Seoul:Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul announced that South Korea has communicated its concerns to the United States regarding comments made by the chief of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) about changes in the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang addressed the issue during a parliamentary audit, following remarks by USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson. Brunson noted that conditions have evolved for the OPCON transfer from the United States to South Korea due to shifting security dynamics, including North Korea's recent missile activities.
Kang emphasized that, although Brunson's comments were framed from a military viewpoint, South Korea is apprehensive about their broader significance and has made its stance clear to the U.S. He clarified that while the requirements for the OPCON transfer remain unchanged, interpretations of the extent to which these requirements have been fulfilled may differ.
The discussion on OPCON transfer arises amidst perceived discrepancies between Seoul and Washington over its timing. South Korea aims to regain wartime OPCON from the U.S. by the end of President Lee Jae Myung's term in 2030, or potentially sooner. However, Washington has reservations about fast-tracking the process due to political reasons.
Kang asserted that South Korea is prepared for the transfer, stating that it would enhance the command structure. He explained that after the transfer, a South Korean commander would lead the combined forces, with the U.S. continuing to provide support.
Furthermore, Kang addressed the potential delay of the annual South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM). Reports suggest the meeting could be postponed until December, considering the U.S. midterm elections and other domestic factors, as well as the ongoing OPCON transfer discussions between the two nations.