Commander of US Forces Korea: "Must Maintain 28,500 Troops to Defend South Korea"

Concerns have been raised that former U.S. President Donald Trump might reduce or withdraw U.S. Forces Korea if he regains power, but the commander of U.S. Forces Korea has expressed the position that the current force size should be maintained.

On the 20th (local time), General Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, stated in his opening remarks at the House Armed Services Committee hearing, "We must continue to invest in the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in Korea to defend South Korea." He explained that such investment includes bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral exercises conducted on and off the Korean Peninsula, training conducted both physically and virtually across various domains, and experiments with next-generation capabilities.

He added, "To maintain the armistice agreement, as well as our ironclad defense commitments and combat readiness, continuous support from Congress and the recognition that North Korea poses a threat to the U.S. mainland are necessary."

This statement drew attention amid speculation that former President Trump, who considered reducing U.S. Forces Korea during his first term, could win the U.S. presidential election in November and return to power.

In his written statement submitted to the Armed Services Committee, General LaCamera also pointed out, "In the event of a crisis in China or Russia, there is a significant possibility that a third country could intervene or exert influence on the Korean Peninsula due to geographic proximity."

He emphasized, "Both China and Russia are aware that the best joint force of 28,500 U.S. troops is forward-deployed in South Korea," and added, "Because of this geographic reality and very large economic interests, South Korea is a key pillar of security in Northeast Asia and a treaty ally that we must absolutely defend." This is interpreted as meaning that U.S. troops must be stationed in South Korea to check China and Russia in Northeast Asia.

Additionally, when asked about North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's intentions during the hearing, General LaCamera responded, "The top priority is regime survival." He further stated, "He (Kim Jong-un) is developing weapons of mass destruction necessary for regime survival and is trying to ease sanctions," and "He is preparing to defend his country, and that is the top priority."

When asked whether he expects North Korea to attack South Korea, he replied, "Like other countries, they are recovering from COVID-19 and are currently in the winter training cycle," adding, "He is testing (military) equipment and is providing equipment to Russia to use in the Ukraine war so that Russia can test the equipment." However, General LaCamera also added that preparations must be made for the possibility of North Korea conducting 'gray zone' activities, which refer to low-intensity provocations.

Regarding what North Korea has provided to Russia in exchange for weapons, General LaCamera said, "We are still determining exactly what Russia has provided."