Ahn Cheolsoo Targets Lee Jaemyung's Security Policy
"Do You Want Chinese Troops in Korea Instead of U.S. Forces?"
On May 23, Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, called on Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, to clarify his stance on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, asking, "Do you want Chinese troops stationed in Korea instead of U.S. troops?"
Through his social media account that day, Ahn stated, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is not a matter of choice but of survival," and argued, "We must absolutely prevent any reduction or withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea."
Previously, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the U.S. Department of Defense was considering relocating about 4,500 of the approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to other regions in the Indo-Pacific, including Guam, which is U.S. territory.
Regarding this report, Ahn urged Lee to announce his position. He said, "Although President Trump has not made a decision, we must not take this lightly," and questioned Lee, "Do you still consider U.S. Forces Korea an occupying force?" He also added, "Please clarify your stance on North Korean human rights issues and Kim Jongun's deployment of troops to Ukraine."
Ahn continued, "Although Lee's welfare and economic pledges are full of problems, the most serious issue is security," and argued, "I am deeply concerned that you may want a Korea with Chinese troops stationed here instead of U.S. troops."
He also called on the next president to have a deep understanding of and a firm response to the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Ahn emphasized, "U.S. Forces Korea are the last line of defense for South Korea's security. Their presence is a symbol of the alliance and the ultimate means of deterring North Korean provocations. The Trump administration can adjust its alliance strategy at any time according to its own interests, and we are no exception."
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