Pyongyang: North Korea on Tuesday criticized the United States for revisiting the issue of "strategic flexibility" concerning the U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, seeing it as an "attempt of aggression." The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) expressed this view in a commentary, highlighting concerns that Washington might be aiming to extend the role of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) in response to China's growing assertiveness.

According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed the development of the Pentagon's 2025 National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes increasing "burden-sharing" with allies and countering Chinese threats in the Indo-Pacific. The KCNA criticized this move as "extremely provocative," accusing the U.S. of having a "strategic intention to maintain its hegemonic position in the Asia-Pacific region."

The commentary further stated that the U.S. doctrine of aggression has evolved under the guise of responding to "uncertain security threats" globally since the end of the Cold War. North Korea argued that the strategic flexibility initiative could ignite conflicts in Northeast Asia and lead to significant regional instability.

Additionally, the article cautioned that South Korea might become a primary forward base and that its military could be drawn into conflict within the "subordinated structure" of its alliance with the U.S. if the USFK's role expands into major regions.

The KCNA concluded by asserting that the provocative actions of the current U.S. administration justify North Korea's efforts to enhance its offensive deterrent, signaling a strong warning through decisive actions.