Seoul: The Pentagon's policy chief has once again praised South Korea as a "model ally" for its commitment to increase defense spending and assume a greater share of its defense responsibilities. This acknowledgment comes as Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby visits South Korea, marking the first stop of his two-nation tour, which will also include Japan. This trip is his first international engagement since assuming office in April.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Colby expressed his admiration through a social media post on Sunday, Washington time. In his message, he highlighted the significance of his visit to South Korea and underscored the country's commitment to defense. "It's a privilege to arrive here in South Korea on my first international trip as Under Secretary of War for Policy," Colby stated on X. He further noted that South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), has pledged to meet the global standard of allocating 3.5% of its GDP to defense. This move aligns with the new National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of allies taking greater responsibility for their own defense.
Colby's visit to the region coincides with the recent release of the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy. The strategy suggests potential changes to the U.S. military's presence on the Korean Peninsula and reinforces the concept of "burden sharing" among allies. This approach is part of the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to concentrate on countering threats from China.