Washington is preparing for major changes in military presence on the Korean Peninsula
According to leading American publications, notably The Wall Street Journal and Yonhap, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of withdrawing several thousand troops from South Korea. This decision is part of a broader strategic review of American presence in the Indo-Pacific region and could impact security across the entire area. According to WSJ, during internal consultations and informal discussions, active analysis is underway regarding the withdrawal of approximately 4,500 American service members from the current contingent of 28,500 stationed in Korea. Although the specific timing and details of the decision have not yet been determined, this step could significantly affect the situation on the peninsula, especially considering the high threat level from North Korea. As Yonhap notes, the option of withdrawing troops is currently being discussed among high-ranking officials and may be presented to President Trump for approval. At the same time, sources within the Pentagon emphasize that there are currently no official reports or confirmations of an intention to reduce the American contingent in the region. This indicates that the issue is still under discussion and no final decision has yet been made. It is important to highlight that this topic is not new in U.S. policy toward the Korean Peninsula. As early as Trump’s first term in office, starting in 2017, he repeatedly announced plans to revise the military presence on the peninsula, citing efforts to strengthen diplomacy and de-escalate tensions. However, in April 2023, U.S. military leaders in the region and Congress expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such reductions, emphasizing that decreasing the military force could increase security risks, particularly in the context of North Korea’s activities, as well as in relations with China and Russia. A WSJ source notes that although withdrawing troops from the Korean Peninsula preserves the possibility of their later return or redeployment to other strategically important locations, maintaining some military presence in the region has its advantages. For instance, Guam serves as a key base for U.S. operational forces in the region: it is located quite close to potential flashpoints in North Korea but remains difficult for Chinese military forces to access, adding a strategic layer. Considering the geopolitical situation and increasing tensions in the region, the issue of changing U.S. military deployment in Korea remains a key topic of discussion among experts, analysts, and military leaders. Its resolution will influence stability, the balance of power, and global security forecasts. Meanwhile, officials in Washington emphasize that the final decision will depend on socio-political developments, diplomatic efforts, and the assessment of all possible scenarios in the region.