Oct. 13, 2020
WASHINGTON — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley met virtually today with Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Won In-Choul during the 45th Republic of Korea and U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM).
Acting Chief Director of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Directorate for Strategic Planning, Maj. Gen. Sanghwa Jung, also represented the Republic of Korea delegation. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Phil Davidson joined Gen. Milley as the U.S. delegation and Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, and United Nations Command represented the Alliance.
During the discussions, Gen. Milley and Gen. Won observed that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War and recognized that the U.S.-ROK Alliance has remained the linchpin for security, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula as well as the Northeast Asia region for the past seventy years. Both sides jointly assessed the security of the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific region, and discussed specific measures to strengthen the Alliance’s defense posture and enhance cooperation for stability in the region.
The two leaders recognized the importance of holding the United States-Republic of Korea Military Committee Meeting during this crucial time despite the global pandemic, demonstrating the strength, credibility, and flexibility of the military alliance, and committed to advancing actions to move the Alliance into the future.
Gen. Milley reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to the Republic of Korea and to providing extended deterrence. Gen. Won praised joint efforts to maintain the Alliance’s ‘Fight Tonight’ readiness despite COVID-19 difficulties. Both leaders acknowledged the critical nature of multilateral partnerships and agreed to further strengthen efforts for regional peace and security.
The MCM is part of the U.S.-Republic of Korea bilateral consultation process which convenes annually or during times of heightened tension. The committee provides strategic directives and operational guidance to the Combined Forces Command in defense of the Republic of Korea and addresses Alliance military issues. It has been hosted alternately by the ROK and the U.S. since the first meeting in 1978.
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