Trump's National Defense Strategy to hail South Korea as 'model ally'

Seoul's 3.5% defense budget, shipyards pledge suit 'partners' over 'dependents' US vision

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Aug. 25.  (White House) 

KEN MORIYASU

December 5, 2025 04:03 JST

WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration will highlight South Korea and Israel as "model allies" in its forthcoming National Defense Strategy (NDS), Nikkei Asia has learned.