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Lee: USFK Asset Shift Won't Weaken Deterrence Against North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that a potential relocation of US Forces Korea military assets would not weaken the country's deterrence against North Korea. He acknowledged South Korea's opposition to such moves but conceded its position may not be fully accepted by the US. Lee highlighted the significant gap in military capabilities between the two Koreas, noting South Korea's spending ranks among the world's top five. He emphasized the necessity for South Korea to build self-reliant defense capabilities to prepare for potential shifts in international support.

Key Points: S. Korea President on USFK Assets & North Korea Deterrence

  • USFK asset shift reported
  • Deterrence posture unaffected
  • S. Korea expressed opposition
  • Highlights military spending gap
  • Stresses need for self-reliant defense
2 min read

South Korea: Lee says possible shift of USFK's military assets won't affect deterrence against North Korea

President Lee Jae Myung says potential USFK military asset relocation does not affect deterrence against North Korea, stresses self-reliant defense.

"If you ask if our deterrence strategy against North Korea is severely affected... I can say absolutely not. - Lee Jae Myung"

Seoul, March 10

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that a potential relocation of military assets owned by the US military stationed in South Korea will not affect the deterrence posture against North Korea.

Citing media reports that the US Forces Korea (USFK) might have recently shipped out some weapons, including an anti-missile defence system, Lee told a Cabinet meeting, "If you ask if our deterrence strategy against North Korea is severely affected (because of a possible shift of such assets), I can say absolutely not."

The remarks by Lee did not explicitly comment on the possible movement or repositioning of USFK's military assets.

However, South Korea has expressed its opposition against USFK's possible shift of its military assets, but it is a "stark reality" that South Korea's opinions would not be fully accepted, Lee said.

"Our government expects the USFK to fully contribute to stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula, which I believe it has done so far," Lee said.

"Depending on how the situation unfolds, however, the USFK may dispatch some air defense systems abroad in accordance with its own military needs. While we have expressed opposition, the reality is that we cannot fully push through our position."

Lee noted that South Korea's military spending ranks among the world's five largest and is equivalent to about 1.4 times North Korea's gross domestic product, highlighting what he described as a "significant gap" in military capabilities between the two Koreas, Yonhap news agency reported.

He stressed that South Korea should take a leading role in its own defense to prepare for worst-case scenarios amid a shifting international security landscape.

"Just as we must routinely prepare for war even if the possibility is slim, there may come times when external support disappears due to changes in the international order. Even in such cases, we must fully build up our self-reliant defense capabilities so that we can defend ourselves on our own," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting read. The dynamics between the US and its allies are always complex. South Korea seems to be accepting a hard truth here. It reminds me of how global powers sometimes make decisions based on their own interests, which smaller nations have to navigate carefully.
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Vikram M
"Prepare for war even if the possibility is slim." That's a powerful line. Every nation, including India with our neighbors, should have this mindset. Self-reliance in defense is non-negotiable. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing is the way forward for us too.
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Sarah B
While I understand the need for self-reliance, I find President Lee's public admission that their opposition won't be fully accepted by the USFK a bit concerning. Shouldn't allies have more equal partnerships? It highlights a power imbalance that's worth discussing respectfully.
R
Rohit P
The comparison of South Korea's military spending being 1.4 times North Korea's entire GDP is staggering! It puts the economic disparity into perspective. Hope the situation on the peninsula remains stable. Peace is precious.
K
Karthik V
Geopolitics is so fluid. Today's assets are in Korea, tomorrow they might be needed elsewhere. South Korea is right to plan for all scenarios. It's a lesson for all nations to be prepared to stand on their own feet when needed. Jai Hind!

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