제54차 한미 안보협의회(SCM, 221103)

한국과 미국 국방부는 3일(현지시간) 미국 워싱턴에서 제54차 한미안보협의회(SCM)를 개최하고 "맞춤형 억제전략 개정을 통해 고도화되는 북한의 핵·미사일 위협을 효과적으로 억제하고 대응하기 위한 기본틀을 구비할 것"이라고 합의했다.

다음은 SCM 공동성명이다.

1. 제54차 한미안보협의회의(SCM, Security Consultative Meeting)가 2022년 11월 3일 워싱턴 D.C.에서 개최되었다. 이 회의는 이종섭 대한민국 국방부장관과 로이드 오스틴 미국 국방장관이 공동으로 주재하였으며, 양국의 국방 및 외교분야 고위 관계관들이 참석하였다. 이 회의에 앞서 2022년 10월 19일 대한민국 합참의장 김승겸 대장과 미국 합참의장 마크 밀리 대장이 제47차 한미군사위원회회의(MCM, Military Committee Meeting)를 주재하였다.

2. 양 장관은 2022년 5월 서울에서 개최된 한미정상회담에 반영된 글로벌 포괄적 전략동맹이라는 양국 공동의 비전을 재확인하였다. 양 장관은 인도-태평양 지역에서 민주적 규범, 인권, 그리고 법치를 증진한다는 양국의 공약을 강조하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 한미동맹이 상호신뢰, 자유, 민주주의, 인권, 그리고 법치라는 동일한 원칙과 공유하는 가치에 기반하고 있다는 점에 공감하였다.

양 장관은 한미동맹이 강력하다고 평가하고, 대한민국을 방어하기 위한 한미상호방위조약에서 합의된 바에 따라 연합방위태세에 대한 양국 상호간의 공약을 재확인하였다. 양 장관은 북한의 침략에 대한 방어 및 대응태세를 유지하고, 한반도 및 역내 안정을 유지하기 위해 동맹을 지속적으로 강화해 나가기로 하였다.

양 장관은 한미안보협의회의(SCM)가 한미동맹의 지속적인 발전에 있어 중추적인 역할을 해왔으며, 국가적 차원의 공약을 논의하고 확인하는 핵심적인 협의체로 지속 유지될 것임을 표명하였다. 양측은 한반도와 인도-태평양 지역의 평화와 안정의 핵심축인 한미동맹을 심도 있고 포괄적인 전략적 관계로 지속 발전시켜 나가기로 하였다.

양 장관은 특히 2023년은 한미동맹 70주년이 되는 해로써, 동맹의 가치를 평가하고, 미래의 동맹 발전을 위한 지지 기반을 구축하기 위해 다양한 공동행사를 개최하기로 하였다.

3. 양 장관은 최근 한반도 및 역내 안보환경을 점검하고, 양국간 협력방안에 대해 논의하였다. 이종섭 장관은 북한의 반복적인 방사포 사격 등 '9·19 군사합의' 위반에 대해 우려를 표명하였다. 양 장관은 북한의 탄도미사일 시험발사와 방사포 및 해안포 사격 등 긴장을 고조시키는 행위 및 유엔안보리 결의 위반을 강력히 규탄하며, 국제사회가 북한의 행위에 대해 책임을 부과할 것을 촉구하였다. 

또한, 양측은 북한의 핵·미사일 개발 노력과 전술핵무기 사용 위협 등 긴장을 고조시키는 행위에 대해 우려를 표명하였다. 양측은 이러한 행동이 국제사회에 대한 심대한 도전이며, 지역 및 세계의 안보와 안정에 더욱 심각한 위협이 되고 있다고 평가하였다. 또한, 오스틴 장관은 북한의 다양한 핵무기와 투발수단 개발 시도에 대해 우려를 표명하면서 핵, 재래식, 미사일 방어능력 및 진전된 비핵능력 등을 포함한 모든 범주의 군사능력을 운용하여 대한민국에 확장억제를 제공한다는 미국의 굳건한 공약을 재확인하였다. 오스틴 장관은 미국이나 동맹국 및 우방국들에 대한 비전략핵(전술핵)을 포함한 어떠한 핵공격도 용납할 수 없으며, 이는 김정은 정권의 종말을 초래할 것이라고 경고하였다. 양 장관은 고도화하는 북한의 핵·미사일 위협을 억제하고 대응하기 위한 동맹의 능력과 정보공유, 협의절차, 공동기획 및 실행 등을 더욱 강화해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 필요에 따라 미국의 전략자산을 적시적이고 조율된 방식으로 한반도에 전개하고, 불안정을 유발하는 북한의 행위에 맞서는 조치들을 확대하고 억제력을 강화하기 위한 새로운 조치들을 찾아 나간다는 미국의 공약을 재확인하였다.

양 장관은 한미통합국방협의체(KIDD, Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue), 한미확장억제전략협의체(EDSCG, Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group)및 한미억제전략위원회(DSC, Deterrence Strategy Committee) 등 양자 협의체가 동맹의 연합억제태세를 강화하는 데 기여하였다고 평가하였다. 양 장관은 이러한 협의체들을 통해 보다 강화된 확장억제 방안을 모색할 수 있도록 긴밀히 협의해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 한미억제전략위원회(DSC)에서 진행하고 있는 맞춤형억제전략(TDS, Tailored Deterrence Strategy) 개정의 진전을 평가하였다. 한미는 맞춤형억제전략 개정을 통해 고도화되는 북한의 핵·미사일 위협을 효과적으로 억제하고 대응하기 위한 기본틀을 구비할 것이다. 양 장관은 제55차 한미안보협의회의(SCM) 이전에 맞춤형억제전략(TDS) 개정이 완료될 수 있도록 한미억제전략위원회(DSC)에서 상당한 진전을 달성할 것을 권고하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 최근 북한의 핵전략과 능력변화에 대응하기 위해 북한의 핵사용 시나리오를 상정한 확장억제수단운용연습(TTX)을 연례적으로 개최하기로 하였다. 양 장관은 앞으로 북한의 핵사용을 억제하기 위한 노력에 집중하는 것이 중요하다는 데 공감하고, 동맹의 의지와 능력을 현시하는 새로운 방안을 모색해 나가기로 하였다. 더불어, 양 장관은 북한의 어떠한 도발에도 효과적으로 대응하기 위해 특히 전략적 소통을 포함한 동맹의 긴밀한 공조를 유지해 나간다는 결의를 표명하였다

양 장관은 미국의'핵태세검토보고서(NPR, Nuclear Posture Review)' 및 '미사일방어검토보고서(MDR, Missile Defense Review)', 대한민국의 '한국형 3축체계' 강화 등 북한의 핵·미사일 위협을 실효적으로 억제하고 대응하기 위한 양국의 정책에 대해 긴밀히 협의하였다. 양 장관은 고도화되고 있는 북한의 미사일 위협에 대응하여 한미억제전략위원회(DSC) 산하에 한미 미사일대응 정책협의체(CMWG, Counter-Missile Working Group)를 신설하고, 한미 미사일방어 공동연구 협의체(PAWG, Program Analysis Working Group for the ROK-U.S. Missile Defense)를 재가동하는 등 동맹의 미사일대응 능력과 태세를 강화하기 위한 노력에 주목하였다.

4. 양측은 북한이 비핵화와 더 밝은 미래를 향한 길을 선택하도록 유도하고 한반도의 완전한 비핵화를 달성하기 위한 공조와 협력을 지속해 나가기로 하였다. 오스틴 장관은 한국의'담대한 구상'이 북한을 비핵화로 견인하기 위한 유용한 접근법이라고 환영하였다. 양 장관은 외교와 대화의 재개 노력이 중요하다는 점을 강조하며, 북한을 포함한 모든 국제사회가 관련 유엔안보리 결의를 완전히 이행할 것을 촉구하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 북한이 유엔안보리 결의상의 의무는 물론, 기존 약속과 합의를 준수할 것을 촉구하였다. 더불어, 양 장관은 내년이 정전협정 체결 70주년임을 상기하며, 한반도의 평화를 증진시키기 위한 국제사회의 일치된 노력이 필요하다는 데 의견을 같이하였다. 양 장관은 한반도의 군사적 긴장완화와 신뢰구축을 위해 남북이 정전협정과 기존 합의를 상호적으로 성실히 준수해 나가는 노력이 필요하다는 데 공감하였다. 아울러, 이종섭 장관은 북방한계선(NLL)이 남북 간의 군사력을 분리하고, 군사적 긴장을 예방하는 효과적 수단이라는 한국의 입장을 전달하였다. 양 장관은 외교적 노력을 가장 바람직한 해법으로서 지지한다고 표명하고, 이를 달성하기 위해 지속 긴밀히 협력해 나갈 것임을 재확인하고, 이러한 외교적 노력은 강력하고 신뢰할 수 있는 연합방위태세에 의해 뒷받침되어야 한다는 데 의견을 같이하였다.

5. 양 장관은 주한미군이 지난 69년간 한반도에서 수행해 온 핵심적 역할에 대해 주목하고, 주한미군이 한반도에서의 무력충돌을 방지하고, 동북아 지역의 평화와 안정을 증진하는 데 중요한 역할을 지속적으로 수행할 것임을 재확인하였다.

또한, 오스틴 장관은 인도-태평양 지역이 미국 국방부의 최우선 전구임을 언급하며, 대한민국의 연합방위에 대한 미국의 철통같은 공약을 재확인하고, 대한민국을 방어하기 위한 주한미군의 현재 전력 수준을 지속적으로 유지한다는 미국의 공약을 재강조하였다. 오스틴 장관은 한반도와 그 주변에 대한 미국 전략자산의 순환배치를 확대한다는 양국 대통령의 공약에 따라 미국 전략자산의 전개 빈도 및 강도가 증가한 것은 대한민국 방위에 대한 미국의 공약을 보여주는 가시적인 증거임을 강조하였다.

더불어, 이종섭 장관과 오스틴 장관은 정전협정 준수와 이행, 대한민국 안보를 위한 다국적 기여 협조 등 유엔사의 역할을 재확인하였다. 양 장관은 유엔사가 70년 이상 한반도의 평화와 안정을 성공적으로 유지하는 데 기여했으며, 대한민국의 주권을 완전히 존중하는 가운데 임무와 과업을 수행해 나갈 것임을 재확인하였다.

양 장관은 성주기지(Camp Carroll) 사드 포대의 안정적인 주둔여건을 마련하기 위한 대한민국의 노력을 평가하였다. 양 장관은 사드 기지에 대한 일상적이고 자유로운 접근을 정상화하기 위해 지속적으로 긴밀히 협력해 나가기로 하였다.

6. 양 장관은 라캐머라 한미연합군사령관으로부터 한미군사위원회회의(MCM) 결과를 보고받았다. 양 장관은 이러한 내용을 기반으로 북한의 위협에 대한 연합방위능력과 핵·WMD 억제 및 대응태세 강화, 체계적이고 안정적인 전작권 전환, 관련 작전계획의 최신화 등을 추진하기로 하였다. 또한, 양측은 전략환경 변화에 따른 다양한 안보도전에 효과적으로 대응하는 데 상당한 진전이 있었다고 평가하였다.

7. 양 장관은 특히, 북한의 최근 미사일 시험발사에 따른 안보환경을 고려하여 북한의 핵·미사일 위협에 대한 대비태세를 강화하기 위한 연합연습 및 훈련의 확대 필요성에 동의하였다. 양측은 2022년 전반기 연합지휘소훈련과 UFS 연습이 연합방위태세를 유지하는데 기여하였다고 평가하고, 특히 UFS 연습을 통해 실전적인 전구급 연합연습체계가 복원되었다고 평가하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 UFS 연습 작전계획과 연계하여 집중적으로 시행한 연합야외기동훈련이 한미 연합방위태세와 군사대비태세를 강화하였다고 평가하였다. 양 장관은 방어적이고 억제를 목적으로 한 훈련이 동맹의 준비태세 유지에 핵심요소임에 주목하면서 2023년에는 연합연습과 연계하여 대규모 연합야외기동훈련을 재개하기 위해 긴밀히 협력해 나가기로 하였다. 양측은 한미동맹이 한반도에서의 역동적인 변화에 대처할 수 있도록 전투준비태세와 연합방위태세에 지속적으로 중점을 두어야 한다고 평가하였다.

8. 양 장관은 주한미군의 지속적인 훈련여건이 강력한 연합방위태세 유지에 핵심임을 강조하였다. 오스틴 장관은 대한민국 국방부의 연합훈련여건 개선을 위한 노력을 평가하고, 양 장관은 추가적인 진전을 위해 긴밀히 공조해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 효과적인 연합방위태세 유지에 필요한 한국군과 미군의 훈련을 위해 대한민국의 시설 및 공역을 공동사용하기 위한 협조 과정에서 대한민국 국방부와 주한미군 간의 소통과 협력이 중요하다는 데에 공감하였다. 아울러, 양 장관은 대한민국 정부의 연합합동다목적실사격장 조성계획이 양국의 훈련여건을 획기적으로 개선할 수 있는 장기적인 전략적 접근이라고 평가하고, 연합합동다목적실사격장 조성을 위한 조속한 노력이 필요하다는 데 공감하였다.

9. 양 장관은 한미동맹의 상징이자 연합방위체제의 핵심인 한미연합군사령부가 1978년 창설된 이래 한반도에서의 전쟁을 억제하고, 대한민국을 방어하는데 중추적인 역할을 수행해 왔다고 평가하였다. 또한, 양측은 연합사 본부 이전이 연합방위지침과 '조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획(COTP)'에 따른 안정적인 전작권 전환에 기여할 것이라는 기대를 표명하였다. 아울러, 양 장관은 연합사가 새로운 동맹의 요람인 평택 기지(U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys)에서 한층 더 강화된 동맹정신과 작전적 능력을 바탕으로 강력한 연합방위태세를 구축할 수 있도록 협력해 나가기로 하였다.

10. 양 장관은 전작권 전환조건 충족에 상당한 진전이 있었다고 평가하였다. 양 장관은'조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획(COTP)'에 명시된 이행과업의 추진경과를 검토한 후 미래연합사로의 전작권 전환을 위한 향후 추진방향에 대해 논의하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 전시 작전통제권이 미래연합사로 전환되기 전에 상호 합의된 '조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획(COTP)'에 명시된 조건들이 충족되어야 한다는 점을 재확인하였다.

양 장관은 '조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획(COTP)'의 8개 부록 완성에 대한 진전을 높이 평가하고, 2022-2 조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획 상설군사위원회가 건의한 별지와 부첨이 포함된 '조건에 기초한 전작권 전환계획(COTP)' 부록 완성본을 승인하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 미래연합사의 완전운용능력(FOC) 평가가 성공적으로 시행되어 모든 평가과제가 기준을 충족하였음에 주목하고, 완전운용능력(FOC) 검증 논의에 앞서, 조건#1과 #2의 능력 및 체계에 대한 한미 공동평가를 완료하고, 상호 합의된 수준의 능력 및 체계 확보 상황을 종합적으로 검토해 나가기로 하였다. 또한, 양측은 한국의 핵심군사능력과 동맹의 포괄적인 북한의 핵·미사일 위협 대응능력에 대한 공동평가 추진상황을 확인하고, 전환조건 충족에 상당한 진전을 이루었다고 평가하였다. 이 장관은 미래 연합방위 주도를 위해 필요한 한국군의 방위역량 확충을 지속하는 가운데, 조건 충족을 위한 노력을 체계적이고 안정적으로 추진해 나갈 것임을 재강조하였다.

양 장관은 보완 및 지속능력에 대한 후속관리를 작전계획 수립과정 내에서 완성해 나가기로 하였다. 아울러, 양 장관은 포괄적이고 상호 운용이 가능한 동맹능력의 발전을 위해 긴밀히 협력하기로 하였다. 양측은 연합방위체제가 공고히 유지될 수 있도록 매년 SCM 및 MCM을 통해 전작권 전환 이행상황을 주기적으로 평가 및 점검해 나가기로 하였다.

11. 양 장관은 새롭게 대두되고 있는 위협에 대한 효과적인 공동대응을 보장하고, 동맹의 포괄적 대응능력을 향상시키기 위해 우주, 사이버 등 다양한 분야에서의 협력을 지속 강화해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 정보 및 우주 체계 등 핵심 기반체계의 보안성을 증진하기 위한 양국 국방당국의 노력을 확인하였다. 양 장관은 한미 국방우주협력회의(SCWG)의 성과를 높이 평가하고 한미 우주정책 공동연구 합의에 기반하여 우주협력 강화방안을 모색해 나가기로 하였다. 양측은 우주상황인식 정보공유체계를 포함한 동맹의 우주능력을 강화하고, 우주작전능력을 강화하기 위한 우주협력 TTX 등 양·다자간 연합연습 및 훈련을 확대하기 위한 추가적인 협력방안을 모색해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 증대되는 사이버 안보위협의 범위를 고려하여 동맹의 사이버 협력을 강화하겠다는 공약을 재확인하였다.

양 장관은 2022년 5월 실시된 사이버정책실무협의회(CCWG)의 성과를 조명하고, 한미 연합대응 협력을 강화하며, 양자간 사이버 연습 및 훈련 개최, 정보보안 요구사항 등 사이버 영역에서의 긴밀한 소통과 공조를 확대해 나가기로 하였다.

12. 양 장관은 동맹의 국방역량을 강화하고, 이러한 능력의 개발, 획득 및 운용에 있어 보다 효율적이고 효과적인 협력을 구축해야 한다는 데 동의하였다. 또한, 양측은 한미동맹의 국방역량 및 상호운용성 강화에 중점을 둔 국방연구개발, 산업협력, 무기체계획득, 군수 및 운영유지 분야에서의 협력 확대 및 심화의 중요성에 주목하였다.

13. 양 장관은 국방연구개발, 산업협력, 군사력의 건설과 획득, 군수, 기술보호 분야를 다루는 한미 회의체 간 교류활동을 지속하고, 전력증강, 상호운용성, 획득, 운영유지 분야에 대한 동맹의 우선순위를 진전시킬 필요성에 공감하였다. 양측은 방산, 연구개발 분야 협력의 효율성 및 적시성을 강화하기 위해 양자 회의체를 평가하고 발전시키겠다는 공약을 재확인하였다.

14. 양 장관은 우주, 양자, 센서/전자전, 사이버방어, 인공지능, 자율기술, 지향성에너지 등 다양한 분야에서 한미 과학기술협력이 확장되고 있음을 재확인하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 5G 및 차세대 이동통신(6G)분야에서의 협력방안을 모색해 나가기로 하였다. 양측은 이러한 협력이 한미 공동의 이익을 증진시키는 방향으로 지속 발전되고 있음을 평가하였다. 양 장관은 앞으로 상기 분야를 지원하는 정례 회의체를 통하여 협력을 모색하고 심화해 나가기로 하였으며, 동맹의 정책 및 전략과의 연계성을 강화하기 위한 상기 회의체의 지속적인 개편을 위해 협력해 나가기로 하였다.

15. 양 장관은 한미동맹이 인도·태평양 지역의 안보, 안정 및 번영에 있어 핵심적인 역할을 수행한다는 데 공감하였다. 이에 양 장관은 복잡한 지역 및 글로벌 안보상황을 고려하여 지역 및 글로벌 안보도전에 보다 효과적으로 대응하기 위해 인도·태평양 지역 및 국제사회에서 국방 및 안보협력을 지속 증진해 나가기로 하였다. 이러한 맥락에서 양 장관은 한국의 인태전략 프레임워크와 미국의 자유롭고 개방된 인도-태평양 구상간 협력방안을 모색하기로 하였다.

양 장관은 남중국해 및 그 이원지역을 포함한 모든 해역에서 평화와 안정, 합법적이고 방해받지 않는 상업 유지, 항행 및 상공 비행의 자유와 해양의 합법적 사용을 포함한 국제법을 존중한다는 약속을 재확인하고, 이를 위해 더욱 협력해 나가기로 하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 2022년 5월 윤석열 대통령과 바이든 대통령 간 정상회담 공동성명에 반영된 대만해협에서의 평화와 안정 유지의 중요성을 확인하고, 아세안 중심성과 아세안 주도의 지역 구조에 대한 지지를 재확인하였다.

양 장관은 국내외 민주주의, 인권 및 법치의 증진 필요성에 공감하고 대해적작전, 안정화 및 재건, 지역안보협력구상, 인도적 지원 및 재난구호 등 역내 평화와 안정, 번영을 위해 진행 중인 협력에 대한 공약도 재강조하였다.

16. 또한, 양 장관은 3자 및 다자협력을 통해 동북아 지역의 평화와 안보 유지하기 위한 한미간 지역전략의 시너지 효과를 모색하기로 하였다. 양 장관은 정보공유, 고위급 정책협의, 3자 훈련, 인적교류 등 한미일 3자 안보협력을 지속해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 특히 북한의 핵·미사일 위협에 대한 3국의 대응태세 강화에 기여하는 미사일 경보훈련과 대잠전훈련을 지속해 나가기로 하였다. 아울러,한미일 안보회의(DTT) 등 정례 안보회의체를 통해 3자 안보협력을 지속적으로 증진 및 확대한다는 공약을 재확인하였다.

17. 양 장관은 북한의 핵·미사일 프로그램 개발이 지속되는 가운데, 역내 제재 감시 임무의 지속 필요성을 확인하고 역내에서 지속 시행되고 있는 대확산 활동에 대한 다국적 노력을 환영하였다. 오스틴 장관은 확산방지구상(PSI) 등 다양한 글로벌 안보협력에 대한 대한민국의 기여에 사의를 표명하였고, 양 장관은 모든 관련 유엔안보리 결의의 유지와 완전한 이행의 중요성에 대해 동의하였다. 양 장관은 현존하는 북한의 제재 회피 전술과 불법적인 사이버 활동에 대처하기 위해 협력을 강화한다는 공약을 재확인하고, 북한의 WMD 위협 대응을 위한 추가적인 방안을 모색하기로 하였다. 또한, 양 장관은 (동맹의 대량살상무기(WMD) 대응역량을 증진시켜 온) 한미 대량살상무기대응위원회(CWMDC) 및 미 국방부 협력적위협감소(CTR) 프로그램을 통해 앞으로도 WMD 대응역량 증진을 위한 협력을 지속 강화해 나가기로 하였다. 양 장관은 북한의 대량살상무기(WMD)확보 및 사용을 방지하고, WMD 위협을 감소시켜 동맹의 연합대응능력을 강화시키기 위한 한미 대량살상무기대응위원회의(CWMDC)의 지난 일 년간 성과를 높이 평가하였다.

18. 아울러, 양 장관은 방위비분담 특별협정(SMA)이 한미 연합방위태세 강화에 크게 기여하고 있음을 평가하였다.

19. 이종섭 장관과 오스틴 장관은 금번 SCM의 성공적 개최를 위한 양국의 예우와 환대 그리고 훌륭한 준비에 대해 사의를 표하였다. 양 장관은 제54차 SCM과 제47차 MCM에서의 논의가 한미동맹을 실질적으로 강화하고, 양국의 국방관계가 한미간 글로벌 포괄적 전략동맹으로의 발전에 기여하였다고 확인하였다. 양측은 제55차 SCM과 제48차 MCM을 2023년 상호 편리한 시기에 서울에서 개최하기로 하였다.』

 

U.S.-South Korea Take Stock of Alliance, Pledge More Cooperation

Nov. 3, 2022 | By Jim Garamone , DOD News |

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup affirmed that the U.S.-South Korea alliance has been tested in war and peace and remains rock-solid.

Austin and Lee met for the 54th Security Consultative Meeting at the Pentagon today. The men reviewed the status of the alliance and examined ways to make it even more interoperable and more effective in deterring North Korea. 

The meeting came after North Korea's "illegal and destabilizing launch of an intercontinental continental ballistic missile last night, as well as additional missile launches today," Austin said. "I've consulted with Minister Lee and we've decided to extend Vigilant Storm, which is our long-scheduled, combined training exercise to further bolster our readiness interoperability. We'll continue to work closely together to develop options to protect the United States and our allies in the region." 

The Security Consultative Meeting brings U.S. and South Korean defense leaders together to discuss challenges and opportunities and to develop strategies to deepen cooperation and friendship. The U.S.-South Korean Mutual Defense Treaty was signed in 1953. South Korea had been ravaged by the Korean War — begun in 1950 when North Korean troops stormed across the 38th parallel.

Spotlight: Commemorating the Korean War

South Korea is now the 10th largest economy in the world and a world-class military that has fought alongside the United States in Vietnam and Afghanistan. "For nearly seven decades, this alliance has been an anchor of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the broader Indo-Pacific," Austin said. "And today, [South Korea] is a tremendously capable ally and a provider of security in the region and a defender of the rules-based international order that keeps us all secure."

Spotlight: Focus on the Indo-Pacific

North Korea was an obvious discussion point in the meeting, and Austin reiterated that the U.S. commitment to the defense of the South Korea is "ironclad."

He said deterrence includes the full range of U.S. nuclear and conventional and missile defense capabilities. The secretary often speaks of integrated deterrence, and he pointed to the deployment of fifth generation fighters and the visit of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to the peninsula earlier this year as examples of that extended deterrence.

"On the peninsula, we're returning to large-scale exercises to strengthen our combined readiness and our ability to fight tonight, if necessary," he said. "We're committed to building on these efforts to strengthen integrated deterrence and to ensure that this alliance continues to bolster security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific." 

In his remarks, Minister Lee stressed the "robustness of the ROK [South Korea]-U.S. military alliance and the steadfastness of the combined defense posture."  

Lee also addressed North Korean threats from nuclear weapons "Secretary Austin and I affirm that any nuclear attack by [North Korea] including the use of tactical nuclear weapons is unacceptable and [will] result in the end of Kim Jong Un regime by the overwhelming and decisive response of the alliance," he said through a translator. 

The United States and South Korea want North Korea to turn away from its destructive path.

The two defense leaders also spoke about trilateral talks that include Japan, Lee said.  

"For decades, U.S. and [South Korean] service members have fought side-by-side to defend the ideals of freedom," Austin said. "This alliance is founded on that shared sacrifice. So, we will confront the challenges of the future the same way that we have for nearly 70 years — by standing shoulder-to-shoulder as proud allies. I'm enormously proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'm very grateful for the Republic of Korea's [South Korea's] partnership."

TRANSCRIPT: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup Hold a News Conference

NEWS RELEASE: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-Sup Visit Korean War Memorial, Tour U.S. Bomber Aircraft

VIDEO: Austin Holds Press Briefing With South Korean Official

 

TRANSCRIPT

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup Hold a News Conference

Nov. 3, 2022

PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY BRIG. GEN. PAT RYDER: Thank you, everyone, for being here today.

It is my pleasure to introduce Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup. The Secretary and the Minister will deliver opening remarks and then we'll have time to take a few questions. I will moderate and call on the journalists. And with that, Secretary Austin, over to you, sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Thanks, Pat.

Good afternoon, everyone. And let me again warmly welcome Minister Lee and his team to the Pentagon for the 54th security consultative meeting.

Minister Lee, it's great to have you here. And before I begin, I'd like to express my deepest condolences for the terrible tragedy that occurred in Seoul this past weekend. Our hearts go out to the families of all the victims from across South Korea and around the world, including two young Americans. And we stand together with the people of South Korea during this time of national mourning.

Now, it's highly unfortunate that the DPRK has chosen to interrupt this solemn period with the illegal and destabilizing launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile last night, as well as additional missile launches today. I've consulted with Minister Lee, and we've decided to extend Vigilant Storm, which is our long schedule combined training exercise to further bolster our readiness and interoperability. And we'll continue to work closely together to develop options to protect the United States and our allies in the region.

Now, let me turn to the work of the security consultative meeting. As you know, it's the annual capstone event for the U.S.-ROK alliance. And it brings our defense leaders together to discuss our challenges and opportunities and to deepen our cooperation and friendship. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-ROK mutual defense treaty and the establishment of our alliance.

For nearly seven decades this alliance has been an anchor of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the broader Indo-Pacific. And today the ROK is a tremendously capable ally and a provider of security in the region, and a defender of the rules-based international order that keeps us all secure.

Now, Minister Lee and I had an outstanding discussion today. We talked about the DPRK's continued provocations and destabilizing actions. And at this time of heightened tension, our alliance is ironclad. The United States remains fully committed to the defense of the ROK. And our extended deterrence commitment is firm. And it includes a full range of our nuclear and conventional and missile defense capabilities.

Minister Lee and I also talked about the tremendous progress that we've made in recent months to deepen our cooperation and bolster our shared security. Just within the past year we have conducted a very successful summit between our Presidents that charted a shared vision for our alliance's future.

In July, we deployed fifth-generation fighters to the Republic of Korea, and in late September, the USS Ronald Reagan conducted its first port call to the ROK in five years. On the Peninsula, we're returning to large-scale exercises to strengthen our combined readiness and our ability to fight tonight, if necessary.

We're committed to building on these efforts to strengthen integrated deterrence and to ensure that this alliance continues to bolster security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

You know, for decades, U.S. and ROK service members have fought side-by-side to defend the ideals of freedom. This alliance is founded on that shared sacrifice. So we will confront the challenges of the future the same way that we have for nearly 70 years: by standing shoulder-to-shoulder as proud allies.

I'm enormously proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'm very grateful for the Republic of Korea's partnership.

So thank you, and let me turn it over to Minister Lee for his comments.

MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE LEE JONG-SUP (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Hello. I'm ROK Minister of Defense. First of all, thank you very much for your sincere condolences to the tragedy (that) happened in Korea. Also, thank you for your effort for the peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and development of ROK-U.S. alliance and your support. Thank you very much for that.

Today, through the 54th security consultative meeting, hosted for the first time since the inauguration of the Yoon administration, we once again affirmed the robustness of the ROK-U.S. military alliance and the steadfastness of the combined defense posture. Furthermore, we reaffirmed that ROK-U.S. alliance is developing its global comprehensive strategic alliance based on shared values, such as liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Secretary Austin and I held two ministerial meetings this year to work on the details of the agreement on defense areas, as agreed upon during the May ROK-U.S. presidential summit. Today was my third time to meet Secretary Austin and we made a lot of achievements during this 54th SCM.

First, Secretary Austin and I assessed the daily advances of DPRK nuclear and missile threats as a grave security challenge to the peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia but for the international community. And in order to practically deter and respond to such threats, we agreed to further strengthen the alliance capabilities and posture.

Secretary Austin committed to the provision of extended deterrence to the Republic of Korea, leveraging the full range of military capabilities, including not only nuclear and conventional forces, but missile defense capabilities, but also advanced non-nuclear capabilities, such as space, cyber, and electromagnetic capabilities.

Secretary Austin and I affirmed that any nuclear attack by the DPRK, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons, is unacceptable and result in the end of Kim Jong-un regime by the overwhelming and decisive response of the alliance. This is a strong warning against the DPRK.

Also, Secretary Austin and I pledged to further strengthen alliance capability and posture in respective areas, including information sharing, consultation process, joint planning and execution to effectively deter and respond to the DPRK's advancing nuclear and missile threats.

In particular, Secretary and I will work on response options towards all possible nuclear use scenarios by the DPRK. To this end, Secretary and I noted that progress in revising the Tailored Deterrence Strategy, or TDS, and pledged to put efforts to complete the revision of the TDS by the 2023 SCM, and prepare response options by annually conducting Deterrence Strategy Committee tabletop exercise, or DSC TTX, under the scenario of DPRK nuclear use.

In addition, Secretary Austin pledged to effectively respond to any DPRK provocation by employing U.S. strategic assets to the level equivalent to constant deployment through increasing the frequency and intensity of strategic asset deployment in and around the Korean Peninsula.

Along with the efforts of the alliance to deter and respond to DPRK nuclear threats, Secretary Austin and I pledged to encourage DPRK to choose denuclearization and the path for a brighter future. We also pledged to continue our cooperation to achieve a complete denuclearization of North Korea.

In this context, Secretary Austin assessed that the ROK government's audacious initiative is a practical approach and expresses his support for it. ROK government's audacious initiative is along the same line as the U.S. approach to the DPRK, an approach of deterring DPRK threats based on overwhelming combined defense capability and posture while, in parallel, seeking for a diplomatic solution by keeping the window of dialogue open.

As stated, both countries will adhere to the principal DPRK policies through close cooperation until the day DPRK decides to denuclearize, and the ROK Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense will backstop the efforts with strength.

During the meeting, there were earnest discussions and cooperation between the ROK and the U.S. and our partners for the promotion of regional security and all measures of bolstering multilateral cooperation. 

In order to respond to DPRK nuclear and missile threats, Secretary and I affirmed to continuously advance the ROK-U.S.-Japan security cooperation, for which we agreed to activate trilateral senior level policy consultation, information sharing, training, and personnel exchanges.

And Secretary and I also pledged to resume early next year the ASD level policy consultation body called Defense Trilateral Talks, or DTT, which has been suspended for the past years. 

Secretary and I also shared a strong sentiment on the importance of the rules-based international order and pledged to closely cooperate for the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, Secretary Austin expressed much interest in the Indo-Pacific Strategy framework, which the ROK government is currently developing.

The Republic of Korea, as a responsible, global, pivotal state of the international community, will more closely cooperate with the United States, the only ally of our nation, in order to overcome global security challenges.

Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance while pursuing the goal of global comprehensive strategic alliance. Secretary Austin and I concurred to plan and hold various joint events in celebration of the 70th anniversary for future advancement of the alliance. 

The events will serve as an opportunity for us to commemorate the noble sacrifices made in the battlefield by ROK and U.S. service members, and to consult on the challenges which alliance faces today and to envision the path forward for ROK-U.S. alliance.
By reaffirming the unwavering U.S. defense commitment to the Republic of Korea, efforts to strengthen the capabilities to implement the extended deterrence, as well as the robust combined defense posture based on the capability and resolve of our two nations through the 54th SCM, Secretary Austin and I assessed that we have demonstrated values and trust of the ROK-U.S. alliance to the people of both nations and a grave message of warning to the DPRK and the robustness of the alliance to the international community.

Lastly, I once again extend my sincere gratitude to Secretary Austin and the staff at the Department of Defense for their warm hospitality towards myself and the ROK delegation. Thank you very much.

BRIG. GEN. RYDER: Secretary Austin, Minister Lee, thank you gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be switching to consecutive translation for the question-and-answer portion, so would ask you to kindly remove your headsets.

First question will come from Reuters, Phil Stewart.

Q: Thank you. Secretary Austin, do repeated and increasingly regular North Korean missile tests show the U.S.-ROK alliance needs to adjust its deterrence strategy? And on Russia, is it your assessment that Ukrainian forces will be able to retake Kherson City and that the Russian forces are preparing to leave?

And to Minister Lee, you've called for a shift in strategy away from trying to stop North Korea from developing nuclear weapons but what would a shift from the denuclearization look like? And do you believe the U.S. needs to consider reintroducing tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks, Phil. On the first question, in terms of whether or not we need to adjust our strategy, I'll just say first that -- and you've heard me say this a number of times -- that we -- you know, our commitment to defending the ROK is ironclad.

We strongly condemn the DPRK's irresponsible and reckless activities. As we said before, these kinds of activities are destabilizing to the region potentially. So we call on them to cease that type of activity and to begin to engage in serious dialogue.

On the issue of whether or not the Ukrainians can take the remaining territory on the west side of the Dnieper River in Kherson, I certainly believe that they have the capability to do that. Most importantly, the Ukrainians believe that they have the capability to do that.

We've seen them engage in a very methodical but effective effort to take back their sovereign territory. I think you'll see them continue to press until they secure the territory on the west side of the river. So to answer your question, I do think they have the capability.

MIN. LEE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): As for the question that was asked of me, I believe the question was regarding the redeployment of tactical nukes of the United States. To state our government's stance of denuclearization policy on the Korean Peninsula, I'd like to say that there's no change in our denuclearization policy and that, for now, we do not have a -- we are currently not thinking to redeploy tactical nukes on the Korean Peninsula. Thank you.

BRIG. GEN. RYDER: Thank you, gentlemen. All right, next, we'll go to Korea Herald, Da-gyum Ji.

Da-gyum Ji from The Korea Herald. I have two questions for Secretary Austin. My first question is on the effectiveness of the U.S. extended deterrence. North Korea has so far launched more than 40 missiles of different types since late September and North Korea has threatened to start targeting South Korean territory with tactical nuclear weapons. Clearly, North Korea has continued saber rattling and provocations but do you still think that the current extended deterrence arrangement has been effective in deterring North Korea? And what kind of North Korean behavior should the U.S. and South Korea seek to deter?

And my second question is on the inter-Korean military agreement. North Korea has repeatedly violated the inter-Korean comprehensive military agreement. It has fired around 1,000 artillery shells toward the inter-Korean maritime buffer zone. Do you think the inter-Korean comprehensive military agreement is still effective in reducing tensions between the two Koreas? Do you still support the -- do you support inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement or should we abandon the deal?

SEC. AUSTIN: On the second question, I certainly -- yes, I do think it's effective and I certainly would invite comment from my colleague here, Minister Lee, as well.

In terms of the effectiveness of the -- our deterrence, yes, I do think we've been effective. I would point out to you that we have recently gone back to conducting a number of exercises that are focused on increasing our readiness and our ability to be able to fight tonight.

As a matter of fact, right now, we have one of the largest exercises that we've seen in the -- in recent history. There's some -- over 240 aircraft that are part of that exercise and they're doing, you know, a number of high end types of training events -- conducting a number of high end types of training events, and all of that is designed to ensure that we have the ability to defend the peninsula when -- if called to do so.

And so I think this increased focus on readiness, this -- you know, our ability to redeploy or deploy strategic assets to the peninsula, as you've seen us do here with the fifth generation fighters recently -- you've also seen us move a carrier into port there recently, and I think that's -- that sends a pretty strong signal as well.

But it could be that -- you know -- our neighbors in the north there may be concerned about our increased focus on readiness. So yes, I do think we've been effective and we will continue to look at this and ensure that we remain effective.

Q: So what kind of North Korean behavior should U.S. and South Korea specifically seek to deter?

SEC. AUSTIN: What kind of behaviors would we --

Q: Behaviors the U.S. and South Korea seek to deter?

SEC. AUSTIN: Expect to deter?

Q: Yes, I mean, like, what is the desired behavior that the U.S. and South Korea are trying to bring about?

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, certainly we don't want to see, you know, anyone make a decision to employ a nuclear device. And lately, as you've seen, North Koreans have engaged in activity such as an inter -- testing an intercontinental ballistic missile, a number of short-range ballistic missiles, firing artillery into the ocean. And so all of this activity is potentially destabilizing.

And so you know, again, you know, I think it's possible that they could continue to do that kind of thing, but certainly, we are focused on making sure that they don't choose to employ a nuclear weapon or choose to attack South Korea, so --

BRIG. GEN. RYDER: Our next question will go to CNN, Oren Liebermann.

Q: A question for each of you: Secretary, sir, the Minister said just a moment ago that you'd pledge to effectively respond to any DPRK provocation by employing U.S. strategic assets equivalent to a constant deployment through increased frequency and (inaudible) of strategic asset deployment. What strategic assets do you intend to deploy to the Korean Peninsula? And is this a change in U.S. posture in the region?

And Minister, sir, do you believe a North Korean nuclear test is imminent? And is China playing a constructive role in preventing them from carrying out such a test?

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, you've seen us recently redeploy fifth-generation fighter aircraft. You've seen us exercise our strategic assets from time to time. And again, we -- to answer your question, we don't have a plan to change permanent positioning or stationing of assets on the peninsula currently. But you know, what we're doing together not only to -- on a bilateral basis, but also with our allies in Japan. In each and every case, we'll assess what -- you know, what's going on, and we'll work together to ensure that we provide the right kind of deterrent message. So to answer your question, no new deployment of strategic assets on a permanent basis, but you'll see assets move in and out on a routine basis.

MIN. LEE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): So to respond to the answer asking whether North Korea is ready for a nuclear test, I can state a statement that as for a third underground facility in North Korea, they are ready to conduct the nuclear test at that area. But when they will carry out the nuclear test is currently still a curiosity, as North Korea will have to take into account the political purpose and to exactly estimate when they will carry out the nuclear test, is a difficulty for us, as well.

And to answer the question about Chinese effect and influence on North Korea, if you traditionally look at the influence that China had in North Korea in the past, there's been a time when despite Chinese opposition to North Korea carrying out a nuclear test, North Korea still carried out the test anyway. So it's difficult to say that China has a decisive effect in North -- in choosing North Korea, as well.

Q: Thank you.

BRIG. GEN. RYDER: And for our final question, we'll go to Yonhap, Sangho Song.

Q: Yes, I have two questions, one to both Secretary Austin and Minister Lee, and the other question is for -- only for Minister Lee. And I think my question is similar to Reuters -- I mean, CNN and my colleague. But even when South Korea and the United States are talking about extended deterrence at the SCM at this point, North Korea fired missiles and artillery shells into the ocean. So -- and when the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier was in South Korea, still, North Korea fired missiles. So the question is if the deterrence works when it comes to North Korea's conventional forms of provocation or low-intensity attacks, you know, so there's still concern of whether or not the terms of the alliance really working fine. So did you actually discuss that issue at the SCM today? And did you come up with any effective measures beyond rhetorical excoriations? 

And (UNTRANSLATED)

SEC. AUSTIN: To answer your question, yes, I believe our activities are effective in deterring. You know, one of the things that sends a strong deterrent message is our ability to work together and to be interoperable, and our ability to train our troops to a high level of capability, and also maintain a combat-credible force in the region. And most recently, you've seen us focus on that in a major way. Again, I point to the major exercise that we have ongoing. I -- you know, you mentioned the carrier. That is a serious demonstration of commitment and combat capability. Again, we are focused on making sure that nobody attacks South Korea, and we're committed to that. Our commitment is ironclad. And we're also committed to deterring anyone from using a nuclear device. And yes, I do believe we've been effective in that, and we'll continue to work to make sure that we're working together building increasing capability and increasing our ability to work together, so --

Q: (inaudible) said a criticism that North Korea's artillery and nuclear missile firings are a deterrence failure. You don't accept that?

SEC. AUSTIN: Criticism of --

Q: That North Korea's continued provocations can be seen as a failure in terms of deterrence.

SEC. AUSTIN: I don't. It -- you know, I believe that they are deterred from attacking North Korea -- South Korea -- excuse me. And I also believe they are deterred from employing a nuclear device, either against the -- in the peninsula or against our homeland here in the U.S. Yes, I do believe that.

MIN. LEE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): So the question was regarding the development of OPLAN and how the endorsed SPD and SPG from security consultative meeting last year and how the OPLAN is developing on top of those agreements that were made in SCM. The question was about how the process was going and when the OPLAN was going to be completed. And as for OPLAN to provide my answer, when you're developing the OPLAN, it's not a one and done deal. It's something that you continue to develop, given the -- take into account the environment of the situation. So it is difficult to say when it will exactly complete. However what I can say is that we will -- in the process of developing the OPLAN we are seeking to expedite the upgrade. However as for the specifics of the information that I can divulge, there is a limitation due to military confidentiality. So I will keep my answer to this.

SEC. AUSTIN: And one final note here, again, in terms of our deterrent efforts and at the types of things that we're deterring. I would point out that we're committed to deterring that type of activity against any of our allies and partners in the region. We remain committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. So thank you very much.

BRIG. GEN. RYDER: Secretary Austin, Minister Lee, thank you, gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, that is all the time we have available today. This concludes our press briefing. Thank you for joining us.