Harris: "USFK Realignment? No Adverse Impact on Korea's Defense"

Former US Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris stated on the 30th regarding the potential realignment of US Forces Korea (USFK), "The presence of USFK is based on the US-Korea (Mutual Defense) Treaty that has continued for over 70 years," adding, "In no aspect will it be carried out in a way that betrays our commitment to Korea."

Former US Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris holds a press conference at Jeju International Convention Center on the 30th. Jeju Forum Secretariat

Harris, who is visiting Korea to attend the 20th Jeju Forum, made these remarks during a press conference with Ministry of Foreign Affairs correspondents at the Jeju International Convention Center on this day, in response to questions about the recently raised possibility of USFK relocation. However, he added, "The US administration has denied this, and since I have no additional information, I understand it as such," emphasizing, "This is my opinion based on a hypothetical premise." He further stressed, "I do not believe that the possibility of USFK reduction would have any adverse effect on supporting Korea's defense against North Korea in accordance with the obligations of the US-Korea treaty."

Harris stated, "The challenges faced in the Indo-Pacific region in 2025 should not be viewed individually," and, "All issues, including Taiwan, North Korea, China, and Russia, must be approached comprehensively." This is interpreted as suggesting that the US will inevitably need to exercise strategic flexibility with USFK to respond to various issues, not just the North Korean issue but also the containment of China and others. Nevertheless, he reiterated, "I have no doubt that the Trump administration will steadfastly uphold its commitments to Korea based on the US-Korea treaty."

Regarding the possibility of a future renegotiation of the US-Korea defense cost-sharing agreement, he said, "Although the two countries reached an agreement last year, there is no guarantee that it will not change," predicting, "President Trump is willing to renegotiate and will demand more from allied nations."

When asked whether he believes it is time for Korea to assume wartime operational control as discussions about USFK relocation continue, Harris replied, "I agree that allied nations should be responsible for their own defense," but added, "I believe the status quo should be maintained until all of the more than 30 conditions for the transfer of operational control are met."

Regarding the possibility of resuming US-North Korea talks in the future, Harris recalled, "President Trump has a record of bringing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the negotiating table three times," and added, "The card North Korea could play in negotiations is the prospect of providing a better life for its people, which was discussed at the Singapore summit (in 2018-2019), but after the Hanoi summit, Chairman Kim himself let go of the thread of dialogue."

Regarding the growing domestic concerns over China’s unauthorized installation of structures in the West Sea Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), Harris said, "This is a very serious situation," pointing out, "Even though Korea and China agreed on the West Sea PMZ, China declared a navigation ban and installed structures, which is a clear violation of the agreement." He added, "Opinions that say this issue is not serious are extremely naive."