South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup said Sunday that his country will enhance its defense capabilities and work closely with the United States and Japan to confront the North Korean nuclear and missile threat.
Addressing the "Shangri-La Dialogue", hosted in Singapore, the situation on the Korean Peninsula poses a global threat, and urged North Korea to immediately end its nuclear and missile programs.
It is worth mentioing that North Korea has conducted at least 18 rounds of weapons tests this year, which confirms the development of its nuclear and missile arsenals.
This month, The United States warned that North Korea was preparing to conduct a seventh nuclear test, stressing that it will push again for UN sanctions if that happens.
On his part, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned China's "provocative and destabilizing" military activity near Taiwan.
Austin's remarks came after his Chinese counterpart threatened that Beijing "will not hesitate to start a war" if the island declares independence.
"We are witnessing a steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan," Austin said at the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore.
"Our position on Taiwan has not changed. The United States respects the one-China policy," He added, stressing the need to "adhere to the current fait accompli."
He also emphasized the US's fulfillment of its obligations under Taiwan Relations Act, including helping Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.
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