South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will hold bilateral talks in the Philippines on Wednesday, ahead of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus. This meeting marks their first since Kang assumed office in September and comes as the allies discuss the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea.
The bilateral talks between the South Korean and U.S. defense chiefs are crucial for advancing the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea, a significant step in the alliance's long-term strategy. The discussions also occur in the context of regional security challenges, including North Korea's provocations, and aim to bolster defense cooperation with ASEAN nations.
Defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States are set to hold bilateral talks in the Philippines on Wednesday, October 27, 2026, ahead of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus. This meeting will be the first between Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth since Kang assumed office in September.
The discussions are expected to focus on key alliance issues, including South Korea's efforts to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington, a goal Seoul aims to achieve by 2030. The allies are also expected to discuss the transition plan at their upcoming Security Consultative Meeting in December.
At the ADMM Plus plenary, Kang plans to address North Korea's recent land mine provocation near the inter-Korean border and advocate for the resumption of dialogue. He will also emphasize international cooperation for regional peace and propose measures to strengthen defense ties with ASEAN nations.
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