The chief of United States Forces Korea vowed Tuesday to boost Washington's alliance with South Korea to deter evolving security challenges from North Korea's asymmetric capabilities.
  

"In recent years, the North Korean threat has changed and it will continue to change, highlighted by its claimed SLBM development," Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti said during the Far East Forum in Seoul hosted by the Far East Broadcasting Co.
  

Earlier this month, the North said it held a successful test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, a significant step forward in developing its offensive capability as it would allow Pyongyang an advanced method of delivering a nuclear warhead.
  

Noting that the North's drive to advance its asymmetric capabilities coupled with its conventional forces are "controlled by a young, inexperienced leader," the commander stressed joint efforts by Seoul and Washington "to make changes and enhance our capabilities to deter these new threats."
  

To meet such security challenges, he placed his priorities on strengthening and transforming the alliance, maintaining the armistice, and preparing for combat readiness.
  

Pointing to South Korea's progress in enhancing capabilities by acquiring new assets such as Patriot PAC-3 missiles, F-35 fighter jets and Global Hawks -- a type of unmanned surveillance aircraft -- as well as command and control assets, Scaparrotti said the systems "will enhance the readiness once integrated into our alliance force structure."
  

Citing a Korean proverb, "If you don't walk today, you will have to run tomorrow," the general also vowed strenuous efforts to bring the alliance a notch higher "to ensure the uninterrupted security and defense" of South Korea. (Yonhap)