Members of the US 3rd Cavalry Regiment salute the flag at a ceremony for rotation of forces at Camp Casey in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Feb. 29, 2024. (Yonhap)
The idea of withdrawing American troops from Korea has resurfaced, stirring debate and concern. This discussion stems from Donald Trump’s stance on defense burden-sharing with Korea and the renegotiation of the Special Measures Agreement. Elbridge Colby, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense, emphasized the need to reevaluate the role of US Forces Korea amid rising tensions with China.
The potential withdrawal of US troops has evoked a range of reactions in Korea, from anxiety to cautious consideration. The historical context of US troop presence and past negotiations highlight the complex dynamics at play. Despite concerns, South Korea must conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to assess the impact of American troop presence on its security and sovereignty.
Moving forward, Korea must adopt a strategic approach, fostering diplomatic relations with key stakeholders and empowering its defense capabilities. By re-evaluating the USFK presence and the ROK-US alliance, Korea can navigate towards a more self-reliant and secure future.
By Moon Jang-nyeol, former professor at Korea National Defense University
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