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US Forces Korea (USFK)

US Forces Korea (USFK)
The latest news and top stories on US Forces Korea. A prominent South Korea based military command, US Forces Korea (USFK) is dedicated to deterring aggression and defending the Republic of Korea, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Its main areas of focus include coordinating US component commands, training forces and supporting the US-ROK alliance. Headquartered at Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, USFK is a sub-unified command of US Indo-Pacific Command, recognised as a cornerstone of regional security.
General Xavier T. Brunson speaks at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in 2024. Photo: AFP
South Korea

US general’s ‘dagger’ remark tests South Korea’s China balancing act

A top commander’s blunt remark spotlights a fundamental disagreement over the true purpose of the 28,500 US troops based in South Korea.

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US-China relations

Hegseth at Asia defence gathering, China-EU tensions, Computex

US-China relations

China slams US commander’s ‘dagger’ label for South Korea

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South Korea

South Korea signals ‘phased’ support for US-led Hormuz mission after ship attack

Defence Minister Ahn said the support could include political backing, personnel dispatches and sharing of information and military assets.

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South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back places a wreath during a visit to the Korean War Memorial in Washington on Tuesday. Photo: South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence/EPA
South Korea

Why South Korea’s Lee is urging ‘mutual respect’ diplomacy amid US tensions

The president’s remarks and emphasis on a self-reliant defence posture may signal Seoul’s efforts to diversify its global partners, analysts say.

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South Korea

South Korean police seek arrest warrant for Hybe’s Bang after travel request

The US embassy in Seoul reportedly asked authorities to allow Bang to travel while under investigation for fraudulent stock trading.

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US-China relations

What is US telling Pacific allies by moving missiles to use in the Iran war?

Deploying US missiles to the Middle East ‘reinforces Beijing’s assessment that time and industrial scale favour China’, analyst says.

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According to US media reports, the Pentagon has ordered nearly all its JASSM-ER air-launched cruise missiles to be moved from the Pacific to boost its efforts in the war against Iran. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

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North Korea

North Korea launches 10 missiles as South Korea, US conduct military exercises

North Korean leader’s sister Kim Yo-jong has slammed both countries for proceeding with the drills at a perilous time in global security.

Two Sessions 2026

Why China may gain from US moving military assets for Iran war

‘Any weakening’ of US presence in Asia-Pacific will work to someone’s advantage, ‘and you can imagine who that is’: cross-strait adviser.

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Li Yihu, an NPC deputy and head of Peking University’s Institute of Taiwan Studies, says Beijing is making rapid progress in its area-denial capabilities through drills surrounding Taiwan. Photo: Simon Song
South Korea

South Korea gets wake-up call as US diverts military assets to Middle East

President Lee Jae Myung urges South Korea to boost its own defence amid reports of US military assets being redeployed to the Middle East.

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Members of Korean Peace Solidarity for Sovereignty and Reunification shout slogans and hold banners during a rally against US and South Korean military exercises outside the US embassy in Seoul on Monday. Photo: EPA
Korean peninsula

US begins large military exercise with South Korea while attacking Iran

Thousands of troops begin annual drills amid speculation over US Patriot redeployment to the Middle East.

South Korea

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

Fears are growing in Seoul that shifting US Patriot and THAAD missiles to fight Iran could leave it vulnerable to North Korea.

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China-South Korea relations

Seoul’s protest seen as reluctance to let US Forces Korea confront China

South Korean complaint highlights growing difficulty in balancing ties with both security ally US and top trading partner China: analyst.

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Seoul’s defence minister has protested to the head of US Forces Korea about a stand-off between US and Chinese fighter jets in the Yellow Sea, according to South Korean media. Photo: AP
South Korea

Why South Korea is risking a rare rift with US to slash joint military drills

Washington is reportedly pushing back on Seoul’s request for smaller drills, forcing the postponement of a major joint military briefing.

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US and South Korean armoured vehicles cross a floating bridge as part of last year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Pentagon eyes expanded role for South Korea-based US forces to help deter China

US defence policy chief signals ‘model ally’ Seoul should take the lead on North Korea as Washington refocuses on first island chain.

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North Korea

Pentagon shifts North Korean responsibility to ‘capable’ South

US officials have recently been pushing to allow American troops in South Korea more flexibility to operate outside the peninsula.

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China-North Korea relations

China’s role in Korean peninsula stability tested amid nuclear submarine moves

Seoul’s calls for Chinese mediation seen to underscore Beijing’s central role in preserving stability between two Koreas.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
War and conflict

As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

Capricious political leaders like Donald Trump and his defence chief may be more dangerous than responsible and battle-tested generals.

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South Korea

South Korea’s nuclear sub deal signals shift from strategic ambiguity: analysts

While Seoul could expand its security roles, analysts warn the shift from strategic ambiguity could upset its US-China balancing act.

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China-South Korea relations

Philippines looks to acquire South Korean anti-ship ballistic missile

Manila seeks to buy CTM-ASBM, which was unveiled by Hanwha at the Asian Defence and Security exhibition last year.

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South Korea’s in-development CTM-ASBM will be paired with Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo mobile multiple rocket launcher system (pictured). Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
US-China relations

South Korea’s new US ‘Iron Dome’ air defence system seen as reply to China

It’s the first such weapon system known to be deployed at an American base overseas and comes as Beijing and Pyongyang boost UAV operations.

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US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George (left) meets leaders from the 35th Air Defence Artillery Brigade and soldiers from the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defence Artillery Regiment in South Korea on September 22. Photo: US Army
Taiwan

Seoul balks at Taiwan role for US troops stationed in South Korea

‘Discussions necessary’: Lee Jae-myung says it is difficult to agree to strategic flexibility as Trump looks to shift USFK focus to China.

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South Korea

Trump tests South Korea’s Lee by demanding ownership of US military base land

The lack of a joint statement after Lee’s summit with Trump highlights unresolved issues between the two allies, analysts say.

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Korean peninsula

Opinion | Why military independence from US could be Seoul’s best chance for peace

South Korea must secure US cooperation while navigating North Korea’s strengthened position and managing fears over regional security implications.

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Colonel Lee Sung-jun (left) public affairs director of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Colonel Ryan Donald, public affairs director of the United States Forces Korea, attend a press briefing on the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises at the Defence Ministry in Seoul on August 7. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

As Lee meets Trump, what can a ‘turtle ship’ do for the US-South Korea alliance?

Seoul’s shipbuilding expertise is expected to be a key bargaining chip when the two presidents meet on Monday.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (left) and US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea, US kick off huge annual military drills with 21,000 troops

The drills could trigger a response from North Korea, which has used previous exercises as a pretext for weapons tests.

South Korea

‘Modernise’ or pay up: US pressures South Korea to redefine alliance

A top US commander’s comments on ‘strategic flexibility’ show Washington wants Seoul to help counter China and Russia, analysts say.

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