An image of the so-called “inverted East Asia map” used by U.S. Forces Korea. Analysts say the map is intended to demonstrate the strategic flexibility of USFK, signaling that its role is not limited solely to deterring North Korea. In this regard, Commander Brunson has stated—both in a post on the U.S. Forces Korea website and in responses to questions from the defense press corps—that “South Korea’s role is a natural strategic center of gravity.” (Image courtesy of U.S. Forces Korea)
TOKYO, Jan. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — The United States military in South Korea is reassessing the scope of its operations with an eye toward a potential conflict over Taiwan, a shift that would mark a significant broadening of the force’s traditional mission of deterring North Korea, according to a report published Sunday by Nikkei.
The Japanese newspaper cited recent remarks by Xavier Brunson, the commander of United States Forces Korea, who said at a forum in Seoul late last month that South Korea “is not just about addressing threats on the Korean Peninsula.”
Nikkei noted that USFK also posted an East Asia map on its website that inverted north and south, highlighting distances from Seoul not only to Pyongyang but also to Beijing, Taipei and Manila — a move the paper interpreted as underscoring the force’s broader regional reach.
Nikkei said the comments reflect growing U.S. concern over the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan and a renewed emphasis on “flexibility” for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. The newspaper recalled that during a visit to South Korea in November, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed Washington’s commitment to stability on the peninsula while also calling for greater readiness to respond to other contingencies in the region.
South Korea’s government has traditionally been cautious about deploying U.S. forces stationed on its soil to third countries. But Nikkei argued that the strategic logic for such flexibility has become stronger as tensions around Taiwan intensify.
The paper highlighted the geographic importance of Camp Humphreys, the main USFK headquarters located about 70 kilometers south of Seoul. The base is close not only to North Korea but also, by regional standards, to China and Taiwan, and sits near Osan Air Base and Pyeongtaek Port, making it well positioned for the movement of troops and supplies in a crisis.
Nikkei also pointed to the U.S. deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones at Gunsan, suggesting they may be intended to monitor Chinese activity as well as North Korean movements. The report said U.S. planners are particularly focused on the so-called first island chain — stretching from Okinawa through Taiwan to the Philippines — which Washington views as a critical barrier to China’s access to the Pacific.
A USFK official told Nikkei that South Korea could serve as an “ideal anchor” for containing Chinese naval movements within that chain. The newspaper added that Washington appears to be encouraging a larger role for the South Korean military, noting that President Donald Trump’s approval of South Korea’s plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines may also reflect an effort to counter China.
The analysis suggested that the United States is seeking to rebalance the burden of security in East Asia by pressing not only South Korea but also Japan to expand their roles as regional tensions rise.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
