Former Ambassador Harris: 'National Interest Comes First When Allies Ask for Help'

Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris on the 24th highlighted the need for South Korea to pursue both collective defense and collective security, referencing the priority of national interest in the U.S. when allies make requests.

Harris stated that if allies refuse U.S. requests for assistance citing national interest, they should not be surprised if the U.S. later acts according to its own national interest regarding those countries.

This remark made clear that national interests of individual countries take precedence, even within alliance relationships.