SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Tuesday that South Korea will step up plans to build a self-reliant military by significantly bolstering its defence capabilities, while continuing efforts to resume talks with North Korea.
"We will significantly strengthen our national defence capabilities and make sure to realise our hope for self-reliant defence, " Lee told a budget speech, saying "our people's pride" will be undermined if South Korea continues to rely on foreign nations over its defense capabilities.
In particular, Lee said South Korea aims to turn its defence force into a "smart and strong" military by using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.