South Korea's defence ministry says no talks held with US on troop withdrawal
SEOUL: South Korea's defence ministry said on Friday (May 23) that Seoul and Washington had not had discussions about the withdrawal of some US troops stationed in the country.
The ministry made the comment in response to a report by the Wall Street Journal that said the US was considering pulling out roughly 4,500 troops from South Korea.
One option being considered was to relocate some of the troops to other locations in the Indo-Pacific region, including Guam, according to the report, which cited unnamed US military officials.
There are currently 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea.
South Korea would continue cooperation with the United States to maintain a strong combined defence posture in order to deter North Korea, its defence ministry said in a statement.
South Korean media later on Friday said US Defense Department chief spokesperson Sean Parnell had denied the report.
The United States was prepared to work with the next government in Seoul on strengthening their alliance, Chosun Ilbo newspaper and Yonhap news agency reported.
Seoul and Washington agreed on a five-year plan on defence cost sharing last year but US President Donald Trump has signaled that the cost of the US military presence could be up for discussion in ongoing trade negotiations with Seoul.
South Korean officials have so far maintained the position that defence costs are a separate matter from the trade talks.
South Korea elects a new president in a snap election on Jun 3 after the removal of conservative Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed attempt at declaring martial law in December.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
AsiaOne
an hour ago
- AsiaOne
China rejects Trump's accusation that it breached Geneva trade deal, World News
China said on Monday (June 2) that US President Donald Trump's accusations that Beijing had violated the consensus reached in Geneva trade talks were "groundless", and promised to take forceful measures to safeguard its interests. The comment by the commerce ministry was in response to Trump's remarks on Friday that China had breached a bilateral deal to roll back tariffs. The ministry said China had implemented and actively upheld the agreement reached last month in Geneva, while the US had introduced multiple "discriminatory restrictive" measures against China. Those measures included issuing guidance on AI chip export controls, halting sales of chip design software to China and revoking visas for Chinese students, the ministry added. "The US government has unilaterally and repeatedly provoked new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating uncertainty and instability in bilateral economic and trade relations," the ministry said in a statement. It did not elaborate on what forceful measures it might take in response. Beijing and Washington agreed in mid-May in Geneva to pause triple-digit tariffs for 90 days. In addition, China also promised to lift trade countermeasures that restricted its exports of the critical metals needed for US semiconductor, electronics and defence production. Trump on Friday also announced a doubling of import tariffs on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent. While China is the world's largest steel producer and exporter, it ships very little to the United States after a 25 per cent tariff imposed in 2018 shut most Chinese steel out of the market. China ranks third among aluminium suppliers. [[nid:717864]]
Independent Singapore
2 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Singapore Minister: Bridge ties with China now or risk dangerous misunderstandings
SINGAPORE: The city-state's new Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing delivered a clear call for profound involvement and collaboration between China, the United States, and regional countries, cautioning that worldwide confidence and stability are contingent on sincere discussions and genuine negotiation, not hot air and inflated language. Speaking after the yearly Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defence conference initiated by the International Institute of Strategic Studies, Chan stressed that 'every opportunity possible' should be seized to foster meaningful conversations among global powers, Breaking Defense reported. 'Having spoken with both the US and the Chinese, I think both sides will benefit from a deeper understanding of each other's positions,' Chan said at a media session on Sunday. 'This way, we don't oversimplify complex issues or seek simplistic solutions.' But Chan highlighted that such discussions must go beyond superficial peacekeeping or mediation. 'It must be a true dialogue—one where both sides actively listen, not merely speak past each other,' he said. Pointing to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's comments that Washington is not pursuing conflict or government change in China, Chan said such explanations were 'very useful' in dissipating distrust. 'There are certain perceptions on both sides,' he clarified. 'But both must clearly state their bottom lines to build mutual trust and confidence.' His remarks came hours after his speech during the summit meeting's concluding plenary assembly, where he responded to a question from a Chinese People's Liberation Army representative, who voiced out concerns over what he labelled as recurring assaults on China during the summit meeting. 'If China feels misunderstood or disrespected, then it is even more important for China to step forward and articulate its stance,' Chan said. 'The Shangri-La Dialogue is exactly the kind of platform where China can do that.' China's subdued presence at this year's summit drew attention, with the country sending a lower-level team led by Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, vice president of China's National Defense University. Particularly, Beijing capered its customary post-speech press meeting, choosing instead to issue a scathing statement condemning Secretary Hegseth for making offensive remarks and making China look like a menace. See also Heroes on the front lines of battle against Wuhan virus outbreak As a former army chief turned minister, Chan utilised his speech to highlight Singapore's long-standing position: that tiny states must be permitted to flourish under an international order that is founded on transnational law and shared esteem. 'Singapore will stand on the side of principles,' he professed. 'We support a global economic and security system where all states—large or small—have the right to compete, cooperate, and improve lives through trade, not war.' Chan also delivered a warning note against nations that take one-sided steps in the name of national security. While he accepted the predisposition to value one's safety, he foretold the risk in ignoring long-held standards. 'If there is no trust in nations abiding by shared rules, the pursuit of security could trigger a vicious cycle—where seeking protection by one state leads to heightened insecurity in others,' he stated. With pressures festering in the Indo-Pacific and major powers steering a fluctuating global environment, Chan's message was clear: discussions and negotiations, not disconnection or conflict, are the only route to long-term armistice. See also Thai king fires royal guards for 'adultery'
Independent Singapore
2 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
U.S. urges Asian allies to prepare for China's ‘imminent' threat head-on
Screengrab from SINGAPORE: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered an absolute and grim message during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, forewarning that China's intentions toward Taiwan signify an upfront threat to global peace and security. A stark warning on Taiwan According to a recent CNN report, Hegseth made a clear warning saying that 'There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,' highlighting intelligence reports that the Chinese military is vigorously setting up a plausible attack on the island by 2027. Hegseth accused Beijing of attempting to redesign the Indo-Pacific order via military pressure, principally with its regular training drills mimicking an attack on Taiwan. U.S. calls for allied unity Hegseth stressed that the United States cannot dissuade China alone. 'We ask – and indeed, we insist – that our allies and partners do their part on defence,' he said, asking countries in the region to meaningfully increase defence outlays. He cited NATO partners who have allotted up to 5% of GDP on defence as a standard for Asian allies. Hegseth's comments echo a mounting resolve from the Trump government to strengthen preemption in the light of what he labelled Beijing's 'wake-up call' to the region. China pushes back against 'defamatory allegations' Beijing summarily rebuked Hegseth's remarks. In a statement, China's foreign ministry vilified the U.S. for making 'defamatory allegations' and 'sowing division' via the defence forum. Chinese bureaucrats maintained that they remain open to negotiation but carped at Washington's growing military pomposity in Asia. Pressures were further augmented by China's pronouncement to reduce its involvement and input in the forum, sending a low-level team instead of its defence minister. Rising tensions, but no backing down Notwithstanding calls for sobriety from other regional powers, Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. will manifest and sustain a strong presence in Asia. 'We will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies be subordinated and intimidated,' he said. While reiterating that Washington does not seek friction that could lead to war, he asserted that the Trump administration is dedicated to guaranteeing Taiwan's safety and will stand firm against Chinese hostility in contested areas such as the South China Sea. See also India hangs four over 2012 Delhi bus gang-rape Experts and forecasters note that, in contrast to recent changes in U.S. policy toward Europe, the administration's approach to Asia remains intensive and forceful, underscored by sustained combined military training with Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and South Korea. Without high-level consultations arranged between the U.S. and China, optimism for alleviating tensions appears minimal, leading to the reinforced geopolitical schisms presently defining the Indo-Pacific region.
