US focused on ensuring OPCON transfer conditions will be met 'as soon as possible': Senior official
Washington, June 25
The United States is focused on ensuring that necessary conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control to South Korea will be met "as soon as possible," a senior US diplomat said Thursday, noting it "understands" Seoul's desire to retake OPCON quickly.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre made the remarks during a hearing of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs under the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Washington.
"There are ongoing discussions of exactly the timing (of the transfer)," he said, Yonhap news agency reported.
"We understand the desire from the (South Korean) administration to do it as quickly as possible, and we are focused on ensuring that the necessary conditions are in place as soon as possible," he added.
He also pointed out that Seoul and Washington are pushing for the OPCON transition under a "conditions-based" agreement.
"So various conditions need to be met in order for us to both be comfortable that when they assume operational control, we will maintain the deterrence that we need in Korea," he said.
The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has been striving to meet the conditions to achieve the transfer before the end of its term in 2030. The conditions include Seoul's capabilities to lead combined South Korea-U.S. forces, its strike and air defence capabilities, and a regional environment conducive to the transfer.
DeSombre's comment on the OPCON transfer came amid an apparent gap between Seoul and Washington over its timing.
Seoul officials seek to meet the transfer conditions swiftly, raising speculation that the transition could come as early as next year. But US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has said that the allies aim to meet the conditions by no later than the first quarter of 2029.
South Korea handed over operational control of its troops to the US-led U.N. Command during the 1950-53 Korean War. It was then transferred to the allies' Combined Forces Command when the command was launched in 1978. Seoul retook peacetime OPCON in 1994, but wartime OPCON still remains in US hands.
— IANS
Reader Comments
From an outsider's perspective (I'm from the US), it's fascinating how this mirrors some of our own debates about military readiness. But I wonder if South Korea is being too ambitious with their 2030 timeline. The conditions seem quite demanding.
As an Indian, I can relate to the challenges of defense indigenization. South Korea wants to take control, but they need the capability first. We've been working on 'Make in India' for decades—it's not easy. But at least they have a clear timeline. 🇮🇳
The US saying "as soon as possible" while setting conditions that might take years sounds like typical bureaucratic hedging. South Korea should push harder—they've proven their military capabilities in many ways. Why should they wait until 2029 when they're ready now? 🤔
I understand the strategic importance, but from an Indian viewpoint, this seems like a delicate balance. South Korea needs to maintain deterrence while asserting sovereignty. The regional environment factor is crucial—North Korea's actions will definitely influence the timeline.
Respectfully, I think the US is being a bit controlling here. South Korea is a mature democracy with a strong military. If they want OPCON by 2027, the US should support that ambition, not drag their feet. After 70+ years, it's time for more autonomy. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.