The Chinese embassy in Seoul has condemned remarks by US Forces Korea commander Xavier Brunson, who described South Korea as a dagger in a recent podcast interview.
The embassy issued a statement on Thursday calling the comments hostile and aggressive. It said the remarks had crossed the line and asked whether they were authorised by Washington.
Brunson also referred to Japan as a shield or backstop regarding China’s ambitions in the South China Sea. The embassy questioned if he intended to treat other countries as pawns.
The criticism follows an earlier description by Brunson of South Korea as a fixed aircraft carrier. That comment was made at a forum in Hawaii in May 2025.
The remarks come as the United States seeks to expand the role of its South Korea-based command across the Indo-Pacific region.
