President Lee Jae-myung emphasized during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. on the 25th (local time) that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is evolving into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance founded on three pillars: security, economy, and advanced technology. He stated that South Korea is the only country to have simultaneously achieved industrialization and democratization after being liberated from colonial rule, and that the country’s growth into a technological and cultural powerhouse was fueled by its people and supported by the U.S. and the international community. He highlighted the critical role of U.S. support and cooperation throughout Korea’s economic miracle and democratization process, noting the alliance’s strength and solidarity even in overcoming last December’s military coup situation.
President Lee emphasized that the new government is rooted in the fundamental values of freedom and democracy inherent in the Korea-U.S. alliance and is committed to further solidifying this alliance through pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest. He advocated for developing beyond security and economic alliances into a high-tech alliance to counter complex challenges such as North Korean nuclear and missile provocations and global supply chain crises.
The President also expressed a commitment to strengthening defense, stating that South Korea would increase its defense budget to prepare its military for future warfare. He mentioned that former President Trump had expressed support for enhancing South Korea’s defense capabilities and expanded defense cooperation.
Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, President Lee reaffirmed the unchanged goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, adhering to the NPT regime, and responding firmly to North Korean provocations while keeping open channels for dialogue. He noted that measures aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions were proving effective and stressed that reconciliation and cooperation benefit all parties involved, including South and North Korea, and the Korea-U.S. partnership.
He laid out a vision for economic cooperation, indicating that the bilateral tariff agreement would act as a catalyst for strengthening advanced technology cooperation. He encouraged collaboration in sectors where South Korea holds a competitive edge, such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, AI, and nuclear power, to address security and economic convergence.
President Lee also underscored the importance of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. He mentioned his recent visit to Japan before the U.S. trip and pledged to strengthen collaboration to jointly counter North Korean threats while working toward peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
He concluded by stating that the heyday of the Korea-U.S. alliance is still to come, not because of any deficiencies but because of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead when working together. “Together, we can achieve something greater. Let’s go together,” he concluded.