U.S.-South Korea defense officials pledge to accelerate wartime operational control transfer

The Combined Defense Standing Committee (KIDD) of South Korea and the United States issued a joint statement in Busan, pledging to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transfer of wartime operational control (COTP). The meeting, held over three days, focused on modernizing the alliance to respond to changing security environments and included visits to defense industry sites to enhance cooperation in shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

Separately, ahead of a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States, a high-ranking U.S. official stated that President Donald Trump remains open to dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whether through direct meetings or telephone calls. The upcoming U.S.-China summit is expected to address critical issues including artificial intelligence safety and trade, with discussions also involving high-level talks on rare earth elements.