U.S. to Korea: Be More Self-Sufficient

The U.S. rejected a Ministry of National Defense (MND) agreement suggestion to the U.S. that would secure rapid backup military supplies for the Korean military in case of a war, according to recent reports. The agreement suggestion was aimed at replacing the U.S.`s War Reserve Stocks for Allies (WRSA) and Critical Requirements Deficiency List (CRDL) programs.

On November 7, according to military sources, the MND suggested establishing a new agreement between the U.S. and ROK at the 37th US/Republic of Korea Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held last June in Honolulu, Hawaii after the U.S. informed Korea last year of its intention to abolish the maintenance program of the WRSA and CRDL.

However, the U.S. response to the MND’s proposal was that South Korea needs to secure financial sources to ensure enough ammunition in case of a contingency without U.S. WRSA aid. This was a de facto rejection of South Korea’s proposition.

At the meeting, Korea emphasized the necessity for alternative measures to replace WRSA and CRDL since the programs have played a critical role in enhancing the war readiness of the Korean military.

The U.S. confirmed that it had determined that the CRDL program was not an adequate arrangement for ensuring sufficient military supplies in case of a war in Korea and ended the program last December. It also confirmed that it does not have any agreement or plan to replace the previous program. Moreover, it has been reported that the U.S. replied, “The U.S. wants South Korea to increase its self-sufficiency and not be too dependent on us.”

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com