Pentagon eyes expanded role for South Korea-based US forces to help deter China

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Seong Hyeon ChoiFebruary 1, 2026 at 03:00 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

The Pentagon is considering expanding the role of US forces stationed in South Korea beyond North Korea to include deterring China. This potential shift was signaled during a visit to South Korea by US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. Colby's trip, which also included Japan, involved meetings with senior foreign affairs and defense officials. He emphasized the need for a regional balance of power to prevent any single state from establishing hegemony. Colby linked the US military presence on the Korean peninsula to the "first island chain" strategy, suggesting a possible restructuring of forces to focus on this broader regional security concern. The "first island chain" includes territories vital to containing Chinese expansion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South China Sea 40% Donald Trump 40% Sejong Institute 40% Japan ×250% Taiwan Strait 60% Korean peninsula ×260% Elbridge Colby ×370% North Korea 70% China ×280% United States ×280% Pentagon ×290% South Korea ×490%

Keywords

us forces 90% south korea 80% china 80% taiwan strait 70% deterrence 70% first island chain 70% pentagon 60% national defence strategy 50% balance of power 50% elbridge colby 40%