The U.S. general in charge of the defense of South Korea told Congress Tuesday that notwithstanding the thaw in diplomatic relations between the United States and North Korea, the threat from North Korea’s military has not lessened.
“Despite a reduction in tensions along the DMZ and a cessation of strategic provocations coupled with public statements of intent to denuclearize, little to no verifiable changes occurred in North Korea’s military capabilities,” said Army Gen. Robert Abrams in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“We are watching the ongoing Korean People’s Army winter training cycle, including a slate of full-spectrum exercises, which is progressing along at historic norms, meaning that we have observed no significant changes to size, scope, or timing of their ongoing exercises compared to the same time period over the last four years.”
Abrams says North Korea’s conventional and asymmetric military capabilities, and its continued development of advanced conventional systems, remains unchecked. “These capabilities continue to hold the United States, the Republic of Korea, and our regional allies at risk,” Abrams said.
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“As such, I believe it is necessary to maintain a postured and ready force to deter any possible aggressive actions. Fielding our force at Korea requires a foundation of support and sustainment to meet our war fighters’ needs,” he added.
Abrams said despite the cancellation of some high-profile major joint exercises with South Korea at the direction of President Trump, most training has continued “unabated.”
The general said he is proceeding with planning for a major exercise with the South Korean military this spring, although the size and scope would be adjusted so as to give space for the diplomatic effort to persuade North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to make good on his pledge to give up his nuclear and ballistic missile program.
President Trump is scheduled to meet with Kim in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi Feb. 27 and 28 for a second denuclearization summit.
