A former U.S. Forces Korea commander has expressed concern that North Korea will soon launch a new ballistic missile submarine.
Retired General Walter Sharp told a virtual seminar hosted by the Korea Defense Veterans Association on Tuesday that he believes the North is continuing to develop its short and medium-range ballistic missile capabilities, despite refraining from long-range missile tests since 2017.
His remarks came after the North's Central Military Commission discussed "new policies" to bolster the country's nuclear deterrence and develop its armed forces during a meeting in May, presided over by leader Kim Jong-un.
That meeting renewed attention on the regime's construction of a 3,000-ton submarine, which South Korean military and intelligence officials have assessed is capable of carrying three ballistic missiles and near completion.
Sharp said there has to be a strong military option to deal with the North until there is complete denuclearization and peace on the peninsula, but also emphasized the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the North and improve its economy and human rights situation.
With regard to the role of the U.S.-led United Nations Command, Sharp said he thinks it will remain critical in maintaining the Korean War armistice following the envisioned transfer of wartime operational control of allied troops from Washington to Seoul.
If the OPCON transition occurs after North Korea denuclearizes and a peace treaty has been agreed to, Sharp said the UNC could potentially still have a role "but that's yet to be seen."
Sharp led the 28,500-strong USFK from June 2008 to July 2011.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
