Pentagon to reduce its role in deterrence of North Korea

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Raphael Rashid and agenciesJanuary 24, 2026 at 07:18 AM

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A new Pentagon policy document indicates a planned reduction in the U.S. role in deterring North Korea, shifting primary responsibility to South Korea. This move, outlined in the National Defense Strategy, reflects a desire to update the U.S. force posture on the Korean Peninsula and potentially allow U.S. forces to address broader regional threats, such as China. While South Korea has increased its defense capabilities and seeks greater autonomy, it maintains that U.S. forces remain central to deterring North Korean aggression. The document notably omits any mention of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula, suggesting a possible shift in U.S. strategy towards managing, rather than eliminating, North Korea's nuclear arsenal. The Pentagon's priority is defending the homeland and ensuring China cannot dominate the U.S. or its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Taiwan 50% Biden administration 50% Trump administration 50% US Forces in Korea 60% Lee Jae Myung 60% National Defense Strategy 70% China ×370% Korean Peninsula ×270% United States ×690% Pentagon ×690% South Korea ×795% North Korea ×695%

Keywords

north korea 100% south korea 90% deterrence 90% us troops 80% defense capabilities 70% denuclearisation 60% alliance modernisation 60% china 50% pentagon 50% military threat 40%