Readout of Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup today in Singapore to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

During the meeting, Secretary Austin underscored that the U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK is ironclad and underpinned by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear. Secretary Austin and Minister Lee concurred that the Biden-Yoon Summit held in Seoul last month underscored the close bonds between the two countries and the strategic importance of the Alliance.

The two leaders discussed the recent missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). They decided to coordinate closely on responses to future DPRK provocations and re-affirmed that trilateral cooperation with Japan sends a strong deterrent signal to the region. Secretary Austin and Minister Lee committed to continuing robust conversations on extended deterrence and trilateral security cooperation.

Secretary Austin and Minister Lee also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific security environment. Both sides affirmed the importance of the international rules-based order, peaceful resolution of disputes, and freedom of navigation.

They also confirmed the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Finally, Secretary Austin thanked the Minister Lee for continued ROK support to Ukraine.