WASHINGTON — Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the enduring importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, underlining its watchword "We go together," during the Korean National Day event on Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Brown cited the history of the partnership, forged in the 1950-53 Korean War, where South Korean and U.S. soldiers fought "side by side, shoulder to shoulder for freedom, democracy and the rule of law." He added that the alliance has evolved over the decades and is now focused on "peace, vigilance and strength," extending beyond military cooperation into sectors such as space, energy, and health.
National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs Kurt Campbell also attended the event, noting the alliance's expanding scope in tackling global challenges. Campbell specifically pointed out the "unprecedented challenges" from North Korea, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance.
Campbell expressed his optimism about the state of U.S. relations with regional allies, acknowledging South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership role.