U.S. Defense Department Stays Silent on Possible USFK Reduction, Says Commitment to Defend South Korea Is Firm

[The Financial News, New York City = Lee Byung-chul, correspondent] As U.S. President Donald Trump publicly raised the possibility of reducing U.S. troops stationed in Germany, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) declined to give a direct answer on whether United States Forces Korea (USFK) could also be reduced. At the same time, it reaffirmed that its commitment to defend South Korea remains unchanged.
On the 30th local time, the DoD told Yonhap News Agency, "We do not comment on potential force posture adjustments." It effectively maintained a so-called no-comment stance, neither confirming nor denying a possible reduction of USFK.
The question came as concerns over a possible USFK reduction resurfaced in South Korea after Trump directly mentioned the possibility of cutting U.S. troops in Germany the previous day. Those concerns were further fueled by recent remarks from General Xavier Brunson, commander of USFK, who told a hearing of the United States House of Representatives that he is "focused on capability rather than troop numbers."
The Defense Department's response is being interpreted as a reaffirmation of its long-standing policy of not disclosing in advance any changes to the deployment or redeployment of U.S. forces around the world. Still, analysts say it is difficult to rule out the possibility that USFK could also become part of future adjustments, given the Trump administration's continued push to review the size and cost efficiency of U.S. troop deployments in allied countries.
The DoD, however, stressed that the current mission of USFK and the role of the ROK-U.S. Alliance remain unchanged. A Defense Department official said, "USFK remains focused on deterrence and maintaining readiness," adding, "Our commitment to the defense of South Korea is firm, and the ROK-U.S. Alliance continues to serve as a key pillar of stability on the Korean Peninsula."
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pride@fnnews.com Lee Byung-chul Reporter