Military leader of USFK expresses concerns over China's actions, suggests potential decrease in troop numbers
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Emphasizes Modernization of Alliance at Pyeongtaek Press Conference
In a press conference held at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), highlighted the importance of modernizing the U.S.-South Korea alliance to enhance capabilities and adapt to a rapidly changing security environment.
Gen. Brunson emphasized that the focus should be on modernizing military assets, such as deploying advanced technologies like fifth-generation fighters and multi-domain task forces including hypersonic missiles, rather than adjusting troop numbers. He pointed out the need to adapt to threats from North Korea, an assertive China, and closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties.
The general also stressed the importance of "strategic flexibility," where South Korea takes greater responsibility in regional deterrence, enabling USFK forces to be more adaptable and prepared for broader missions beyond the peninsula. He gave the example of the redeployment of U.S. missile defense assets to other regions as a demonstration of this vision.
Gen. Brunson explained that the alliance's evolution over 75 years reflects changed geopolitical realities, including China's assertiveness in the Yellow Sea and parallels with actions in the South China Sea, which he warned could threaten Korean sovereignty. He also cautioned that U.S. Forces Korea might be tasked beyond North Korea deterrence to respond to wider Indo-Pacific threats, considering broader regional challenges from China and Russia.
In terms of diplomatic positioning, Gen. Brunson carefully avoided discussing South Korea's automatic involvement in potential Taiwan conflicts while emphasizing the importance of securing key trade corridors.
Overall, Gen. Brunson portrayed alliance modernization as essential for keeping the U.S.-South Korea military partnership “ready, relevant and able” in a complex and shifting Northeast Asia security environment.
The press conference was attended by Korean reporters and was translated from the JoongAng Ilbo using generative AI. It was held on Aug. 8 and was edited by the website staff of the JoongAng Ilbo. The press conference was not accompanied by chapters or captions.
- In the press conference, Gen. Brunson mentioned the importance of adapting to threats from North Korea, an assertive China, and closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties, which are significant aspects of war-and-conflicts in the politics of the government's defense strategy.
- Gen. Brunson also emphasized the need for strategic flexibility, where South Korea takes a larger role in regional deterrence, a policy decision that is part of general news and politics, affecting the alliance's defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
