Seoul – In a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung stressed the need for South Korea to boost its own defence capabilities while assuring the public that the annual civil‑defence drills held alongside U.S.‑South Korea joint exercises are defensive in nature.
Independent defence as a cornerstone of the alliance
Lee told senior officials that a “strong alliance” forms the foundation of regional security, but that South Korea must also enhance its own military readiness to increase its value as a partner. He highlighted the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the United States during his term as a key step toward greater self‑reliance.
Accelerating key defence programmes
The president called for faster progress on the country’s nuclear‑powered submarine programme, noting that such assets are essential for deterrence in an era where battlefields are increasingly blurred. He also urged the development of officers trained for integrated operations, preparing the armed forces for future conflicts that may span land, sea, air and cyber domains.
Civil‑defence drills are not a threat
Addressing concerns that the drills could provoke North Korea, Lee emphasized that the exercises are designed to protect South Korean citizens’ daily lives, not to target any adversary. A statement from the presidential Blue House reiterated that the drills aim to safeguard lives and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Context of U.S. policy changes
The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to substantially reduce the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump also indicated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded positively to his outreach, adding a diplomatic backdrop to the defence discussion.
Lee’s comments reflect a broader South Korean strategy to balance a strong alliance with the United States while pursuing greater autonomous defence capabilities. The administration’s plan, already outlined in government policy, envisions a gradual shift toward independent operational control without disrupting the overall security partnership.
Analysts note that the president’s push for faster submarine development and integrated officer training aligns with regional trends, as neighboring countries also invest in advanced maritime and multi‑domain forces. The emphasis on defensive civil‑defence drills seeks to reassure both domestic audiences and international partners that South Korea remains committed to peace and stability.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
