As echoes of US President Donald Trump’s statements that he could reduce the US military presence in South Korea continue, a striking warning came from Army General Xavier Brunson, commander of US Forces Korea. In his statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Brunson emphasized that the current number of troops is vital to urgent tasks and challenges in the Pacific region.
Brunson: Troops in South Korea a Guarantee of Regional Peace
Gen. Brunson, who also serves as the head of Combined Forces Command, made clear the critical role of the U.S. military presence in South Korea in his speech to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. “Our troops in the Republic of Korea are fully responsible for maintaining peace on the peninsula and in the region,” Brunson said. These remarks underscore the U.S. commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
Emphasis on Missile Defense and Deterrence
General Brunson noted that US forces in South Korea not only maintain regional peace but also fulfill important strategic functions. “They are a critical component of ballistic missile defense in the region,” Brunson said, emphasizing that these forces are indispensable in helping Indo-Pacific Command see, detect and understand threats to the north, as well as deter potential adversaries. These statements demonstrate that the US military presence in South Korea is not limited to bilateral relations, but is also a key element of the broader regional security architecture.
Continuous Presence and Regional Cooperation
There are currently approximately 28.500 U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea. These forces work closely with regional military partners and conduct joint operations with United Nations countries. According to Department of Defense data, the U.S. has continuously maintained at least 1950 troops in the region since the early 25.000s. This long-term presence is seen as a tangible demonstration of the U.S. strategic commitment to the region.
Trump’s “Payment” Hint and Trading Card
Trump and his advisors have been known to question the cost and value of a long-term presence of U.S. military forces in many overseas locations. Asked about the possibility of reducing the number of U.S. troops in Europe during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump included Korea in his response. “We pay for the U.S. military in Europe and we don’t get paid much back. South Korea,” Trump said, signaling that he could make the issue a part of future trade talks. “It will be one of the issues that we will discuss that has nothing to do with trade, but we will make it a part of the trade talk. It would be nice to bring everything together,” Trump said, adding that this approach could lead to discussions in terms of linking military alliances to economic interests.
Concern from Senate: Shift in Threat Focus?
Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed said at the start of Thursday’s hearing that there are concerns that the Defense Department should reduce the U.S. presence in South Korea or shift its focus from the North Korean threat to the threat from China. This concern is important because of the potential impact on regional security balances of any potential shift in U.S. military strategy in the region.
Brunson Emphasizes “Strategic Clarity”
General Brunson avoided making a direct comment on the force level change, but said that in terms of military strategy, “we need to remember that diplomacy and defense are currently being conducted together on the Korean Peninsula.” Brunson called for “strategic clarity” in the event of any changes to the current force posture in the region, noting that this would ensure that allies and adversaries clearly understand America’s commitment to stability in the region. This emphasis underscores the importance of considering the psychological and strategic impact of any potential change on actors in the region.
Indo-Pacific Commander Emphasizes Benefits to Allies
The head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, told lawmakers at the hearing that U.S. forces stationed in Korea provide significant benefits not only to South Korea but also to numerous allies in the region. Paparo noted that these forces “make significant contributions, including their participation in multilateral exercises outside the Korean Peninsula.” These statements reaffirm the central role of the U.S. military presence in South Korea in maintaining regional cooperation and security networks.
No Official Plans Yet
Defense Department officials have so far not announced any formal plans to reduce forces or make any significant posture changes in the region. President Trump has not provided any additional details about when a review of troop levels in Europe or the Pacific might begin. But Trump’s statements and subsequent warnings from senior commanders suggest that there will be significant discussions about the U.S. military presence in the region in the future. Given the sensitivity of regional security dynamics, it is critical that any decisions on this issue be carefully considered and made in close consultation with allies.
