Seoul: The commander of the U.S. military in South Korea stated that Seoul and Washington must modernize their longstanding military alliance through "adaptability," in light of potential changes from the Trump administration aimed at countering threats from China.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), made these comments during a forum in Seoul. His remarks come amid speculations that Washington might adjust the role of the USFK to address evolving regional security dynamics, alongside its posture to deter North Korea.

Brunson highlighted the need for modernization through adaptability, stressing that the alliance is a foundation for the future rather than a relic of the past. He emphasized the alliance's role in shaping the environment and setting the terms of stability in the Indo-Pacific region, securing both present and future safety for soldiers and citizens.

The general referenced China's significant military drills around Taiwan in 2022 to underscore the importance of forming coalitions among like-minded nations during crises. He pointed out that these drills demonstrated the need for deterrence and readiness to account for unexpected changes, highlighting that security extends beyond capabilities to include coalitions of nations willing to act swiftly in times of crisis.

This week, South Korea, the United States, and Japan initiated trilateral military exercises, which are perceived as a step towards enhancing their three-way security cooperation against North Korean threats. The five-day Freedom Edge exercise took place in international waters near South Korea's Jeju Island.

Brunson remarked that these trilateral drills are a clear demonstration of expanding beyond bilateral deterrence to integrated regional security, reinforcing the message of unity, interoperability, and readiness among the participating nations.