US General Describes South Korea as Strategic Asset Aimed at China, Prompting Objections from Beijing and Seoul

US Forces Korea commander General Xavier Brunson described South Korea as a “dagger in the heart of Asia” aimed at China during a podcast interview hosted by the US Army War College on May 22. South Korea’s presidential office said on Saturday that it was “aware” of the remarks and that close consultations between the two allies were ongoing.

Behind the scenes, Seoul conveyed greater regret through National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and officials from the ministries of national defence and foreign affairs.

China’s embassy in South Korea declared that Brunson had “crossed the line” and questioned whether the general was seeking to undermine the framework of “constructive strategic stability” agreed by the US and Chinese presidents in Beijing weeks earlier.

The 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea form the core of the alliance. Brunson’s earlier description of South Korea last year as a “fixed aircraft carrier” used different imagery but addressed the same underlying question of the troops’ purpose.

The remarks have highlighted differing views in Washington and Seoul over the alliance’s role regarding China.