Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates pledged an “enduring” U.S. military presence in South Korea amid concerns the Asian nation isn’t ready to take control of their joint forces as planned within three years.

In opening comments at the start of annual joint security talks in Seoul today, Gates and his South Korean counterpart, Defense Minister Kim Tae Young, vowed to strengthen their alliance to confront threats from North Korea.

“The United States will continue to provide extended deterrence using the full range of military capabilities, including the nuclear umbrella to ensure” the security of South Korea, Gates said. “Key to that deterrent capability is our commitment to an enduring United States force presence on the Korean Peninsula as part of the combined defense posture.”

The U.S. keeps about 28,500 troops in South Korea, down from about 37,000 five years ago, having agreed last year to amend a previous decision to reduce the level even more. Some former military officials have criticized an agreement by President Lee Myung Bak’s predecessor for the U.S. to hand over wartime operational control of joint forces by 2012.

“I hope the conference is an opportunity through which we can reconfirm the strength of America’s commitment to the mutual defense treaty,” Kim said in his opening remarks today.

‘Combined Defense’

Gates yesterday told U.S. and South Korean soldiers in Seoul that he is confident the country would be well- prepared to “take the lead in the combined defense of this country.” The U.S. would retain ultimate control over its own forces even while they would operate jointly under South Korean command.

“North Korea continues to pose a threat to the Republic of Korea, to the region and to others,” Gates said today. “As such, I want to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the United States to the alliance and to the defense of the Republic of Korea.”

Kim agreed that North Korea poses a daunting threat, even as it takes steps toward reopening talks with the U.S., South Korea, Japan, China and Russia on ending its nuclear weapons program.

To contact the reporter on this story: Viola Gienger in Seoul at vgienger@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 21, 2009 23:16 EDT