US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby held a briefing in the press room of the US Department of Defense on the 28th (local time) and said, “There is nothing more important than the Korean Peninsula. We will focus on our readiness.” [AP=연합뉴스]
The US Department of Defense announced on the 28th (local time) that it will “will focus on readiness”, emphasizing the importance of the ROK-US joint exercises. It also revealed that it is accurately grasping North Korea’s attempts to increase military power.
“We are accurately grasping” the reinforcement of North Korean military power
US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby was asked at a briefing today about the importance of military training in relation to the postponement or reduction of ROK-US combined exercises in the former administration of Donald Trump. “The nature of some of the exercises have changed or adjusted during the negotiations with Pyongyang over the past two years.” “He said.
“We are aware of the importance of training and practice to keep the military ready,” he said. “There is no place more important than the Korean Peninsula.” He then referred to the slogan of the ROK-US coalition, “Ready to fight tonight,” and added, “It is not just a slogan. This is actually important on the Korean Peninsula.” At the same time, he stressed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would also be committed to this.
“We are not ready to comment on what the training system will look like in the future,” said Kirby. “But we fully understand the need to maintain readiness and will be committed to it.”
On this day, a spokesman for Kirby responded to a question regarding North Korea’s development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), “I will not specifically evaluate North Korea’s weapon system,” and “I am sure of Pyongyang’s desire to increase its military power.” “We know exactly for what purpose that military capability was designed,” he said. “We will continue to work to equip the Korean Peninsula with the necessary readiness.”
Reporter Seok Kyung-min [email protected]