South Korea: President increases defence spending, urges North to talk

South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced his plans to increase defence spending in a budget speech on October 22. He declared an increase of 7 per cent in the defence budget which will cross 50-trillion won. Moon Jae-in also urged North Korea to resume the dialogue which is being stalled for months.

Wary of North Korea's activities

South Korea’s bid to increase the defence budget came after its condemnation of North Korea’s move to develop submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). On September 30, the National Assembly of Korea had adopted a resolution denouncing North Korea’s nuclear advancement and missile provocations. The resolution claimed that North Korea’s “recent military provocations” were in disregard of the international community’s expectations. It also mentioned a series of new short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) launches and development of new SLBMs.

Read: UN: SKorea President Moon Jae-in Calls For Improved Ties With NKorea

Strong-worded resolution

In the resolution, South Korea warned its neighbour of further isolation from the international community if it continues to violate the UN Security Council’s relevant resolutions and the military agreement.

“Any military actions and provocations committed by North Korea for the purpose of further developing its nuclear and missile capabilities undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and calls upon the North Korean regime to immediately cease any military provocations,” read the resolution. “Strongly urges North Korea to strictly adhere to the September 19 military agreement, which aims to cease mutual hostilities and prevent accidental armed clashes,” it added.

Read: South Korea To Develop Anti-drone System To Thwart North Korea UAVs

Anti-drone weapon system

South Korea is also looking to develop a weapon system to thwart any possible drone attack by North Korea. In September, South Korea’s defence procurement agency said that it is ready to invest $74 million in order to develop the system by 2023 after alleged incidents of infiltration by North Korean spy drones. The anti-drone weapon system will be able to track and destroy small drones and other aircraft. The anti-drone weapon system will be able to track and destroy small drones and other aircraft.

Read: South Korea: 2 Dead, 47 Get Injured In Hospital Fire In Gyeonggi

Read: US, South Korean Officials Shutdown World's Largest Child Porn Website