Seoul: The United States can maintain "strategic flexibility" of its troops in South Korea while also ensuring nuclear deterrence to protect the Korean Peninsula, a U.S. senator said Thursday. Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) emphasized that America's security posture should be adaptable to respond to evolving security needs in the Indo-Pacific.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Sen. Kim made these remarks during a press conference in response to concerns in Seoul. There is apprehension that Washington's apparent move to expand the operational scope of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) under the "strategic flexibility" concept could diminish USFK's focus on deterring North Korean threats.
Sen. Kim stated that strategic flexibility can coexist with extended deterrence, referencing the U.S.' commitment to utilizing its full military capabilities, including nuclear arms, to defend its Asian ally. He emphasized that South Korea can be assured of the U.S.'s deterrent capabilities while maintaining strategic flexibility to address contingencies in the Indo-Pacific.
He further highlighted the dynamic and potentially dangerous nature of the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the need for the U.S. to address evolving security needs. This aligns with his support for the strategic flexibility concept.
The role and operational scope of USFK are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the Seoul-Washington alliance. The U.S. administration is seeking to ensure that USFK personnel and assets can be mobilized for operations outside the Korean Peninsula, including contingencies involving China.
Regarding USFK troop numbers, Sen. Kim expressed his opposition to any unilateral reductions. He believes that any changes in troop levels should be mutually agreed upon by the United States and South Korea.
He also stressed the importance of consulting with South Korea on troop levels and security issues, acknowledging their status as a strategic ally that deserves open communication.
Sen. Kim also commented on Monday's summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and former U.S. President Donald Trump. He expressed satisfaction with the strong working relationship between the two leaders, Trump's commitment to visiting South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this year, and their desire for trilateral cooperation with Japan.