TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The United States Forces Korea (USFK), a subordinate unified command of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), plans to expand its operational scope beyond the Korean Peninsula to prepare for potential emergencies involving Taiwan, Nikkei Asia (日經亞洲) reported on Sunday (Jan. 4). General Xavier Brunson, the U.S. Forces Korea commander, emphasized South Korea's broader strategic role during a forum in Seoul on Sunday (Dec. 29). The strategic shift aims to enhance military readiness amid rising regional tensions between the United States, China, and Taiwan.
Brunson stated that South Korea's strategic value extends beyond addressing threats on the Korean Peninsula alone. U.S. Forces Korea recently released an inverted map on its official website, reportedly ordered by Brunson for internal use, illustrating distances from the base to Pyongyang, Beijing, Taipei, and Manila. The map showcases the strategic advantage of approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, whose primary mission remains deterring North Korea under the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Seoul authorities express concerns about the strategic shift, hoping U.S. forces will prioritize defending the Korean Peninsula over potential redeployment to third countries. The increased flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea stems from growing American concerns over a potential military crisis involving Taiwan and China, the People's Republic of China. South Korean officials worry the expanded operational scope could dilute the military commitment to peninsula defense amid ongoing North Korean threats.
The U.S. Department of Defense released a report on Chinese military power in late December indicating China's military capabilities are steadily advancing. The report anticipates China could possess the capability to launch and win a war against Taiwan by the end of 2027. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Seoul occupy a strategic location near North Korea, China, and Taiwan. ◼