North Korea has sharply condemned comments made by the top U.S. military commander in South Korea, accusing Washington of using Seoul as a strategic tool to counter China’s influence in the region.
General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), described South Korea as “the dagger in the heart of Asia” during an interview, a remark that has fuelled speculation that Washington may seek to expand USFK’s role beyond deterring North Korea to countering Beijing’s regional ambitions. The United States currently stations 28,500 troops in South Korea.
North Korea’s state-run KCNA published a commentary by analyst Kim Myong Chol, who denounced the general’s remarks as proof that the United States is “the chieftain of harassing peace and the world’s worst war empire.” Kim, often regarded as an unofficial overseas spokesman for Pyongyang, said the comments revealed Washington’s intention to use South Korea “as an important geopolitical instrument” in its strategy to contain China.
China, North Korea’s main economic and diplomatic backer, also reacted strongly. Beijing’s embassy in Seoul said the remarks had “truly crossed the line” and were “rife with hostility and aggression toward China,” questioning whether they reflected official U.S. policy.
South Korea’s presidential office said it was aware of Brunson’s comments and was maintaining communication with Washington. Local outlets including News1 and JTBC reported that Seoul had raised concerns with the United States.
Brunson also likened Japan to a “shield” acting as a backstop against China’s ambitions, according to a transcript released by the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute.
The controversy comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in Northeast Asia, where U.S. alliances with South Korea and Japan are increasingly viewed through the lens of strategic competition with China.
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