On Saturday last week, South Korea celebrated its 74th Armed Forces Day. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense hosted a ceremony at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters in South Chungcheong Province. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the event and observed a military parade. The annual ceremony was suspended for a few years under the administration of former South Korean president Moon Jae-in, who tried to reconcile with North Korea with an eye on fostering a Korean reunification.
However, North Korea has not stopped its military provocations. Instead, it has launched missiles, contravened the Panmunjom Declaration and claimed that the armistice agreement is invalid. It seems the “sunshine policy” devised by former South Korean presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun is unworkable to belligerent North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The 74th Armed Forces Day ceremony was held again after a six-year suspension, showcasing South Korea’s military power, which has been strengthened through the country’s technology innovation and the “Yulgok plan.” For years, Seoul has devoted itself to this self-reliant national defense plan, which was named after Joseon Dynasty philosopher, politician and Confucian academic Yi I’s pen name, “Yulgok,” who was known for his emphasis on national security.
Even though the Moon administration hoped for peace and prosperity with North Korea, it still endeavored to advance and promote its strategy of national defense. In 2017, at the beginning of Moon’s presidency, South Korea set three goals: restructure the troops, reform national defense and achieve defensive self-reliance.
In 2018, the Moon administration announced its “defense reform 2.0” plan. It aimed to recapitalize military budgets for more modernized weapons and proposed an independent plan of operations called the “Korean 3K” — a “Kill Chain” pre-emptive strike system, the “Korean Air and Missile Defense” and the “Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation.”
The main purpose was to signal to North Korea that should it initiate war, it would pay a steep price. During Moon’s presidency, the 2016 to 2020 Midterm Defense Plan was completed. The resources allocated to advancing national defense — such as the Korean 3K — was about 30 percent of the overall budget. Pioneering weapons that were developed as part of the plan were displayed at the main ceremony of the 74th Armed Forces Day.
Amid the achievements of South Korea’s “Yulgok plan,” Taiwan has some good news to share. Similar to South Korea, Taiwan is a middle power that boasts economic and technological strength, which have contributed to the nation’s defense industry.
In addition to the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes and the AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle jets that Taiwanese are proud of, the first Yushan-class landing platform ship was delivered on Friday last week, proving Taiwan’s capacity to defend itself.
However, there has been some criticism.
Although I am an amateur, I consulted my mentor, a military specialist who used to serve in the navy. He said that Taiwan is capable of producing its own weapons. More importantly, as the nation accumulates more experience and acquires more techniques, production should quickly improve.
South Korea sells its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and Cheongung-2 air defense systems abroad. Exports of South Korean munitions this year have already surpassed US$10 billion — a record. South Korea has become a major player in the global arms market, success that did not come from nowhere, but is the result of long-term investment and effort.
Taiwan’s scientific and technological strength, as well as its innovation capabilities, are by no means behind South Korea. For example, the Yushan-class vessel would contribute to military operations and disaster relief assistance.
Perseverance and public support are what matters. If Taiwan employs a competitive spirit in surpassing South Korea in advancing its defense strategy, the nation can take its industry and technology to the next level.
Chang Ling-ling is a colonel in the armed forces reserves.
Translated by Liu Yi-hung
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