Why South Korea is Teaming Up with the U. S. to Watch the Pacific

South Korea and the U. S. are joining forces to keep the Indo-Pacific region safe and stable. They've created a new partnership called the Regional Cooperation Framework. This is like their way of showing they're serious about maintaining peace and security in the region. The U. S. and South Korea met at the Pentagon to discuss this new plan. They didn't directly mention China, but everyone knows this is about keeping China's influence in check, especially in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Ocean. The two countries are also showing support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and want to work closely with Pacific Island countries. This is important because China has some territorial disputes with ASEAN countries and has been expanding its reach in the South Pacific. The new framework will focus on maritime security, training, selling defense equipment, and sharing information. The U. S. and South Korea believe that following the rules and keeping the peace in the region is in their best interest. The U. S. military often checks if countries are following the rules in the South China Sea. Japan, another U. S. ally, also takes part in these operations. China, however, thinks the U. S. and Japan shouldn't be involved in these disputes.