Lee: "Overseas Transfer of USFK Weapons Will Not Seriously Undermine Deterrence Against North Korea"

First Public Statement on U.S. Forces Korea Controversy at Cabinet Meeting

"It Is a Reality That We Cannot Fully Enforce Our Position"

"National Defense Is Our Own Responsibility... We Must Be Fully Equipped with Independent Defense Capabilities"

On March 10, President Lee Jaemyung commented on the recent controversy surrounding the potential overseas transfer of some U.S. anti-aircraft weapons stationed in South Korea, which has arisen due to heightened tensions in the Middle East following a U.S. airstrike on Iran. He stated that, although the government is conveying its opposition to the move, it is a reality that it is difficult to have its position fully reflected. However, President Lee drew a clear line, emphasizing that such actions by U.S. Forces Korea would not create a significant gap in South Korea's deterrence against North Korea, and he once again stressed the need to strengthen the nation's independent defense capabilities.

Yonhap News Agency

During a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office that morning, President Lee said, "It appears that there is controversy these days regarding the U.S. Forces Korea transferring certain batteries or segments of their anti-aircraft weapons systems abroad. From our government’s perspective, we expect that the U.S. Forces Korea will fully contribute to stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula, and we believe that has been the case so far."

He went on to say, "Depending on how the situation develops, we have expressed our opposition to the U.S. Forces Korea transferring some anti-aircraft weapons abroad based on their own military needs. Nevertheless, it is also a reality that we cannot have our opinion fully enforced." This suggests an acknowledgement that, while the government is expressing concerns, it is difficult for South Korea’s intentions alone to dictate the military operations of the alliance.

Nonetheless, he dismissed concerns about a security gap. President Lee stated, "If you ask whether this will seriously undermine our deterrence strategy against North Korea, I can say unequivocally that it will not."

President Lee expressed confidence by highlighting South Korea’s independent defense capabilities. He said, "Our military defense spending is very high by global standards. According to official statistics, our annual defense expenditure amounts to 1.4 times North Korea’s total yearly production." He continued, "International organizations have assessed our military strength as ranking fifth in the world, which demonstrates the high level of South Korea’s military defense capabilities. While North Korea possesses nuclear weapons as a unique factor, it is clear that in terms of conventional warfare capability, we are overwhelmingly superior by any comparison."

President Lee also made it clear that security cannot be guaranteed by relying solely on alliances. He stated, "National defense is something that each nation must take responsibility for on its own. If you depend on others, there is always the risk that such support may disappear, and we must always be prepared for that possibility." He added, "Just as we must prepare for wars that are extremely unlikely, there is always a chance that external support could vanish due to changes in the international order. Even in such cases, we must be thoroughly equipped with independent defense capabilities so that we can defend ourselves."

Furthermore, President Lee said, "Given our level of defense burden, the development of our defense industry, our international military ranking, and the high morale and sense of responsibility among our soldiers, there is absolutely no reason to be concerned about national defense itself. Moreover, we must ensure that remains the case. I can assure you there is no need for any concern."

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