This important change would be a big step toward improving US deterrent capabilities against North Korea, while simultaneously serving US wider strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. One major realignment—the National Defense Strategy—has already exerted tremendous influence over Pentagon policies. It helped spur a renewed focus on contending with China, especially on keeping it from achieving preeminence over U.S. and allied interests.
In 2022, the administration articulated “complete and verifiable denuclearization” of North Korea as a significant goal. The Pentagon is trying to underscore its commitment to building South Korea’s defense capabilities. This dovetails with South Korea’s recently announced plans to boost its defense spending, which increased by 7.5% this year.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has been a vocal advocate for greater defense autonomy for his country. He challenged the notion that a self-reliant defense is unattainable without foreign troops, stating, “the submissive mindset that self-reliant defense is impossible without foreign troops.” This optimism mirrors an increasing willingness among South Korean leaders to take on the burden of their national security.
Today, around 28,500 U.S. troops remain in South Korea, integral to deterring North Korean aggression, as well as guaranteeing the success of their diplomatic overtures. The impact of these forces is still felt today. They were critical to crafting the alliance dynamic between the United States and South Korea. Other U.S. officials have expressed a desire to provide U.S. forces in South Korea with greater operational flexibility. They want to leverage these troops to be able to work outside the Korean Peninsula in order to address more systemic threats.
Over the past two decades, South Korea has worked diligently to enhance its defense capabilities, establishing a military force of approximately 450,000 troops. The South Korean government has been negotiating to take operational control of the combined U.S.-South Korean forces during wartime. This decision will strengthen its military autonomy even more.
In truth, the Pentagon has long been in the process of announcing a shift in its strategy. Second, it will provide South Korea with “critical but more limited” assistance delivering greater responsibility to South Korea for deterring North Korea. The National Defense Strategy underlines this shift, stating, “South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support.” This shift reflects a desire and need to respond to new security realities while further strengthening this key regional alliance.