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South Korea presses for faster control shift from US amid drill changes
President Lee Jae Myung also called for accelerated efforts to regain wartime operational control and to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said the Trump administration’s move to scale back annual military drills has strengthened his push for greater defense self-reliance while keeping the US alliance intact, according to SCMP Economy.
Lee called for accelerating efforts to regain wartime operational control, OPCON, of South Korean forces from the United States and for building nuclear-powered submarines, framing both steps as part of boosting Seoul’s ability to defend itself.
The article cites analysts’ view that Seoul is increasingly concerned about uncertainty in its alliance with the US under what they describe as an unpredictable presidency.
At a government cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lee highlighted South Korea’s growing defense capabilities, saying the country is ranked among the world’s top five military powers and among the world’s top four defense industry powers.