Ambassador Steel, Commander Brunson: "Economic and National Security Are Inseparable... Strong Industrial Networks Are Military Deterrence"

AMCHAM Holds Special Luncheon to Mark 250th Anniversary of U.S. Founding
More Than 200 Business Leaders from Korea and Abroad Attend
"Businesses Are a Key Element of the U.S.-ROK Combined Defense System"

Senior leaders representing U.S. diplomatic and security interests in Korea agreed that strong industrial cooperation between the United States and South Korea is a key foundation of military deterrence.

At a special luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in Seoul on October 21, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel said in her welcome remarks, "Prosperity and security are inseparable. Security enables prosperity, and prosperity makes us safer." She emphasized that the foundation of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, which has lasted for more than 70 years, lies in the combination of economic and security interests.

U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel delivers welcome remarks at a special luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Mondrian Itaewon in Seoul on the 21st. American Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Ambassador Steel noted, "Secure energy supplies, more resilient shipyards, and reliable supply chains strengthen our military readiness," adding, "Military investment also reinforces both deterrence and the defense industry." She continued, "The embassy will do its utmost to improve the business environment so that American companies can compete in Korea on a level playing field without discrimination."

The event, held to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, drew more than 200 business representatives from Korea and abroad, including AMCHAM member companies.

Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, who also serves as commander of the United Nations Command and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, told the business leaders gathered at the event that "reliable deterrence is sustained not by a single weapon system, but by an industrial and technological base," emphasizing that the technology capabilities of industry are a decisive factor in the success or failure of military deterrence.

Brunson particularly underscored the importance of sustainment, one of the three pillars of deterrence: posture, protection, and sustainment. "We must achieve deeper and more enduring integration between American innovation, Korean ingenuity, and large-scale advanced manufacturing capabilities," he said. "When our industries are integrated this closely, we build 'strategic endurance' that no adversary can outlast or divide."

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who also serves as commander of the United Nations Command and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, delivers welcoming remarks at a special luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon on the 21st. American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

James Kim, chairman and CEO of AMCHAM, which hosted the event, responded, "From shipbuilding and semiconductors to batteries, aerospace, and defense, our two countries are jointly developing industries that will shape the future of economic and national security." He added, "Economic security and national security are now inseparable, and AMCHAM, as a bridge between our two countries, will work to strengthen cooperation in both areas."

Following the special remarks, Ambassador Steel and Commander Brunson took part in a discussion moderated by James Kim, chairman and CEO of AMCHAM. They discussed the role of the U.S.-South Korea alliance in responding to the changing security environment and advancing the two countries' shared economic interests.

On economic security, they discussed ways for the two countries to coordinate policies that support corporate investment and innovation. Key topics included improving regulatory predictability and creating a fair competitive environment in the digital sector, as well as investment in the U.S. energy sector and cooperation on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.