President Roh Moo Hyun's comments Tuesday at the air force academy's graduation ceremony about the "strategic flexibility" of United States Forces Korea (USFK) contained sensitive and important points. He noted that there are various voices of concern regarding an expanded role for USFK, and said it is "clear that our people will not be entangled in conflicts in Northeast Asia without their consent."
What he said is closely related to the Security Policy Initiative being discussed in-depth by Korean and US leaders, which is about the future of the alliance and readjustments in the role of the USFK. The Bush Administration has established something called the Global Defense Posture Review (GPR) and is converting global US forces to a rapid reaction format. As is well known the US wants to have USFK assume more mobile functions in addition to its purpose of deterring North Korea. That is probably why it is turning the USFK's 2nd Infantry into a high-tech "future division" that has "long distance operational" abilities.
That is why President Roh has made it clear in such a delicate situation that while Korea respects the US's strategy of global "strategic flexibility," the government will not permit involvement in Northeast Asia that directly relates to Korea's destiny. If the USFK gets involved in a dispute between China and Taiwan, Korea could very likely be drawn into the conflict for providing the US with bases. It is possible Korea could be forced with some complicated choices when after getting stuck between the US and China.
You can see that President Roh's comments and concerns are very appropriate. The question is how to force the US to discuss with us the issue of the USFK's "strategic flexibility." It has to be made clear whether there has to be "complete agreement" or "prior notification." In addition, what the president said could be seen by some as tolerant of the dispatch of USFK forces to areas of conflict beyond Northeast Asia, and we feel we must make it known that over the long run that will be a burden for security on the Korean peninsula.
The Hankyoreh, 10 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] 'Strategic Flexibility' vs Korea's National Interest |
