US Pompeo: "USFK Presence in South Korea Unaffected by North Korea... Aligns with Strategic Interests"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated on the 18th (local time) that unlike China, North Korea does not mind the presence of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. He explained that it rather aligns with North Korea's strategic interests.

Former Secretary Pompeo made these remarks during a virtual discussion hosted by the U.S. think tank Center for the National Interest, emphasizing that North Korea and China have different views on the U.S. military presence in South Korea.

He explained that North Korea does not mind the U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and is not concerned about the possibility of an invasion of South Korea, whereas China wants the U.S. military to leave South Korea.

He also mentioned that North Korea is observing China's border disputes with neighboring countries such as Nepal and India. He argued that in such situations, the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea, which can check China, could actually be beneficial to North Korea.

Former Secretary Pompeo stated that while the Trump administration achieved better short-term results than before, it ultimately did not reach its desired goals, and argued that top-level engagement is necessary for the U.S. to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. Reflecting on his past meeting with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, he evaluated, "Chairman Kim is the only person with the authority to change North Korea's policies regarding its nuclear system and missiles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.