S. Korea-US defense chiefs to meet in December as SCM delayed to 2027

What happened: South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Philippines. Why it matters: Seoul had sought to complete the FOC assessment and set the OPCON transition target year at this year's SCM. An analyst said the postponement could delay related discussions and decisions, though the transition hinges on agreed conditions being met. What happened: South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the first time, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in the Philippines.

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