mutual Defense Treaty or the joint statements of the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), not only in documents but more importantly, trust between the two countries," adding, "We are making every effort to enhance trust between the two countries and especially to increase the effectiveness of extended deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats."

He further emphasized, "Since we have established institutional measures starting from the actual consultation procedures, it is not just talk," and said, "Although I do not know the exact name, we have agreed to conduct information sharing and joint training through consultation channels as close as those of NATO, and we will proceed concretely in that manner."

Regarding Rep. Cho's question about the claim that "active efforts are needed to participate in the Quad, which includes India and Australia," Minister Lee said, "We share the same view on that matter," and added, "As the Indo-Pacific strategy has been conceptually announced, the Ministry of National Defense also plans to move in that direction accordingly."

The Quad is a security consultative group consisting of the United States, Australia, Japan, and India.

Regarding former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton's recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) op-ed arguing that the Quad should expand to a 'Quint' including South Korea, Minister Lee explained, "I understand that rather than official membership, cooperation is being pursued closely by function and sector."

Additionally, Minister Lee analyzed North Korea's 7th nuclear test, saying, "Usually, after six nuclear tests, development is considered complete, but North Korea is preparing for one more," and added, "It appears they intend to further advance their nuclear capabilities through miniaturization and lightening."

Regarding the response measures if North Korea conducts the 7th nuclear test, he explained, "While I am limited in providing specific details, we are closely consulting on joint response measures between South Korea and the U.S.," and added, "We also plan to expand security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."

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