Washington: The United States is considering adjusting its military presence on the Korean Peninsula to deter China, according to a senior U.S. defense official. The official emphasized the importance of modernizing the U.S.-South Korea alliance and calibrating U.S. force posture in the region, suggesting potential changes to the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the official mentioned Washington's intention to collaborate with South Korea's incoming government to maintain a strategically sustainable partnership. This follows reports, which the Pentagon denied, about a possible withdrawal of 4,500 troops from the 28,500-strong USFK to other Indo-Pacific locations, including Guam.

The official reiterated the priority of deterring China and the need to modernize the alliance with Seoul, ensuring that the combined force posture on the peninsula effectively contributes to deterrence against China and North Korea. The remarks hinted at the possibility of revisiting the USFK troop levels to address regional security dynamics.

Another defense official noted that the U.S. assesses its global military force posture daily, with no current changes announced for the USFK. The briefing coincided with a flight to Singapore, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue alongside other meetings.

Hegseth's agenda in Singapore includes delivering remarks on regional threats posed by China and discussing strategies for deterrence through a strong network of allies and partners. He will also engage in multilateral and bilateral talks with counterparts from Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries.

This trip to Singapore marks Secretary Hegseth's second visit to the Indo-Pacific region this year, following his initial visit in late March.