U.S.-ROK alliance ironclad, rooted in shared values
FORUM Staff
Engagements and agreements between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and United States armed forces represent an ironclad alliance between two nations with shared values and a shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, according to the countries.
“The U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, security and prosperity for Northeast Asia, a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region and across the world,” according to the U.S. State Department. “U.S.-ROK military and defense ties are unwavering, and our ever-increasing economic, technological, diplomatic, people-to-people and values-based bonds are strong and enduring.”
Shortly after the 1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement, South Korea and the U.S. entered a Mutual Defense Treaty reaffirming their desire to live in peace and “strengthen the fabric of peace” in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. continues that commitment today with more than 28,500 U.S. service members stationed in South Korea.
“Over 70 years ago, the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea was forged on the battlefield, as we stood shoulder-to-shoulder in war. Bonded in common sacrifice, our partnership has helped to keep the peace in the decades since, allowing both of our countries and our peoples to thrive,” according to a joint statement by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during their meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., in May 2021. “The United States and the Republic of Korea share a vision for a region governed by democratic norms, human rights, and the rule of law at home and abroad. We seek a partnership that continues to provide peace and prosperity for our peoples, while serving as a linchpin for the regional and global order. Above all, we are united in our determination to reinvigorate and modernize our ties for a new era.”
(Pictured: A Republic of Korea Soldier walks past statues of 1950-53 Korean War Soldiers at the War Memorial of Korea museum in Seoul, South Korea.)
Analysts call the nations’ bilateral relationship “one of the most successful ever built.” A September 2021 commentary published by The Heritage Foundation, a Washington, D.C., think tank, noted that South Korea, once a recipient of U.S. economic development assistance, now has one of the most resilient and competitive economies in the world.
The commentary, written by James Jay Carafano, vice president of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, and Anthony B. Kim, research fellow and editor of the Index of Economic Freedom, also highlighted the military relationship. “America’s steadfast military support has, in turn, encouraged Seoul to advance values it shares with Washington: democracy, economic freedom, respect for human rights and much, much more,” Carafano and Kim wrote.
While in Washington, President Moon said the world welcomed U.S. leadership and had “high hopes” that U.S. leaders would “do more than ever before.”
“Although tricky challenges lie ahead of us, as allies that share core values, our two countries will actively work together to address global challenges such as COVID-19, economic recovery and climate change,” he said. “And we will usher in a new era.”
One ongoing challenge is the nuclear threat from North Korea. The two Koreas ended their war in 1953 with an armistice instead of a treaty, leaving the divided peninsula in a technical state of war. Tensions continue to ebb and flow with provocations by the North, which has tested missiles in recent months. As those tests change the strategic environment, U.S. and ROK forces adjust to respond. U.S. and ROK military leaders recently announced plans to release strategic guidance to begin developing a new operational war plan if needed.
Despite the nuclear threat and North Korea’s refusal to eliminate its missile program, the U.S. remains committed to a peaceful resolution, and President Biden’s administration has repeatedly said it stands ready to engage diplomatically with the North.
“At a time of considerable international hardship and rapid global change, President Biden and President Moon are cognizant of the hurdles facing the United States, the ROK, and the world,” according to the two leaders’ May 2021 statement. “We recognize that, with our cooperation, the U.S.-ROK alliance will play an increasingly global role, allowing us to rise to these defining challenges. For over seven decades, and thanks to its reciprocity and dynamism, our alliance has been a source of steadfast national strength; we look forward to working closely together to ensure it remains one for decades to come.”
IMAGE CREDIT: REUTERS
