text: US and South Korea strengthen alliance at talks, but doubts remain | Nationwide - Pennsylvania News Today
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  US and South Korea strengthen alliance at talks, but doubts remain | Nationwide
  Seoul, South Korea (AP) — US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in South Korea on Wednesday to strengthen the country's decades-long military alliance in the face of North Korea's nuclear threat and increasing challenges from China. The expected annual security talks were held.
  The US-ROK alliance is "the cornerstone of peace and security in the region," Austin tweeted after landing.
  However, it is doubtful how effectively the alliance sealed in the bloodshed of the 1950-53 Korean War can be solidified. South Korea remains trapped in a nasty historical dispute with Japan, another major US regional ally, and hesitates to actively participate in the US initiative. Efforts to curb the rise of China.
  "The alliance faces several obstacles. It is not desirable for Japan-South Korea historical and other issues to act as obstacles to South Korea's national security," he said.
  After the Pentagon announces the results of a global attitude review earlier this week, a Thursday meeting will come between Austin and his South Korean counterpart Seo Wook. This review directs additional cooperation with allies and partners to thwart "potential Chinese military aggression and threats from North Korea," while previously of the Rotating Attack Helicopter Squadron and South Korean Artillery Forces Headquarters. Notifies Austin that Austin has approved a permanent stay.
  South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan said Tuesday that the US decision to permanently deploy helicopters and artillery units is evidence that the two countries appreciate the alliance.
  Some experts threatened that then President Donald Trump would withdraw 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea if Seoul failed to significantly increase its financial support. With South Korea, the alliance has been at risk in recent years after repeatedly complaining about the cost of traditional military exercises.
  After the groundbreaking first summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018, Trump unilaterally announced the suspension of major summer military exercises between the United States and South Korea, calling them "very Called provocative and "very expensive," it confused many.
  But such concerns have gradually eased since Trump's successor Joe Biden said he would restore Washington's alliance around the world.
  At a meeting Thursday, the allies will announce their commitment to strengthening relations with South Korea and the United States' security commitment to South Korea, Moon said. Such an announcement is not new, but the Moon said, "It makes North Korea uncomfortable, basically aimed at promoting a wedge between South Korea and the United States," amid a deadlock in nuclear disarmament negotiations. Stated.
  South Korea is struggling to strike a balance between its most important security ally, the United States, and its largest trading partner, China. South Korea suffered economic retaliation from China after allowing the United States to install a missile defense system on its territory in 2017. This is what Beijing sees as a security threat.
  "Washington also hopes that Seoul will cross the (Korean) Peninsula, including trilateral cooperation with Japan despite historical tensions, and contribute to the maritime security of Asia despite opposition from China. "We are," said Professor Leif-Eric Easy. Ewha Womans University in Seoul.