US forces to remain in South Korea: Top diplomat

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said that US forces stationed in the country and their role will remain unchanged amid ongoing speculation that President Donald Trump's administration may reduce troop levels as part of a military posture adjustment.

"We are talking with the United States, but there is no concern about the US forces in Korea. We believe that they will remain as such, and their role will remain as of today," Cho said in an interview with The Washington Post published Sunday.

Speculation persists over the possibility of a reduction in the 28,500-strong US Forces Korea as part of a military posture adjustment by the Trump administration as it prioritizes deterring China.

The Pentagon has maintained silence over the matter.

Asked what the potential troop drawdown would mean for bilateral relations, Cho cast it as hypothetical and said he does not believe it will happen.

"I don't think it will happen. I have met a number of senators this time, and they all have assured me that it will not be the case," he said.

Cho was referring to his visit to Washington last week, where he held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and met with US government officials, lawmakers and experts from think tanks.

On China, Cho said that President Lee Jae Myung’s government seeks to maintain good relations with Beijing, although its economic and geopolitical rise has become "somewhat problematic" for its neighbors.

Cho said that South Korea will work with Japan to address various challenges posed by China, emphasizing the need for engaging with Beijing rather than attempting to contain it.

"I've emphasized that all of these things will be in good collaboration with our ally, the United States," he said.

He deemed the recent tariff agreement reached with the Trump administration a "win-win" proposal that gives South Korea a chance to "remain at the top" in manufacturing areas.

The US agreed to lower the reciprocal tariff rate for goods from South Korea to 15% from the originally proposed 25%. South Korea in return committed to investing $350 billion in US industries.