S. Korea, US agree to hold key defense talks after midterm elections: sources
South Korea and the United States are in talks to set the date for their high-level defense dialogue after the U.S. midterms, informed sources said Wednesday, a move that would mark a delay of the annual talks typically held in early November. According to the sources, the allies have reached a mutual "understanding" to push back the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) largely due to the U.S.…
South Korea and the United States have agreed to postpone their key defense dialogue, the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), following the U.S. midterm elections, according to informed sources. The SCM, which is typically held in early November, will now be rescheduled due to the U.S. midterm elections being held on November 3.
Washington is scheduled to host this year's SCM. The delay comes as there is a perceived gap between Seoul and Washington regarding the timing of the U.S. handover of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. Seoul aims to take back OPCON from Washington before the end of President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term in 2030, or even earlier.
However, Washington has expressed concerns about rushing the transition due to political considerations. Both sides have agreed to delay the schedule, reportedly due to the midterm elections and other factors, according to sources.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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