S. Korea's push for own capabilities not at odds with strengthening alliance with U.S.: DP leader

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SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's push to strengthen its independent defense capabilities does not run counter to efforts to deepen its alliance with the United States, the head of Seoul's ruling Democratic Party (DP) said Tuesday.

DP leader Kim Min-seok made the remarks during his meeting with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel at the National Assembly.

"South Korea and the U.S. have maintained a robust alliance and the alliance should grow even stronger going forward," he said. "The U.S. has been a steadfast neighbor throughout South Korea's history of modernization, industrialization and democratization."

Kim Min-seok (R), leader of the ruling Democratic Party, poses for a photo with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel during their meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

"I do not believe South Korea's process of building its own capabilities is at odds with strengthening its alliance with the U.S," Kim added.

Addressing the National Assembly in a policy speech last week, Kim stressed the need for Seoul to strengthen its independent security capabilities, saying the days of relying solely on Washington are over.

Steel highlighted South Korea's role as a key global player in promoting peace and prosperity in the region and across the world.

She expressed hope to work with Kim and the ruling party to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and further expand Seoul's role in the international community.

Separately, Steel met with Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who emphasized the need to upgrade the alliance during their talks.

"I believe the South Korea-U.S. alliance should be upgraded in line with the changing global situation as the alliance marks its 73rd anniversary this year," Jang said.

He also called for stronger security cooperation between the allies to counter growing threats from North Korea, citing Pyongyang's deployment of troops to Russia and development of nuclear weapons.

In response, Steel called for the PPP's continued cooperation in strengthening the alliance.

Jang Dong-hyeok (R), leader of the main opposition People Power Party, talks with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel during their meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

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S. Korea's push for own capabilities not at odds with strengthening alliance with U.S.: DP leader

这将使谷歌能够向您展示与您的搜索匹配或相关的韩联社新闻文章。

首尔，9月15日（韩联社）——首尔执政党共同民主党（DP）党首周二表示，韩国加强独立国防能力的努力与深化与美国的联盟并不冲突。

韩国民主党领袖金珉锡在国会会见美国驻韩国大使米歇尔·斯蒂尔时发表了上述言论。

他说：“韩国和美国一直保持着牢固的联盟关系，而且这一联盟关系未来应该更加牢固。在韩国现代化、工业化和民主化的历史进程中，美国一直是坚定的邻国。”

2026年9月15日，执政党共同民主党党首金珉锡（右）在首尔国会大厦会见美国驻韩国大使米歇尔·斯蒂尔时合影。（韩联社）

金补充说：“我不认为韩国发展自身能力的进程与加强与美国的联盟存在冲突。”

金正恩上周在国会发表政策讲话时强调，首尔需要加强其独立自主的安全能力，并表示仅仅依靠华盛顿的日子已经结束了。

钢铁凸显了韩国作为全球重要参与者在促进地区乃至世界和平与繁荣方面所发挥的作用。

她表示希望与金正恩和执政党合作，加强韩美同盟，进一步扩大首尔在国际社会中的作用。

此外，斯蒂尔还会见了主要反对党国民力量党（PPP）党首张东赫议员，张东赫在会谈中强调了提升联盟等级的必要性。

“我认为，今年是韩美同盟成立73周年，随着全球形势的变化，韩美同盟应该得到升级，”张说。

他还呼吁盟国加强安全合作，以应对朝鲜日益增长的威胁，并列举了平壤向俄罗斯派遣军队和发展核武器等例子。

对此，斯蒂尔呼吁人民进步党继续合作，以加强联盟。

2026年9月15日，在首尔国会大厦，韩国主要反对党国民力量党主席张东赫（右）与美国驻韩国大使米歇尔·斯蒂尔会面并交谈。（韩联社）

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