S. Korea-U.S. military policy meeting
July, 13, SEOUL, South Korea -- Military officials of South Korea and the United States open a new round of talks in Seoul on July 13 to review the progress of their program that would allow South Korea to play a greater role in its defense.

In the ninth round of Security Policy Initiative (SPI) talks, both sides exchanged views on matters affecting the transformation and future development of their alliance, ministry officials said.

Kwon An-do, assistant defense minister for policy, represented the South Korean delegation at the two-day meeting, while the U.S. side was led by Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Richard Lawless.

They discussed drawing up a roadmap for South Korea to exercise independent control of its armed forces during wartime.

Both sides also analyzed what additional security roles the country's military should take over from the United States Forces Korea (USFK).