Attendance at U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing
Cautious on Reducing U.S. Forces in South Korea and Japan
Expresses Concern over North Korea-Russia Cooperation... Progress in North Korean Nuclear Capabilities
Dan Keane, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military commander in the United States / Reuters·Yonhap News
Dan Keane, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the highest military commander overseeing nine U.S. military commands, expressed a cautious stance on the reduction of U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan on the 1st (local time), highlighting the threat posed by North Korea.
At the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, Keane was asked about the impact of a significant reduction of U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan. He responded, "North Korea's long-range missiles and nuclear program pose an immediate security challenge to the United States and its allies." He stated that if confirmed, he plans to assess the size of U.S. forces in Japan and South Korea and submit recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the President.
In his written responses submitted prior to the hearing, Keane noted, "North Korea has tested missile systems capable of striking South Korea, Japan, Guam, Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland," adding, "It is securing funds and technology necessary for its nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs through cyber capabilities and virtual asset theft." He also expressed concern over the deepening North Korea-Russia cooperation, stating, "The strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia could accelerate North Korea's military buildup."
Referring to North Korea’s recent provision of ballistic missiles used on the battlefield in Ukraine to Russia, he pointed out, "This is the first instance of North Korean weapon systems being used in actual combat." He emphasized, "This could provide North Korea an opportunity to further enhance its missile capabilities through cooperation with Russia."
Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, he said, "North Korea has made notable progress according to its five-year defense development plan announced in 2021," and added, "We will cooperate with Northern Command, Strategic Command, and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command to strengthen missile defense capabilities." He also mentioned plans to develop measures aligned with the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system concept for defending the U.S. mainland.
On the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), he explained, "South Korea and the U.S. are implementing a Conditions-Based Transfer Plan (COTP), and South Korea continues to enhance its capabilities through combined exercises." However, he added a caveat that before the transfer, the South Korean military’s operational capability and the security environment must be suitable for assuming command.
Regarding trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, he stated, "I support the security cooperation framework among the three countries. We will continue to strengthen exercises like 'Freedom’s Edge' and missile data-sharing systems."
Meanwhile, Keane denied past reports that he wore a hat bearing former President Trump’s political slogan 'MAGA (Make America Great Again)' and pledged allegiance, stating, "I have never worn such political symbols or pledged allegiance." A former F-16 fighter pilot, Keane has combat experience in the Iraq War and the fight against ISIS, and he is the first retired general to be nominated as CJCS.
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