U.S. military equipment deployed in South Korea is being moved to support the Middle East operation, South Korea says that the deterrence against North Korea remains unaffected

U.S. and Israeli forces have launched strikes on strategic targets inside Iran for more than a week, raising concerns that if the conflict continues for a long time, Washington's focus shifting from Asia could threaten peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

March 10, Reuters reports, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that even if Washington redeploys currently stationed military equipment in South Korea, South Korea would be able to cope with any threat from North Korea. Previously reported that the U.S. missile defense system is being transported to the Middle East.

Yoon Suk-yeol said at a cabinet meeting: "It seems that there have been some disputes recently about U.S. military units in South Korea moving some weapons, such as artillery companies and air defense weapons out of South Korea." "Although Seoul expressed opposition, it is not in a position to make demands."

Yoon Suk-yeol stated that removing some U.S. weapons from South Korea "will not hinder the deterrence strategy against North Korea," and pointed out that South Korea's defense spending and conventional combat capabilities far exceed those of North Korea.

Reuters noted that South Korea hosts a large number of U.S. military forces for the joint defense of nuclear-armed North Korea, with approximately 28,500 U.S. soldiers and air defense systems currently stationed there.

Several days ago, South Korea's foreign minister said that U.S. and South Korean military officials are discussing the possibility of redeploying part of the U.S. "Patriot" missile defense system to the Middle East conflict zone. Korean media reported that some missile launchers have been moved from Osan Air Base and may be redeployed to U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Washington Post also cited two officials, stating that the U.S. Department of Defense is transferring parts of a "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System" from South Korea to the Middle East.

Reuters quoted military analysts' views, saying that although the South Korean president's statement that South Korea can independently deter Pyongyang is correct, the presence of U.S. weapons highlights Washington's commitment to security in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea might misinterpret these partial transfers of weapons, using them as an excuse to conduct low-level provocations to test the defensive posture of its South Korean ally. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in February this year that he would focus on expanding his country's nuclear arsenal and called South Korea his "most hostile enemy." Last week, he supervised a missile test on a naval destroyer.

Japan also has important U.S. military bases. Two U.S. missile destroyers currently based in Yokosuka have been deployed to the Arabian Sea to support the military action against Iran. The only U.S. aircraft carrier deployed in Asia is undergoing maintenance in Yokosuka.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859289113748492/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves