President Moon Jae-in, attending a ceremony for Armed Forces Day, said a strong defense for South Korea is what fuels efforts for peace on the Peninsula.<br />The ceremony was at an airbase in Daegu, in Korea's southeast.<br />Shin Se-min has the details.<br />South Korea's commander-in-chief has promised to make the nation's defense forces stronger than before.<br />Addressing the 71st Armed Forces Day ceremony, President Moon Jae-in said the nation's strong military is the driving force behind the Korean peace process.<br />"Peace is something to make, not to keep. Our military's airtight security supports dialogue and cooperation and allows us to take an audacious walk toward lasting peace."<br />Praising the military's "courage and dedication", the president said South Korea was able to reduce border tensions through the military's determination to realize the inter-Korean military agreement.<br />He also thanked the country's sharp readiness for allowing the leaders of the Koreas and the U.S. to stand and cross the military demarcation line.<br />Looking ahead, the president promised an even more prepared military.<br />"We will maintain a military readiness that no other country can overlook. We will become the cornerstone of peace and prosperity."<br />Moon also said his administration will realize the Defense Reform 2-point-oh initiative,... partly preparing for the takeover of wartime operational control of its troops from the U.S.<br />The president, added that the government has allocated a larger chunk its budget to defense next year, and said it plans to spend over 42-billion U.S. dollars,... and develop a more accurate missile defense system, brand new submarines, spy satellites and quasi-aircraft carriers.<br />Shin Se-min, Arirang News.<br />
