FM Cho says US troops in S. Korea to remain as is amid drawdown reports

South Korea's top diplomat has said the U.S. 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. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun made the remarks in an interview with The Washington Post, as speculation persists over the possibility of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea being reduced for use in operations outside the Korean Peninsula as the Trump administration prioritizes deterring an assertive China. Such a possibility has gained traction amid a growing view that Washington could push for a troop reduction, alongside other demands to reshape the alliance with Seoul, including increased defense spending, as part of broader efforts to "modernize" the alliance with a focus on countering China. "We are talking with the United States, but there is no concern about the U.S. forces in Korea. We believe that they will remain as such, and their role will remain as of today," Cho said in the interview, published Sunday (U.S. time). Asked what the potWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times