logo
Top S. Korean, US Air Force commanders vow to bolster combined defense capabilities

Top S. Korean, US Air Force commanders vow to bolster combined defense capabilities

Korea Herald31-01-2025

The top Air Force commanders of South Korea and the United States held video talks Friday and vowed to enhance their combined defense capabilities through various joint training this year, the South's Air Force said.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su and his US counterpart, Gen. David W. Allvin, made the pledge in their first video conversation of the year, aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two nations' armed services.
Both sides said they will faithfully conduct various combined drills -- such as live-fire drills, the Freedom Shield and the Red Flag-Alaska exercises -- to enhance their realistic capabilities to carry out operations, according to the Air Force. (Yonhap)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

S. Korea's economy shrinks 0.2 pct in Q1, unchanged from earlier estimate: BOK
S. Korea's economy shrinks 0.2 pct in Q1, unchanged from earlier estimate: BOK

Korea Herald

time19 hours ago

  • Korea Herald

S. Korea's economy shrinks 0.2 pct in Q1, unchanged from earlier estimate: BOK

The South Korean economy contracted 0.2 percent in the first quarter of this year, unchanged from an earlier estimate, central bank data showed Thursday, due mainly to a domestic political crisis and uncertainties stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration's aggressive tariff scheme. The country's real gross domestic product (GDP) -- a key measure of economic growth -- contracted 0.2 percent in the January-March period from three months earlier, which marked the first negative growth in nine months, according to the preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). The South Korean economy had expanded 1.3 percent in the first quarter of 2024 but slipped into contraction in the second quarter with a 0.2 percent decline before posting 0.1 percent growth in both the third and fourth quarters. The negative growth came as former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law on Dec. 3 and the subsequent political chaos dampened domestic demand. The U.S.' sweeping tariff scheme has also affected the trade-dependent South Korean economy. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including a 25 percent levy on South Korean goods, though implementation was later postponed for 90 days. Trade negotiations are currently under way between South Korea and the United States, with the two sides aiming to reach a "package" agreement on trade and related issues by July 8, when the 90-day suspension of U.S. tariffs will end. Last week, the central bank sharply lowered its outlook for South Korea's economic growth this year to 0.8 percent from its previous forecast of 1.5 percent, citing sagging consumption and slowing export growth amid uncertainties stemming from Washington's tariff measures. (Yonhap)

Russia's security chief arrives in Pyongyang for meeting with Kim Jong-un: report
Russia's security chief arrives in Pyongyang for meeting with Kim Jong-un: report

Korea Herald

time2 days ago

  • Korea Herald

Russia's security chief arrives in Pyongyang for meeting with Kim Jong-un: report

Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang to hold a meeting with leader Kim Jong-un, a Russian news report said Wednesday. Shoigu traveled to the North on instructions from President Vladimir Putin and is scheduled to meet with Kim, the Russian news agency Tass reported. The visit came amid speculation that Kim may visit Russia for a summit with Putin to mark the first anniversary of their signing of a mutual defense treaty in June last year, which led to North Korea's deployment of thousands of troops on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine. (Yonhap)

Lee to take oath of office at National Assembly
Lee to take oath of office at National Assembly

Korea Herald

time2 days ago

  • Korea Herald

Lee to take oath of office at National Assembly

President Lee Jae-myung will be sworn in office and deliver an inaugural address at a scaled-down ceremony at the National Assembly on Wednesday, his office said. Lee began his five-year term without a transition period earlier in the day as he won a snap election following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid in December. At the ceremony, Lee will deliver his inaugural address after taking the oath. The event will be attended by the heads of the three branches of government, Cabinet members and lawmakers. No foreign dignitaries have been invited. Prior to the ceremony, Lee is scheduled to pay tribute at Seoul National Cemetery. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held on July 17 in conjunction with the Constitution Day commemoration, the presidential office said in a release. The event will be titled an "Appointment Ceremony," reflecting Lee's belief that "the people appoint the president," the office said. Holding the ceremony on Constitution Day underscores his commitment to "firmly uphold the constitutional order," it added. (Yonhap)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store