US EditionPentagon Says South Korea Will Lead North Korea Deterrence
South Korea will lead deterrence against North Korean threats with US providing limited support, reflecting increased burden-sharing and a focus on broader regional security challenges.
- On Friday, the Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy assigns South Korea primary responsibility to deter North Korean threats while the United States provides critical but more limited support, framing the change as a shift in security responsibility to align with America's defense priorities.
- Backed by a voluntary 3.5 percent of GDP defense pledge, South Korea's powerful military, defense industry, and conscription make it capable of leading North Korea deterrence.
- The strategy warns the DPRK poses a direct military threat to the ROK and Japan, with missile and nuclear forces growing and threatening the American homeland.
- Speculation followed that Washington will seek changes to U.S. Forces Korea's mission, while the Pentagon says it will prioritize incentives and calls burden-sharing essential to encourage allies and partners.
- Like its predecessor, the 2026 National Defense Strategy omits pursuing North Korea's denuclearization and aligns with President Donald Trump's call to modernize the Seoul-Washington alliance and deter China.
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The US is taking a step back from defending itself against North Korea. Donald Trump wants to focus on domestic security instead. “South Korea is capable of taking the primary responsibility,” a new Pentagon document says.
Pentagon changes tack and admits China NOT a top priority as US offers ‘more limited’ support to allies after Donald Trump hit out at Nato
The Pentagon has released its National Defense Strategy, in which it confirmed its priority has shifted from China to an "America First" policy amid another turbulent week for Nato-American relations.In the wake of President Trump's threats of tariffs to Nato members who did not support his acquisition of Greenland, the report states the US will now offer "more limited" support to its allies."For too long, the US Government neglected — even reje…
US signals pullback on North Korea deterrence as South Korea takes the lead
The Pentagon signals a shift towards a reduced US military role in South Korea as Seoul takes on greater defence responsibility amid rising regional tensions. This strategic recalibration aligns with America’s broader focus on countering China and securing homeland defence.
A new strategy paper of the US Department of Defense sees a more limited role of the US in deterring North Korea. Priority is the defence of the home country.
Pentagon sees 'limited' role in deterring North Korea
According to the new defense strategy, the US will in future only provide for a more "limited" role in deterring North Korea. South Korea will take the lead.
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