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South Korea Protests US Over China Jet Standoff in Yellow Sea Exercise

South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has formally protested to the United States Forces Korea over a standoff between US and Chinese fighter jets during a recent exercise. The incident occurred over the Yellow Sea when US F-16s flew near the air defence identification zones, prompting a Chinese military response. The protest underscores tensions as the US considers redefining the role of USFK to focus more on countering China. USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has previously discussed the need for strategic "flexibility" and a updated force posture on the Korean Peninsula.

Key Points: South Korea Protests US-China Jet Standoff in Yellow Sea

  • Formal protest lodged by South Korea
  • US-China jet standoff over Yellow Sea
  • Exercise involved USFK F-16s
  • Incident highlights shifting US force posture
  • No clash occurred during encounter
2 min read

South Korea's Defence Minister lodges protest with USFK over US-China aircraft standoff

South Korea's defence minister lodged a formal complaint with USFK after US and Chinese fighter jets had a rare standoff during an exercise over the Yellow Sea.

"Forces already positioned on the Korean Peninsula are revealed not as distant assets... but as troops already positioned inside the bubble perimeter. - Gen. Xavier Brunson"

Seoul, Feb 21

South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has lodged a protest with the United States Forces Korea early this week over its brief standoff with Chinese fighter jets during a rare air exercise, military sources said on Saturday.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has delivered a complaint in a call with Gen. Xavier Brunson, the commander of the Combined Forces Command and the United States Forces Korea, immediately after he received a report of the incident on Wednesday, according to the sources.

Gen. Jin Young-sung, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also lodged a complaint in a call with Gen. Brunson, they added.

On Wednesday, US and Chinese fighter jets engaged in a rare standoff over the Yellow Sea during a training operation of the US Air Force, which involved some 10 USFK F-16 fighter jets, reports Yonhap news agency.

The F-16 jets reportedly flew to an area between the respective air defence identification zones of South Korea and China, prompting the Chinese military to dispatch its own fighter jets to the scene, but no clash occurred.

The USFK had notified the South Korean military of its plan ahead of the exercise, but apparently did not elaborate on the details, including the purpose of the drills, officials have said.

The latest drills come amid speculation that Washington will seek to redefine the role of the USFK as it pushes to focus on countering Chinese threats while urging allies to take on greater security burdens.

The US National Defence Strategy released last month signaled a possible shift in US force posture in South Korea, noting that the South is capable of taking "primary" responsibility to deter the North with "critical, but more limited" US support -- a shift that it says is in line with America's interest in "updating" US force posture on the Korean Peninsula.

USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has also mentioned the need for "flexibility" of the USFK as he introduced a map that puts the east at the top rather than standard north-up mapping.

"Forces already positioned on the Korean Peninsula are revealed not as distant assets requiring reinforcement, but as troops already positioned inside the bubble perimeter that the US would need to penetrate in the event of crisis or contingency," he said, as he introduced the map on November 17 last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
From an Indian perspective, we understand the complexity of dealing with a powerful neighbor. South Korea's protest shows they want to maintain sovereignty and not be a mere pawn. The US talking about "updating" its force posture sounds like they might be preparing to reduce commitment, which is worrying for regional stability.
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Aman W
The map part is interesting! Putting east at the top to show USFK is already "inside the bubble" against China. It's a clear strategic shift. But doing exercises that provoke China without full consultation with Seoul is not the way. Allies need trust.
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Sarah B
While I understand South Korea's position, the US has a global role in checking Chinese expansionism. The Yellow Sea is international waters/airspace. Sometimes allies need to support each other's strategic maneuvers, even if they're uncomfortable. The protest seems a bit strong for a standoff where "no clash occurred."
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Vikram M
The core issue is the US wanting allies to take more burden while it focuses on China. We see similar dynamics in our region. South Korea must carefully balance its relationship with the US and its economic ties with China. A tough diplomatic dance, for sure.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think the South Korean protest is justified but maybe misses the bigger picture. The USFK's primary mission is deterring North Korea. If the US is now re-tasking them for China containment from Korean soil, it fundamentally changes the risk calculus for South Koreans. They have a right to know and object.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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