The two leaders reached an agreement on “Indo-Pacific Peace and Prosperity” as Korea and Australia surged in arms trade through “Pacific Peace”.
President Moon Jae-in said at a press conference at the summit between the two countries on the 13th, "The two countries agreed to continue to cooperate for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, lasting peace, and peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region." We will strengthen strategic defense cooperation with
In a remark at the joint press conference for the Korea-Australia summit in Australia on the same day, President Moon said, "The two countries have decided to expand cooperation in the defense, defense, industrial, cyber, and security fields in order to strengthen strategic cooperation for stability, peace and prosperity in the region." On the same day, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Ministry of National Defense for 30 South Korean K9 self-propelled guns and 15 K10 ammunition-carrying armored vehicles in an amount of about 760 billion won to 1.9 trillion won.
Hanwha Defense, the producer, was selected as the final preferred bidder for the Australian Army's self-propelled artillery project in 2010, but the project was halted due to the Australian Labor Party government's defense budget cut. It was re-selected and the introduction contract was signed on the same day.
President Moon and Prime Minister Morrison were present at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between Korea and Australia on cooperation in defense industry and defense materials between Korea and Australia between the Director of the Korea Defense Agency and the Australian Defense Acquisition and Management Group (CASG).
When asked if the U.S. will defend Taiwan directly, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said "his role" is "to focus all capabilities, including deterrence, to make it clear that the situation at home does not happen."
In an interview with Defense One on the 8th, aide Sullivan said, "The United States is prepared for any similar situation." It is to make it clear that such a thing does not happen,” he said.
In response to the question, “Is the United States facing China in a more powerful position than it was a year ago?” in preparation for the Trump administration, he replied, “Yes. A year ago, many of our allies and partners were concerned about China, but now we are increasingly working with our allies on the various challenges China is posed. The U.S.-Korea, U.S.-Japan alliance is at a stronger point than ever before.”
He added, “The Indo-Pacific region alliance consultative ‘Quad’ has been strengthened to the normal level, and ‘AUKUS’, a new security consultative body for the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, has been launched to strengthen the regional collective capacity.”
At the press conference for the summit with Australia, President Moon said, "As for the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics, we have not received invitations from any country, including the United States, to participate. respects that decision."
In response to a question from the South Korean government regarding Australia's earlier announcement of cross-strait intervention between Taiwan and China, President Moon said, "Peace and stability in cross-strait relations are very important and closely linked for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. I hope that the relationship will develop peacefully through dialogue," he said, expressing his ''simultaneous intervention'.
Sweden's Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) announced in its '2020 International Arms Trade Trend Report' that Australia accounts for 55% of US fighters and German submarines imports and 55% of South Korea's arms exports to Australia, and that Korea is the world's fifth largest submarine exporter.
British Reuters reported on the 29th of last month that South Korea was involved in Australia's project to build eight nuclear submarines.
The Australian subsidiary of Hanwha Defense (formerly Samsung Tech One) became the contract maker for the export of self-propelled artillery (tank) to Australia this time.
On the 8th of last month, the Blue House opted for emergency transportation by dispatching a military plane to Australia in response to the urea water incident from China.