美국방 "中위협에 韓 등 인태 긴밀관계 지속…北FFVD 함께 노력"

The top defense official in the United States has confirmed the Trump administration will cooperate closely with America's regional partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter the increasing challenges posed by the Chinese government.
As tensions build between the world's two superpowers,... Mark Esper also criticized Beijing for pushing back against the region's shared value and interests.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has made it clear Washington will stand with its partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
In an op-ed to the Singapore-based Straits Times,... Esper also reaffirmed joint efforts with South Korea to bring about eternal peace on the Korean Peninsula as well as the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea.
In the article, titled "The U.S. stands with its partners for a free and open Indo-Pacific,"... Esper also reiterated the Pentagon's Indo-Pacific Strategy Report,... which entails three pillars of strategy: preparedness, strengthening partnerships, and promoting a more networked region.
Elaborating on the second pillar of strengthening partnerships,... Esper noted Washington's continued efforts to build closer relationships with its regional partners and allies,... which includes Seoul.
He also lashed out at Beijing for going against the shared value and interests of the region,... despite America's efforts to secure a more free and open global system.
To promote the third pillar of the Pentagon's strategy promoting a more networked region Esper also expressed hope to work with the U.S. Congress to launch the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a move aimed at countering China's rising power in the region.
Esper's remarks, which come amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China,... could put Seoul, which maintains friendly relations with Beijing, in a tough spot.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.