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Xavier Brunson

Xavier Brunson
The latest news and top stories on Xavier Brunson. A US Army General, he assumed command of United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command and US Forces Korea in December 2024. Previously, he served as Commanding General of I Corps and the 7th Infantry Division, demonstrating extensive leadership across conventional and special operations forces. His career includes deployments in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. General Brunson's responsibilities involve deterring North Korean aggression and ensuring regional stability, highlighting his expertise in strategic military operations and force readiness. He holds multiple advanced degrees, underscoring his commitment to professional development.
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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South Korea

From submarines to trade, South Korea and US remain deadlocked ahead of talks

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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

Chinese embassy in Seoul says US Forces Korea commander Xavier Brunson’s ‘hostile and aggressive remarks’ on podcast ‘crossed the line’.

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US Army General Xavier Brunson, commander of US Forces Korea (right) has described South Korea as “the dagger in the heart of Asia”. Photo: Handout
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 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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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

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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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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US-China relations

Trump-Lee meeting shows limits to China’s Asia wooing

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to meet Donald Trump, straight after a trip to Japan, demonstrating that China has so far failed to weaken relations between the US and two key Asian allies.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP
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

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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South Korea

‘Shrimp among whales’: South Korea faces stark choices amid US-China rivalry

South Korea is coming under intense US pressure to pick a side, even as its new president would prefer to equivocate.

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South Korean protesters tear a banner showing a caricature of US President Donald Trump as a robber during a rally in Seoul against Washington’s tariff policy on July 27. Photo: AFP
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