Imagination-fueled U.S. officers view the map of South Korea upside down: the Korean Peninsula resembles a dagger aimed straight at China’s heart — South Korea is unhappy.

South Korean media: U.S. Forces Korea Commander defends "dagger" remarks, stating they aim to explain operational context

¬ Brenson cited the historical "dagger theory," emphasizing the need to understand regional perspectives amid strong Chinese backlash.

General Xavier Brunson, Commander of the United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command / U.S. Forces Korea – previously describing South Korea as a "dagger" from China's perspective – stated on the 30th: "I was simply trying to explain our operational environment at the time." Brenson had earlier likened South Korea to an "island or fixed aircraft carrier floating between Japan and the Chinese mainland." However, his recent use of terms like "dagger" has triggered intense backlash from China and elsewhere.

A source from the Blue House also said on the same day: "We have become aware of General Brenson’s recent public statements, and South Korea and the U.S. are currently maintaining communication across various levels on multiple issues." There are speculations that the Blue House has expressed regret over Brenson’s remarks.

Against this backdrop, during the 23rd Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore on the 30th, Brenson addressed a question regarding whether his "dagger" comment reflected the official stance of the Trump administration or had been approved by the Pentagon. The question was raised by a Chinese professor during the Q&A session following a public speech by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and subsequently passed to Brenson present at the event. In response, Brenson said: "I was merely referencing a phrase from past times, when someone once described South Korea as a dagger pointing toward Japan." He added: "The overall context of my previous remarks was about shifting regional perspectives," implying that his "dagger" comment was not an expression of hostility toward China.

Subsequently, Brenson referenced Jakob Meckel – a Prussian officer who served as a military advisor to Japan. Meckel described the Korean Peninsula as a "dagger pointed directly at Japan’s heart." This metaphor was widely circulated in Japan during the late Joseon Dynasty. The so-called "Prussian Dagger Theory" argued that if continental powers such as Russia or Qing China controlled the Korean Peninsula, Japan would face existential threats; thus, Japan had justification for preemptive actions – a rationale later used to justify the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and the annexation of Korea.

In light of this historical background, Brenson stated: "What I wanted to convey to students at the U.S. Army War College was that we must shift our perspective and re-examine our own position." He emphasized: "Students should transcend their own limitations and learn to understand and respect others’ viewpoints." He then displayed an image placing the Korean Peninsula at the top of a map, noting: "By changing the map’s orientation, we can better understand how other countries in the region perceive us." He concluded: "We must remain strong and maintain necessary military capabilities within South Korea; but at the same time, we must also recognize clearly that certain external perspectives objectively exist."

Moreover, Brenson mentioned the U.S.-China summit held on the 14th in China. He said: "The President and the Secretary of State’s visit to China was a significant event," further explaining: "This visit helps consolidate and enhance bilateral relations, enabling both sides to maintain smooth channels of dialogue." Earlier, on the 22nd, Brenson (Brunson) appeared on a podcast hosted by the U.S. Army War College, stating: "From the viewpoint of China’s eastern coast, they see South Korea as a dagger thrust directly into the heart of Asia." He continued: "Beyond that lies Japan, which acts as a shield, forming the last line of defense against China."

The Chinese government strongly condemned the remarks, accusing them of being hostile and aggressive. On the 28th, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued a statement in the form of a press spokesperson Q&A, delivering a sharp criticism of Brenson’s comments, stating: "Your remarks have clearly crossed the line," and expressing strong opposition.

Sources: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866731481827332/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.