A top US defence official calls South Korea a “model ally” during Seoul talks, highlighting its increased military spending and nuclear submarine plans as examples of burden-sharing.
SEOUL: A senior US defence official has hailed South Korea as a “model ally” during talks in Seoul.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby made the comments on his first overseas trip in the role.
His visit follows the release of Washington’s new National Defense Strategy, which calls for allies to take more responsibility for their own defence.
Colby praised President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to spend 3.5% of GDP on the military.
He said the decision reflected a “clear-eyed and sage understanding” of the security environment.
“Such adaptation… will ensure that deterrence remains credible, sustainable and resilient in this changing world,” Colby told a forum, according to Yonhap News Agency.
He also met with South Korea’s defence and foreign ministers on Monday.
The ministers pointed to Seoul’s development of nuclear-powered attack submarines as proof it was taking more defence responsibility.
Details on where the submarines will be built remain unclear.
South Korea’s leader said last month it would be “extremely difficult” for them to be built outside the country.
However, former US President Donald Trump has insisted they will be built in the United States.
Washington stations 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against nuclear-armed North Korea.
