The Republic of Korea (ROK) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Jin Yong-Sung met with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine at the ROK JCS Headquarters today during the 50th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting. This marks Gen. Caine's second visit to the Republic of Korea in three months since the Trilateral Chiefs of Defense meeting in July.
Gen. Jin and Lt. Gen. Son Jeong-Hwan, Chief Director of J5, ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, represented the ROK delegation. Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, joined Gen. Caine as part of the U.S. delegation. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Commander (CFC), U.S. Forces Korea, represented the ROK-U.S. CFC.
During the discussions, Gen. Jin and Gen. Caine recognized the historical significance and role of the ROK-U.S. Alliance that has lasted over 70 years . They shared the view that peace on the Korean Peninsula should be underpinned by the combined strength of both countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust combined readiness posture based on the Alliance, capable of responding to any threats.
Both leaders shared the assessment that the security environment in the Indo-Pacific has become increasingly complex due to advanced nuclear and missile threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the intensifying global arms competition. They noted that, while the DPRK seeks greater military capabilities through technological advancements supported by its cooperation with Russia , the Alliance is effectively managing the threats through a strong combined deterrence. Gen. Jin and Gen. Caine acknowledged that combined deterrence extends beyond the Korean Peninsula and contributes to regional deterrence in support of SECURITY, FREEDOM, and PROSPERITY. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, deterring potential aggression and safeguarding shared interests.
The two leaders agreed to seamlessly develop Conventional Nuclear Integration (CNI) concepts in accordance with the Nuclear Consultative Group's guidance, and to enhance CNI activities for expanding the Alliance's deterrence.
The leaders held discussions on Alliance Modernization and agreed to enhance the Alliance's collective capabilities, interoperability, and combined readiness posture to proactively respond to the evolving security environment and emerging threats. Both Chairmen agreed to continue their communication on Alliance Modernization efforts focused on further strengthening the combined military deterrence against the DPRK.
Furthermore, Gen. Jin and Gen. Caine have the same understanding of the meaningful progress made across various fields, as confirmed through the annual evaluation conducted in accordance with the bilaterally agreed-upon standards of Conditions-based Operational Control Transition Plan. They agreed to continue efforts to meet the conditions required for achieving OPCON transition and strengthen the Alliance’s combined defense posture.
Both leaders shared the importance of developing an ever-stronger combined defense posture under the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty and affirmed their commitment to this goal. The United States and the ROK pledged to make the utmost efforts to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region.
The MCM is part of the U.S.- ROK bilateral consultation process, which convenes annually or as required. The committee provides strategic and operational guidance to the CFC in defense of the ROK and addresses Alliance military issues. The U.S. and the ROK have alternated hosting this meeting in Washington, D.C. and Seoul since it first convened in 1978.