William Gallo
@williamgallo.bsky.social
📤 5020
📥 869
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VOA Seoul bureau chief/regional correspondent. Posting in a personal capacity. www.williamwgallo.com
"I think we should possess nuclear weapons...in the end, we can only rely on ourselves."
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Japan needs to possess nuclear weapons, prime minister's office source says
A source within Japan's prime minister's office said Thursday that the country needs nuclear weapons, remarks that deviate from the country's long-standing non-nuclear principles and could trigger bac...
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/67089
9 days ago
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"This vanishing of North Korea from 2017 to 2025 alone should caution the reader to take this text, whether you see things you like or dislike, with a gigantic grain of salt."
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My Warm Take on the National Security Strategy
From the erasure of North Korea to the defense of Taiwan
https://johndelury.substack.com/p/my-warm-take-on-the-national-security?utm_source=substack&publication_id=3024263&post_id=181550665&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=koqz3&triedRedirect=true
14 days ago
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William Gallo
POLITICO Europe
17 days ago
Denmark’s military intelligence service has for the first time classified the US as a security risk, a striking shift in how one of Washington’s closest European allies assesses the transatlantic relationship.
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Danish intelligence classifies Trump’s America as a security risk
Denmark sounds the alarm about the U.S.’s increasingly antagonistic posture toward Europe.
https://www.politico.eu/article/danish-intelligence-classifies-donald-trump-america-as-security-risk/
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William Gallo
Aaron Rupar
17 days ago
MAGAZINER: How many veterans have you deported? NOEM: We haven't deported veterans MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea
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Instead of the word “denuclearization,” the paper emphasized “resolving the Korean peninsula issue through political means.
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China omits 'denuclearization' from newly-released defense white paper
China has omitted the phrase “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” from a defense white paper for the first time in 19 years, signaling a possible shift in its position as it competes with the Un...
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12-07/national/northKorea/China-omits-denuclearization-in-newlyreleased-defense-white-paper/2471553
21 days ago
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William Gallo
Sense Hofstede
21 days ago
Japan frustrated at Trump administration’s silence over row with China – FT: ‘Some people said the lack of US support was ironic given that Elbridge Colby, the under-secretary of defence for policy, had pushed Japan to make clear what role it would play if the US and China went to war over Taiwan.’
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Japan frustrated at Trump administration’s silence over row with China
Tokyo asks US to be more vocal in its support after Beijing reacted furiously to prime minister’s comments about Taiwan
https://www.ft.com/content/bf8b5def-db4d-43ac-91cf-bea5fcfa3189
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The Muppets Christmas Carol is just top notch stuff, man. So many great performances, including obviously by Michael Caine but also Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and the vegetable muppets. I could go on and on.
22 days ago
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Just saw another mosquito in Seoul. It's December 7th. We've already had snow. How in the world do these creatures survive this.
22 days ago
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China’s National Security Office in Hong Kong Summons Foreign Journalists
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China’s National Security Office in Hong Kong Summons Foreign Journalists
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-media-national-security.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
22 days ago
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reposted by
William Gallo
Dr. Mark P. Barry ☯︎
23 days ago
North Korea Not Mentioned in U.S. National Security Strategy
www.chosun.com/english/worl...
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North Korea Not Mentioned in U.S. National Security Strategy
North Korea Not Mentioned in U.S. National Security Strategy Report highlights countering China along First Island Chain, urges allies to boost defense spending
https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2025/12/06/IOYH3UI4C5AAFKSEPO7JKPRY6E/
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The White House just released its National Security Strategy.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf
24 days ago
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“Landau, a longtime NATO skeptic, told ministers not to ‘bully’ his country’s defense firms out of participating in Europe’s rearmament.”
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Top US official berates Europe over cutting American industry out of defense buildup
Washington is unhappy that some European arms programs limit U.S. participation.
https://www.politico.eu/article/christopher-landau-top-us-official-berates-europe-nato-cut-industry-defense-buildup/
24 days ago
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William Gallo
Dr. Mark P. Barry ☯︎
24 days ago
The Trump administration will highlight South Korea and Israel as "model allies" in its National Defense Strategy. Expected to be released by the Pentagon in coming weeks, the NDS will commend both countries for acting as partners rather than dependents.
asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/tr...
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Trump's National Defense Strategy to hail South Korea as 'model ally'
Seoul's 3.5% defense budget, shipyards pledge suit 'partners' over 'dependents' US vision
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/trump-administration/trump-s-national-defense-strategy-to-hail-south-korea-model-ally
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"The first requirement for successful negotiations is accurately understanding the opponent. However, President Lee is unaware of even basic facts about North Korea."
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Editorial: President Lee Unaware of North Korea Detainees, Policies Criticized
Editorial: President Lee Unaware of North Korea Detainees, Policies Criticized Critics question leaders grasp of basic realities amid calls for awareness on detained citizens
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2025/12/05/WH7DPFN7RBE3LIOW5Q3LD5WS6Y/
24 days ago
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Clint Work: "It seems as though some South Korean political hands that are the firmest proponents of wartime OPCON transition are more interested in the optics and symbolism of the transition than they are the mechanics of the combined command." Wonky stuff but important for US-ROK relations.
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Can Seoul Take the Lead & The Alliance Expand Its Aperture? - Korea Economic Institute of America
The drivers for a South Korean lead role on the peninsula and a broader role for the alliance’s combined defense posture beyond it may be greater than ever.
https://keia.org/the-peninsula/can-seoul-take-the-lead-the-alliance-expand-its-aperture/
26 days ago
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South Korea's president: getting nukes would be "great," but it would be impossible to get the approval of the international community.
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Lee says S. Korea's own nuclear armament 'impossible' | Yonhap News Agency
By Lee Haye-ah SEOUL, Dec. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday dismissed c...
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251202006200315
26 days ago
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reposted by
William Gallo
Aaron Rupar
26 days ago
Trump: "Countries were ripping off for years, including allies. I won't use the names. I won't mention Japan. I will refuse to mention South Korea. I will not mention names."
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reposted by
William Gallo
Yashar Ali 🐘
27 days ago
Franklin The Turtle’s publisher responds to Pete Hegseth.
add a skeleton here at some point
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Prominent South Korean liberal Moon Chung-in: "The issue here is excessive dependence on the US for its security. And that’s not limited to Korea — Japan, Saudi Arabia and even the countries of Europe are prone to structural vulnerabilities deriving from the US’ security umbrella."
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[Column] A prospect more worrying than a Korean Peninsula sans US
The worst-case scenario is maintaining the uncertainty of the current status quo
https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/english_editorials/1230970.html
about 1 month ago
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William Gallo
Stars and Stripes
about 1 month ago
U.S. Forces Japan is halting unilateral military police patrols on Okinawa while it investigates the viral video of an American civilian being aggressively detained outside a bar in Okinawa city. Read more here:
bit.ly/4okqCd6
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reposted by
William Gallo
Tobias Harris
about 1 month ago
This is very different from how it has been reported in the Japanese press, but this is *exactly* what they've been worried about in Tokyo.
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Since early September, U.S. forces have launched at least 21 separate strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. By comparison, at least 28 U.S. strikes in Somalia have occurred during that same time, according to AFRICOM.
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100th Somalia strike of year shows AFRICOM mission that outpaces even US action in Caribbean
U.S. Africa Command carried out its 100th airstrike of the year in Somalia.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/africa/2025-11-24/somalia-airstrikes-africom-19870528.html
about 1 month ago
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South Koreans' confidence in domestic institutions is increasing, months after former President Yoon was removed from office for declaring martial law, a Gallup poll shows.
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South Korea Restores Trust, Realigns Foreign Relations
New data from South Korea show rising confidence in institutions after a period of instability, alongside shifting views of foreign powers.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/698039/south-korea-restores-trust-realigns-foreign-relations.aspx
about 1 month ago
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South Korea intends to abolish provisions obligating soldiers and civil servants to follow superiors’ commands even when they may be improper or unlawful.
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S. Korea pushes for soldiers, civil servants to have right to refuse unlawful orders
The South Korean government is moving to remove long-standing obedience requirements for civil servants and soldiers, on the heels of former President Yoon Suk
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10623300
about 1 month ago
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William Gallo
Max Walden
about 1 month ago
Following Australia's lead, Malaysia aims to implement a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 from next year
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
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Govt bans social media for children under 16 from next year
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil says he expects all platforms to implement this ruling and prohibit the opening of new accounts by anyone under 16.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/11/23/govt-bans-social-media-for-children-under-16
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William Gallo
Steven T. Dennis
about 1 month ago
The tiny House majority about to get a little tinier for some months after MTG's last day on January 5th, 2026.
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Gallup/Kettering Poll: "Only about a quarter of Americans agree or strongly agree that government decisions generally reflect what the majority of people want."
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Kettering Foundation-Gallup Research Hub
Explore U.S. public opinion on the state of democracy, with data from over 20,000 adults in the inaugural Gallup-Kettering Foundation study.
https://www.gallup.com/analytics/697985/democracy-for-all.aspx
about 1 month ago
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The top US commander in Korea makes the case for an "east-up" perspective of the region (see map below). Gen. Xavier Brunson says it highlights the strategic military importance of the Korean Peninsula.
www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-...
about 1 month ago
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"South Korea is uneasy beneath the American umbrella and wants a say in how that protection works. That’s not freedom exactly, but it is not dependency either. It is something more awkward, more grown-up."
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Seoul’s Nuclear Script: South Korea’s Quiet Redefinition of Deterrence - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
Two Korean-language-only volumes reveal how Seoul is redefining deterrence and testing the ...
https://www.38north.org/2025/11/seouls-nuclear-script-south-koreas-quiet-redefinition-of-deterrence/
about 1 month ago
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"Even if we take the government at its word, it would still mean Korea is spending $3.3 billion annually, or three times the amount it is paying for defense costs at present."
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Seoul’s pledge of $33 billion in support to USFK shows growing defense burden under Trump
Experts say a clause on “comprehensive support” for US Forces Korea in the recently released fact sheet on security agreements between the US and Korea could be cause for concern
https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1229701.html
about 1 month ago
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"Utilization of that submarine to counter China, I think is a natural expectation," Caudle said.
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U.S. naval chief says utilizing S. Korea's nuclear sub to counter China is 'natural expectation' | Yonhap News Agency
By Lee Minji SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Joint Press Corps-Yonhap) -- The U.S. chief of naval operat...
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251115002200315
about 1 month ago
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Another big US-ROK joint statement: Both countries agreed to create a roadmap to expedite the process to transfer wartime operational control to South Korea. The document also omits any mention of maintaining the current US troop level.
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https://media.defense.gov/2025/Nov/14/2003820640/-1/-1/1/57-SECURITY-CONSULTATIVE-MEETING-JOINT-COMMUNIQUE.PDF
about 1 month ago
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"It may be necessary to establish new measures, in consultation with the IAEA and others, to verify that nuclear-powered submarine fuel is not diverted for nuclear weapons development."
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Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet on Nuclear Submarines, Tariffs Imminent
Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet on Nuclear Submarines, Tariffs Imminent Fact sheet details tariff cuts, security agreements; further nuclear negotiations expected
https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/11/14/FS3QQ5PGZRA6LCFA6V34SEP5RI/
about 1 month ago
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South Korea's president, unveiling details of new US-South Korea agreements: "There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the international community. Only the national interest is eternal."
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대한민국 대통령실
대한민국 대통령 공식 홈페이지
https://www.president.go.kr/president/speeches/TWHSBtDf
about 1 month ago
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"The option of constructing our nuclear-powered submarine in the U.S. was never mentioned," says South Korea's national security advisor.
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(2nd LD) Lee announces joint fact sheet on trade, security agreements with U.S. | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, comments, photo)By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap...
https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251114003352315
about 1 month ago
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William Gallo
Ankit Panda
about 1 month ago
"The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel."
www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
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Joint Fact Sheet on President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with President Lee Jae Myung
President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) welcomed President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America (United States or U.S.) for a
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/joint-fact-sheet-on-president-donald-j-trumps-meeting-with-president-lee-jae-myung/
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A good overview of how the US-South Korea alliance is changing during the second Trump administration. Some potentially transformative discussions going on.
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South Korea Redefines Alliance Burden Sharing After Trump’s Asia Visit - Korea Economic Institute of America
The U.S. push for allies to shoulder greater security burdens converges with South Korean efforts to deepen autonomy.
https://keia.org/the-peninsula/south-korea-redefines-alliance-burden-sharing-after-trumps-asia-visit/
about 2 months ago
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However, Takaichi did clarify that — at least for the time being — her administration would adhere to the pledge. “At this stage, the government maintains the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a policy guideline,” she said.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
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South Korea's left-leaning government has maintained its support for a U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations, Yonhap reports. Many observers didn't expect this, since the Lee admin is pursuing engagement with North Korea.
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Seoul keeps backing U.N. resolution against N. Korean human rights violations | Yonhap News Agency
By Kim Seung-yeon SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has maintained its support for...
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251112004200315
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
William Gallo
Dr. Mark P. Barry ☯︎
about 2 months ago
Gov't to launch task force to identify officials involved with martial law attempt
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
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Gov't to launch task force to identify officials involved with martial law attempt
The government will launch a task force under the prime minister's office to investigate and take disciplinary action against public officials involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration ...
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11-11/national/politics/Govt-to-launch-task-force-to-identify-officials-involved-with-martial-law-attempt/2442058
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"South Korea is one of only three countries — along with China and North Korea — where Google Maps does not support driving or walking directions."
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Korean gov't again postpones decision to let Google export hi-res map data
The Korean government has postponed its decision on whether to allow Google to export the country's high-resolution map data, delaying the review for a third time.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11-11/business/industry/Korean-govt-again-postpones-decision-to-let-Google-export-hires-map-data/2441879
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
William Gallo
James D.J. Brown
about 2 months ago
A citizens group has sent a letter to Japan’s govt requesting the withdrawal of US Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base. These intermediate-range missiles were deployed in Sept for drills. The group fears the extended deployment is to normalise their presence.
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235...
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米タイフォン撤去申し入れ、市民 岩国基地に展開、常態化懸念:北海道新聞デジタル
米軍岩国基地(山口県岩国市)の機能強化に反対する広島、山口両県の市民団体は10日、米軍が岩国に展開した中距離ミサイル発射装置「タイフォン」の撤去が大幅に遅れており、常態化の懸念があるとして、米軍に撤...
https://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235875/
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reposted by
William Gallo
Aaron Rupar
about 2 months ago
INGRAHAM: A Chinese diplomat said the prime minister of Japan should be beheaded. These are not our friends are they in China? TRUMP: Well, a lot of allies aren't our friends either
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"Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stuck to her guns during Diet deliberations on Nov. 10, declining to withdraw a pledge to provide support to Taiwan if it came under attack and Japan felt threatened."
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Takaichi doesn’t budge from past controversial comments | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stuck to her guns during Diet deliberations on Nov. 10, declining to withdraw a pledge to provide support to Taiwan if it came under attack and Japan felt threatened.
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16147672
about 2 months ago
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"This year's joint statement is also reported to exclude the phrase 'maintaining the current level of US troops in South Korea'... this reflects discussions on reducing US troops in South Korea."
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Editorial: Joint Statement Omits 'Kim Regime End' and 'U.S. Troop Maintenance' Phrases
Editorial: Joint Statement Omits Kim Regime End and U.S. Troop Maintenance Phrases Shift aligns with Lee Jae-myungs summit bid, Trumps Nobel bid, heightening risks
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2025/11/08/JPW64LVDJRFE7KK4UCVIYUCK4E/
about 2 months ago
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"A decade from now, the Indo-Pacific may look less like a US-led hierarchy and more like a constellation of strong middle powers capable of acting on their own."
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US-South Korea nuke sub pact deeper than it seems - Asia Times
When President Donald Trump announced last week in Busan that the United States would share nuclear-submarine propulsion technology with South Korea, most
https://asiatimes.com/2025/11/us-south-korea-nuke-sub-pact-deeper-than-it-seems/
about 2 months ago
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North Korea has conducted a ballistic missile launch toward the sea off its east coast, says South Korea's military in a text message to reporters. No further details yet.
about 2 months ago
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"There also remains a possibility that the two sides have yet to fully reach common ground on key security issues, particularly on how to allow Seoul to produce its own fuel for nuclear submarines."
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(LEAD) Delay in S. Korea-U.S. summit fact sheet suggests prolonged coordination on U.S. end | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: ADDS FM Cho's remarks in paras 7-9)By Kim Seung-yeon SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Yonhap) ...
https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251106004851315
about 2 months ago
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"Tokyo is not just acting out of regional threat perceptions, but out of concern that Washington’s capacity—not only its credibility—to uphold the post-Cold War order may be eroding."
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Japan’s accelerated defense timeline
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s decision to move Japan’s defense-spending target of two percent of GDP two years earlier—from fiscal 2027 to the current fiscal year—is more than a headline. It reflect...
https://www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/why-japans-accelerated-defense-timeline-is-not-just-about-security-threats/
about 2 months ago
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Wow, it's a good thing on the Internet, of all places
www.instagram.com/reel/DQcB3Zq...
about 2 months ago
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