The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea brought together US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Park Steel and US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier T. Brunson on Wednesday to discuss strengthening the bilateral alliance through defense cooperation and economic security.

The luncheon, held at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon to mark the United States' 250th anniversary, drew about 200 representatives from Korean and international businesses.

In a discussion moderated by AmCham Chairman and CEO James Kim, Steel and Brunson addressed evolving security challenges, bilateral defense priorities and the future of US Forces Korea.

They also explored South Korea's potential to serve as a regional military support hub, leveraging its manufacturing and defense capabilities to support military readiness and deepen defense-industrial cooperation.

Economic discussions focused on regulatory predictability and fair competition in the digital sector, as well as US energy investment and liquefied natural gas cooperation.

"From shipbuilding and semiconductors to batteries, aerospace and defense, our two countries are building the industries that will define the future of economic and national security," Kim said.

"Economic security and national security now go hand in hand," he added, reaffirming AmCham's commitment to translating stronger bilateral ties into business opportunities.

By Lim Ye-jin (yejinlim@heraldcorp.com)