US, South Korea to Boost Joint Maritime Security Ties in Western Pacific

South Korean Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jung Ho-sub said that he agreed with US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson the importance of alliance, particularly navy-to-navy, to deal with the "threat from the North Korea," as well as the instability that may take place in the South China Sea.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The chiefs of naval operations for the United States and South Korea agreed to increase bilateral efforts to ensure maritime security, especially in waters near North Korea and in the South China, the US Navy said in a press release on Thursday.

"I agree with the importance of our alliance, particularly navy-to-navy, to deal with the threat from the North [Korea], as well as the instability that may take place in the South China Sea," South Korean Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jung Ho-sub said, according to the release.

Jung and his counterpart, US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson agreed during a Wednesday meeting at the Pentagon that enhanced cooperation and information sharing between the navies, particularly in anti-submarine and mine warfare, will help counter threats across the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the release explained.

The US and its allies have conducted a number of exercises in the South China Sea to emphasize international opposition to Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the key waterway for commercial shipping.