South Korea conveys position to Washington on USFK chief's dagger remarks

South Korea has delivered its position to the United States over the U.S. Forces Korea commander's recent remarks likening the country to a dagger in Asia.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac along with the defense and foreign ministries conveyed South Korea's position through diplomatic and security channels, presidential officials said.

USFK commander Brunson made the remarks in a U.S. Army War College podcast, calling South Korea 'the dagger in the heart of Asia.' The Chinese Embassy in Seoul criticized the comments.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Brunson clarified that he was describing the operating environment for his troops. A presidential official indicated the message likely conveyed regret.

Relaterte artikler

Pentagon official at press briefing declining comment on U.S. troop levels in South Korea, with flags and military map in background.
Bilde generert av AI

Pentagon declines comment on USFK troop cut, reaffirms commitment to South Korea

Rapportert av AI Bilde generert av AI

A Pentagon official declined to comment on potential cuts to the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea amid renewed concerns. The response followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement reviewing troop reductions in Germany. South Korea's defense ministry stated no such discussions are underway between Seoul and Washington.

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.

Rapportert av AI

In the ongoing controversy over Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's mention of North Korea's Kusong uranium site—allegedly a US intelligence leak—US Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has reportedly protested to South Korea's defense minister, an opposition lawmaker said. Seoul denies the protest amid partial US restrictions on satellite intel sharing.

South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Kang Kyung-wha, met Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on April 27 to address tensions with Washington over North Korea intelligence-sharing and a probe into Coupang Inc. The US has restricted intel on North Korean nuclear sites following disclosures by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young. The allies discussed ways to manage the issues without harming their alliance.

Rapportert av AI

Lt. Gen. Scott Winter, deputy commander of the U.N. Command (UNC), urged prudence in any changes to the control and use of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. He described the armistice as a "proven framework" and warned against undermining it. The remarks come as the U.S.-led UNC objects to bills promoting peaceful use of the military buffer zone.

Dette nettstedet bruker informasjonskapsler

Vi bruker informasjonskapsler for analyse for å forbedre nettstedet vårt. Les vår personvernerklæring for mer informasjon.
Avvis