Ministry of National Defense: "No Discussions with U.S. Government on Reducing U.S. Forces in Korea"

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 06 Sep.2021 13:18(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense stated that it has "not discussed with the U.S. side regarding the reduction of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)" with the U.S. government. This statement was made in response to the recent passage of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee, which removed the provision limiting the reduction of USFK.

At the regular briefing on the 6th, Ministry of National Defense Deputy Spokesperson Moon Hong-sik responded to a question about whether there had been any discussions between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the removal of the previously specified lower limit on USFK in the NDAA by saying that it would be best to refer to the position issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated, "The provision was exceptionally included since 2018 during the Trump administration when the possibility of reducing overseas deployed U.S. troops was heightened, and its deletion does not signify a policy change by the U.S. government," adding, "Both South Korea and the U.S. share a firm recognition of the role and necessity of USFK."

The recently passed NDAA in the U.S. House Armed Services Committee omitted the previous regulation that prohibited the U.S. Department of Defense from using funds to reduce USFK below 28,500 personnel.

The U.S. Congress and administration reportedly explained to the Korean side that the deletion of this provision was because it was no longer necessary under the Biden administration, which values alliances, and that it has no relation to the reduction of USFK.

However, attention is focused on the 'Global Posture Review' (GPR) plan for the redeployment of overseas U.S. troops. The NDAA first included a provision in 2019 that prohibited the administration from using funds to reduce USFK below 22,000 personnel, and in 2020 and last year, the lower limit was raised to 28,500. This provision was inserted to prevent former President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal of USFK.