Hegseth says US-South Korea alliance focused on North Korea but 'flexibility' needed

SEOUL: The United States will look at "flexibility" for U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to operate against regional threats, but the core of the alliance with Seoul will remain focused on deterring North Korea, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday.

AI Brief

The US is considering more flexible operations for its troops in South Korea to address regional threats.
Despite this, the main goal of the US-South Korea alliance remains deterring North Korea.
The US Defense Secretary emphasised this during a visit to South Korea and the Demilitarised Zone.

He spoke alongside his South Korean counterpart during a visit to South Korea that earlier included a trip to the Demilitarised Zone on the border with North Korea.

When asked whether the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea might be used in any conflicts beyond the peninsula, including with China, Hegseth told a briefing that protecting against nuclear-armed North Korea is the goal of the alliance.

"But there's no doubt that flexibility for regional contingency is something we would take a look at," he said.

Hegseth said the two sides were still working on a joint communique expected to address talks about defence costs and other issues, adding they had discussed South Korea making greater military investments.

The allies had also agreed to have South Korea maintain and repair U.S. ships, allowing them to stay in the area and be ready if needed, Hegseth said.