1. On December 2, 2021, the 53rd South Korea-US Security Consultation Meeting was held in Seoul. South Korean Defense Minister Xu Xu and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and diplomatic officials . On December 1, 2021, General Won Inchu, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea, and General Mark Milli, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, co-chaired the 46th South Korea-US Military Committee meeting.

2. The Minister and Secretary of State reiterated the vision of the leaders of the two countries to establish a region governed by democratic norms, human rights, and the rule of law, as confirmed by the Korea-US summit in May 2021. They agreed that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is stronger than ever, based on the common values ​​of mutual trust, freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Minister and Secretary of State pointed out that SCM has played a key role in the continued development of the Korea-US alliance and will continue to be the cornerstone of discussion and confirmation of national commitments. The two sides pledged to continue to develop the alliance in a mutually reinforcing and future-oriented way-the key to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.

3. The Minister and Secretary of State reviewed the current security environment on the Korean Peninsula and the region, and discussed cooperation measures between the two countries. The Minister and Secretary of State assessed the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance and reaffirmed that the two countries are committed to joint defense, as agreed in the "Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty," to defend South Korea.

Leaders discussed the missiles recently launched by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to respond to and defend against all-round threats. The Secretary of State reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to use its comprehensive defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, to provide South Korea with extended deterrence. Both leaders pledged to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence posture by leveraging all available alliance capabilities, including cyber and space capabilities.

The two sides pledged to continue coordination and cooperation for the realization of the joint commitment of complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace, as well as the resolution of the common goals of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Minister and Secretary of State emphasized the importance of resuming diplomacy and dialogue, and called on the international community, including North Korea, to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They reaffirmed the common belief that diplomacy and dialogue based on previous North-South Korea, U.S.-North Korea, and multilateral commitments (such as the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration and Pyongyang Joint Statement between the North and South Korea, and the 2018 U.S.-North Korea-Singapore Joint Statement) and multilateral commitments in diplomacy and dialogue, and 2005 The Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks in 2016 is essential for achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace. The leaders pledged to support diplomatic efforts by maintaining comprehensive preparedness and international sanctions. Both leaders urged North Korea to abide by its international agreements.

4. The Minister and Secretary pointed out that the various measures taken by the Korean and North Korean military authorities to implement the Armistice Agreement, the Panmunjom Declaration and the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA) are to ease tensions and reduce threats to prevent unexpected border conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.

The Minister and Secretary of State also reached a consensus that the implementation of the CMA will effectively help prevent accidental conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.

Secretary of State Austin expressed support for strong dialogue, contacts and cooperation between South Korea and North Korea, and promised that South Korea and the US Department of Defense will continue to conduct close coordination and cooperation on this issue.

5. The Minister and Secretary of State reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in maintaining and implementing the armistice agreement. The two heads of state reiterated that over the past 68 years, the UN Security Council has made contributions to successfully maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and will continue to perform its mission and tasks with respect to South Korea’s sovereignty to the utmost extent.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed South Korea’s position that so far, the Northern Limit (NLL) has been an effective means to separate the South Korean and North Korean forces and prevent military tensions.

6. The Minister and the Secretary of State assessed that the US military in Korea has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula for 68 years, and reiterated that in the future, the US military in Korea (USFK) will continue to play a role in preventing armed conflicts on the Korean Peninsula and promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Important role.

Secretary of State Austin pointed out that the Indo-Pacific region is a priority theater of the Ministry of National Defense and reiterated the United States’ unshakable commitment to South Korea’s joint defense—as set out in the Mutual Defense Treaty. He also emphasized that the United States is committed to maintaining the current level of US troops stationed in South Korea to defend South Korea.

The Minister and the Secretary of State specifically commented that the Korea-U.S. Deterrence Strategy Committee (DSC) Tabletop Exercise (TTX) held at the 20th Korea-U.S. Comprehensive Defense Dialogue strengthened the alliance’s joint deterrence posture and enhanced the alliance’s ability to implement tailored strategies . Deterrence Strategy (TDS).

The Secretary of State reiterated that the expanded deterrence of the United States is still ironclad. He and the minister pledged to strengthen the alliance's comprehensive deterrence posture through TDS to more effectively deal with North Korea's nuclear threat, other weapons of mass destruction, and missile threats.

In addition, the Minister and Secretary of State noted South Korea’s efforts to stably deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) battery at Carroll Camp and pledged to continue working closely to achieve the ultimate goal of regular and unrestricted access.

7. The Minister and Secretary of State received a report on the results of the Korea-U.S. MCM from General Paul Lacamella, commander of the Korea-U.S. Joint Command (CFC). On this basis, the leaders pledged to maintain "fight tonight" preparations, enhance joint defense capabilities, and update related operational plans (OPLANs). They also assessed that with the changes in the strategic environment, significant progress has been made in effectively responding to various security challenges.

8. On this basis, the Minister and the Minister approved a new Strategic Planning Guide (SPG) to guide the planning of the alliance-it reflects the changes in the strategic environment. The Minister and Secretary of State assessed that the updated planning guidelines will guide the military OPLAN to more effectively deter — and, if necessary, respond to — North Korea’s threat to the US-South Korea alliance.

9. The Minister and Secretary reiterated the need to continue joint exercises and training activities on the Korean Peninsula to strengthen the preparation of the alliance. Both parties assessed that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 21-1 and 21-2 Joint Command Post Training (CCPT) were successfully conducted in accordance with social distancing measures. They also assessed that in addition to the CCPT, other joint training activities conducted in a balanced manner throughout the year increased the strength of the South Korean-US joint defense posture and military preparations. Both leaders pledged to work closely together to conduct two CCPTs in 2022, noting that they are a key part of keeping the alliance ready. Both sides assessed that the South Korean-US alliance must continue to focus on military preparations and joint defense posture to deal with the dynamic changes on the Korean Peninsula.

10. The Minister and Secretary of State emphasized that providing continuous training opportunities for the US military in South Korea is essential to maintaining a strong joint defense posture. The Secretary of State and the Minister agreed on the importance of communication and cooperation between the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the US military in South Korea to coordinate the more effective and effective joint use of South Korean facilities and airspace to conduct the training required for the training of the US military in South Korea. In order to maintain our strong combat readiness. Joint defensive posture. The leaders of the two countries also pledged to continue to cooperate in the development of a joint multi-purpose live ammunition training complex.

11. The Minister and Secretary of State expressed appreciation for the central role played by the CFC in containing war on the Korean Peninsula and defending South Korea since its establishment in 1978. Move CFC headquarters (HQ) to Humphreys Camp.

The Minister and the Minister reiterated that the relocation of the CFC headquarters to Camp Humphreys will help enhance joint operations capabilities and strengthen the joint defense posture, and pledged to work closely together to complete the relocation next year.

12. The Minister and the Minister reviewed the progress of the tasks specified in the Condition-Based Operational Control Transition Plan (COTP). The two parties noted the progress made by COTP and discussed the direction of the transition from OPCON to Future Joint Force Command (F-CFC)

The Minister and the Minister reiterated that before OPCON transitions to F-CFC during the war, the conditions stipulated in the bilaterally approved COTP must be met. The Minister and the Minister pledged to conduct a full operational capability (FOC) assessment of the F-CFC in 2022.

At the same time, the leaders of the two countries pledged to complete a comprehensive joint study of COTP capabilities and to rewrite the annexes and appendices of COTP change 1 before the Korea-US Comprehensive Defense Dialogue in the spring of 2022. The two sides also pledged to complete the South Korean-US bilateral assessment of South Korea’s key military capabilities and the alliance’s comprehensive response capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear missile threats before the 54th SCM.

13. The Minister and Secretary of State acknowledged that through the joint efforts of South Korea and the United States, progress has been made in meeting the transitional conditions for wartime combat control. Minister Su emphasized that he will systematically and actively pursue the key military capabilities necessary for the transition of wartime combat control, while continuously expanding the defense capabilities necessary for the South Korean army to lead future joint defenses. Secretary of State Austin reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to bridging capabilities—until South Korea completes the acquisition of these capabilities—and lasting capabilities consistent with COTP. In addition, the two leaders noted South Korea’s plan to acquire and develop key military capabilities and decided to closely coordinate South Korea’s procurement plans for these capabilities.

The two parties promised to regularly assess and review the progress of OPCON's transitional implementation at the annual SCM and MCM, in order to maintain a solid joint defense system.

14. The Minister and the Minister decided to continue to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including space and cyber, to ensure effective response to emerging threats and to strengthen the alliance’s comprehensive response capabilities. The Secretary of State and the Minister agreed that development and cooperation in new areas will strengthen the alliance’s comprehensive defense against a range of adversary threats.

The Minister and Minister acknowledged that their respective defense authorities are working to promote critical infrastructure, including information and space systems, and improve the security of these systems. The two leaders expressed a common vision to promote closer cooperation in high-tech fields such as cyber and space.

The two sides promised to explore measures to strengthen the space capabilities of the alliance through the space cooperation working group and related joint research on space policies between South Korea and the United States. This includes exploring ways to improve the space situational awareness information sharing system, and expanding bilateral and multilateral joint exercises and training activities to improve the alliance's space operation capabilities. They are also committed to exploring opportunities to train alliance space professionals.

The two parties pledged to maintain close communication and coordination in the cyber field-including the cyber cooperation working group meeting scheduled for February 2022-to share trends in cyber threats and discuss corresponding policy updates. The two parties also promised to gradually develop cooperation and exchanges between their respective network commands to discuss and promote common interests.

15. The Minister and the Minister pledged to continue the exchange activities between the Korea-U.S. consultation agencies, involving defense research and development, industrial cooperation, capability acquisition, life cycle logistics, and technology security, and agreed that the need to advance the alliance’s priorities lies in capability development and interoperability. , Acquisition and maintenance areas.

The two sides reiterated that they will give priority to revising their bilateral consultation institutions to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry and R&D fields. The leaders of the two countries reiterated that South Korea-US scientific and technological cooperation continues to expand in areas such as space, quantum, sensor/electronic warfare, cyber defense, artificial intelligence, automation, and directed energy. They also pledged to seek cooperation measures in the areas of 5G and next-generation mobile communications (6G). Both sides believe that this kind of cooperation is continuing to develop in a direction that is conducive to the common interests of South Korea and the United States.

16. Taking into account the complex regional and global security situation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State pledged to continue to promote defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and global interests to better respond to regional and global security challenges. In this context, the two countries The leaders are committed to seeking cooperation between South Korea’s new southern policy and the United States’ vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The two leaders reiterated the importance of a rules-based international order and compliance with international rules and regulations, including freedom of navigation and overflight. They further expressed their intention to work together for this purpose. In addition, the Minister and Secretary of State recognized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which was reflected in the joint statement of President Biden and President Moon Jae-in in May 2021. They also reaffirmed their support for the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN-led regional structure.

The leaders of the two countries have decided to promote human rights and the rule of law at home and abroad. They jointly condemned the violence of the Burmese military and police against civilians and pledged to continue to urge the immediate cessation of violence, the release of political prisoners, and the restoration of democracy as soon as possible. They called on all countries to ban the sale of weapons to Myanmar.

The two sides emphasized their commitment to the UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) and pledged to work together to promote the success of the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Seoul. They also reaffirmed their commitment to anti-piracy operations, stabilization and reconstruction efforts, regional security cooperation initiatives, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Minister Su expressed appreciation for the COVID-19 vaccine provided by the US government to the South Korean military this year and praised it as a strong embodiment of the South Korean-US alliance. The two sides pledged to continue to work closely together to tackle this global pandemic. In addition, Minister Xu stated that the U.S. Department of Defense has been in close communication and coordination and actively supported the South Korean government's "Operation Miracle" by transporting Afghans and their families to South Korea to assist the South Korean government. Secretary Su expressed his gratitude to the U.S. government and all U.S. military personnel for their strong support in realizing humanitarian values.

17. Secretary of State Austin expressed appreciation for South Korea’s dedication and contribution to various global security efforts including the Non-Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).

The Minister and Secretary of State praised South Korea and the United States for its efforts to improve the alliance’s joint response capabilities against weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) to prevent the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction, and to mitigate the threat of weapons of mass destruction when necessary.

They decided to continue to strengthen cooperation, through measures such as the Korea-US Anti-Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee (CWMDC) and the U.S. Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program to enhance the alliance’s CWMD capabilities to improve CWMD capabilities.

18. The Minister and the Secretary of State believe that the trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan is still essential to regional stability, and promised to continue trilateral defense cooperation, such as information sharing, high-level policy consultations-including defense trilateral talks (DTT) and three Chief of Border Defense-Joint exercises and personnel exchanges to achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and security in Northeast Asia.

19. The Minister and Secretary reiterated that speeding up the relocation and land return of the US military base in South Korea, including the relocation and land return of the Yongsan Garrison, is in the interests of the two countries and promised to cooperate closely on related matters including environmental conditions and safety requirements. To ensure timely return to base in accordance with the Korea-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

In particular, the two leaders reiterated that after the construction of appropriate security fences in South Korea, the two sides will seek to return a significant portion of the Yongsan garrison by early 2022. The two sides also promised to recover the parts of the Longshan Garrison that are no longer in use by the United States after all necessary transfers and force protection operations are completed, and these parts can be returned.

The Minister and Secretary expressed appreciation for the various measures discussed through the SOFA channel, and promised to continue discussing related issues through the established procedures of the Korea-US SOFA Joint Committee.

20. Secretary of State Austin emphasized that South Korea is making contributions to ensure a stable environment for the presence of US troops in South Korea, and expressed appreciation for the approval of the "Special Measures Agreement No. 11" by the South Korean Congress. In addition, the two leaders assessed that SMA has made great contributions to strengthening the joint defense capabilities of South Korea and the United States.

21. Minister Suh and Minister Austin expressed their gratitude to both parties for their courtesy, hospitality and work, which contributed to the success of this year's SCM. Both the Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State stated that the discussions at the 53rd China-US Defense Conference and the 46th China-US Military Exchange Conference have contributed to the substantial strengthening of the Korean-US alliance and the further development of the defense relationship between the two countries into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial alliance. Both parties expect to hold the 54th SCM and 47th MCM in Washington, DC at a time convenient to both parties in 2022.

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