Singapore: The United States is exploring options to "modernize" its strategic alliance with South Korea and potentially "calibrate" its military presence on the Korean Peninsula to counter China, according to a senior U.S. defense official. This statement indicates a possible reevaluation of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) deployment.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the official emphasized Washington's commitment to collaborating with South Korea's incoming administration to maintain a "strategically sustainable" bilateral relationship. This discussion is timely as South Korea prepares for its presidential election, scheduled for Tuesday.
A recent news report suggested that the Pentagon might withdraw approximately 4,500 of the 28,500 USFK troops, relocating them to other Indo-Pacific areas such as Guam. However, the Pentagon has denied these claims, asserting their inaccuracy.
The official reiterated that deterring China remains a priority for the U.S. and highlighted the importance of working with Seoul to update the alliance and align U.S. military presence with the current regional security landscape. This approach aims to empower allies like South Korea to enhance their own defense capabilities.
The official's comments suggest that the Pentagon is not entirely dismissing the possibility of adjusting the USFK troop levels to address China's assertiveness. The U.S. intends to collaborate with South Korea's new government post-election to ensure the alliance remains strategically viable.
The briefing occurred aboard a flight to Singapore, where the official accompanied U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Secretary Hegseth is attending the Shangri-La Dialogue and other related meetings.
On Saturday, Secretary Hegseth is scheduled to speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where he will outline the threats China poses to the region and emphasize the U.S.'s deterrence strategy through alliances and partnerships. The secretary's agenda also includes discussions on expanding U.S. military presence, aiding allies in bolstering their defenses, and revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base.
In addition to the dialogue, Secretary Hegseth will engage in multilateral talks with officials from Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, as well as meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and bilateral discussions with counterparts from Australia, Vietnam, and other nations. This marks the secretary's second visit to the Indo-Pacific region since late March.