Shin Won-sik Discusses Possibility of Korea-Australia AUKUS Cooperation

Cho Tae-yeol "Korea-Australia, Important Partners in Indo-Pacific Strategy"
Australian Defense "Opportunity to Develop Aukus Pillar 2"

Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik stated on the 1st that the possibility of South Korea's participation in AUKUS (the security alliance between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia) Pillar 2 was discussed during the Korea-Australia Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting. Minister Shin responded to related questions at a joint press conference following the Korea-Australia 2+2 meeting held in Melbourne, Australia that day.

On the 30th, Shin Won-sik, Minister of National Defense, met with Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Australia, in Melbourne, Australia, shaking hands and taking a commemorative photo. (Photo by Ministry of National Defense)

He said, "We welcome AUKUS member countries considering South Korea as a partner for AUKUS Pillar 2," adding, "South Korea's defense science and technology capabilities will contribute to the development of AUKUS Pillar 2 and regional peace." He further stated, "At today's (2+2) meeting, we discussed the possibility of cooperation on AUKUS Pillar 2."

Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles also said, "AUKUS is not a security alliance but a technology-sharing agreement," and added, "South Korea clearly possesses very impressive technology, shares values, and is a country with which we strategically cooperate. We are already closely cooperating on technology." Minister Marles added, "Therefore, there will be future opportunities for the development of AUKUS Pillar 2, and we also see such opportunities concerning Japan."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul stated that South Korea and Australia "recognize each other as important partners in realizing the Indo-Pacific strategy and, as like-minded countries, have agreed to strengthen cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels."

Minister Cho emphasized the significance of the 2+2 meeting of the two countries' foreign and defense ministers being held for the first time since the current government announced South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy. He added, "I am confident that this meeting will serve as an important milestone in strengthening the partnership based on liberal democracy and mutual trust, and will solidify our commitment to a rules-based regional and global order."

Minister Cho introduced that the ministers of the two countries conducted systematic discussions to enhance strategic communication, cooperation, and a shared vision at regional and global levels.

He also said that both sides "agreed to cooperate to block access to funds for North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile development and to prevent illegal activities such as arms transactions between Russia and North Korea."

Discussion on South Korea's Possible Participation in AUKUS at Korea-Australia '2+2 Meeting' The Korea-Australia 2+2 meeting was held for the first time in 2 years and 8 months since the 5th meeting in Seoul in September 2021. Apart from the United States, which is an ally, Australia is the only country with which South Korea regularly holds ministerial-level '2+2 meetings.' The two countries exchanged broad opinions on various fields including the Indo-Pacific strategy, defense and defense industry, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the region during the 2+2 meeting that day.

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