No longer one-sided beneficiary of alliance with US: South Korean national security advisor

South Korean National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik said on Tuesday that the country is no longer a “one-sided beneficiary” of the bilateral alliance with the United States, vowing to work with the incoming US administration for the denuclearization of North Korea.

Shin made the remark during a keynote speech at the 2024 Global Dialogue on Korean Peninsula Unification, co-hosted by the National Unification Advisory Council and Yonhap News Agency.

“South Korea is no longer a one-sided beneficiary of the South Korea-US alliance,” Shin said. “As a partner with capabilities to contribute to regional and global security and prosperity, South Korea will continue to protect its core interests.”

Shin said South Korea will seek to maintain a strong security posture through the integrated nuclear deterrence system in close coordination with the new US administration under Donald Trump to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats.

“The government will establish a close cooperation framework with the next US administration to firmly safeguard freedom and peace in South Korea, and we will uphold the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea,” he said.

The top security official criticized North Korea’s strengthening military cooperation with Russia through a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty, calling it Pyongyang’s “worst gamble.”

According to North Korean state media, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed the treaty, which includes a mutual assistance clause committing both nations to provide military support if either comes under attack.

He cautioned against North Korea’s receiving sensitive military technologies from Russia in return for its troop deployment in support of the war in Ukraine and gaining modern combat experience.

Shin warned of the security risks should North Korea receive sensitive military technology from Russia in exchange for troop support in the Ukraine conflict, which would also allow North Korean forces to gain modern combat experience.

“The war between Russia and Ukraine is not a distant conflict but a critical issue for South Korea,” he said.

Leh, Nov 12 (IANS) The world’s first high-altitude para sports centre dedicated to training and nurturing para-athletes in the country will be established in Leh, Ladakh, and will focus on training for international competitions, including the larger goal of preparing para-athletes for the 2028 Paralympics.

A Memorandum and Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF).

The high-altitude para sports centre will offer inclusive, world-class training to para-athletes, not only from India but globally, providing them with a competitive edge unique to high-altitude training environments and also an opportunity for Indian para players to train alongside the champions of the game.

“It is a very proud feeling for us that Leh will be establishing the world’s first-ever high-altitude centre for para sports. Indian para-athletes have been leaving an undeniable mark at the world stage, with 29 medals, including seven gold, that India won in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, a testament to the talent we have in our country.

“I am confident that this centre will not only help tap the potential of the region but also contribute hugely to India’s journey to feature in the top-10 countries by the next Paralympics,” said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh (LAHDC).

He added, “This centre will allow these athletes to train with world-class facilities and represent Ladakh with pride on global platforms.”

As per the MoU, until the centre is completed, AMF officials will identify children with special needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region, who will undergo screening, counselling, and training at AMF’s Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre, Asia’s first Para Sports Academy and Rehab Centre in Hyderabad.

This interim phase will build foundational skills and offer essential rehabilitation for aspiring athletes from the Ladakh region. Fifteen potential candidates from Ladakh will soon be sent for training in Hyderabad, with screenings to be held at the sub-divisional level to ensure maximum participation.

To facilitate the project, the CEC announced the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee the centre’s development and directed officials to begin land identification for the facility.

List of sports to be included:

Para sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Blind Football, Boccia, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Shooting, Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby, and Wheelchair Tennis.

Winter games: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.