Brunson, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, recently stated regarding the U.S. media reports on 'reducing U.S. forces in Korea,' 'I have heard nothing from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.'
On the 27th (local time), Commander Brunson said during an online seminar hosted by the Korea-U.S. Institute (ICAS), 'I am the senior officer of the U.S. military stationed in Korea,' adding, 'the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has not called me regarding the reports or said anything at all.'
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 22nd, citing U.S. Department of Defense officials, that the Ministry of National Defense is considering relocating approximately 4,500 U.S. troops stationed in Korea to other regions.
In response, Commander Brunson pointed out, 'The WSJ article did not quote the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff either.'
The U.S. Forces Korea also stated through a statement, 'Reports that the U.S. Department of Defense will reduce U.S. forces in Korea are not true,' and added, 'The U.S. is firmly committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea and hopes to maintain and strengthen its unwavering alliance with the new government.'
On that day, Commander Brunson emphasized that U.S. Forces Korea are strategically important to deter military expansion by China and Russia.
He stated, 'There are no U.S. forces deployed on the Asian continent (excluding U.S. Forces Korea),' and added, 'The only U.S. forces currently stationed within a straight-line distance of 400-600 km from Beijing, China, are our troops.'
Regarding South Korea's own nuclear armament, Commander Brunson remarked, 'Whether Korea will have nuclear weapons is a matter of Korea's sovereignty,' and stated, 'The most appropriate answer to that question will come from the person who wins the presidential election.'