Seoul: The chief of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has emphasized the strategic importance of a "strategic triangle" formed by South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines for regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This concept was introduced in reference to an "east-up" map that positions the eastern regions at the top of the map, highlighting the geographic significance of these three allies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gen. Xavier Brunson remarked on the strategic triangle's potential in an article on the USFK website, amidst calls from Washington for its allies to enhance "collective defense" and "strategic flexibility" due to the intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry. The east-up mapping approach, unlike conventional maps, visually emphasizes areas south of the Korean Peninsula, including Taiwan and the Philippines.
Brunson noted that the strategic triangle, when viewed as interconnected rather than isolated bilateral relationships, reveals a "collective potential" for regional stability. He clarified that this framework does not constitute a new alliance but seeks practical coordination methods based on geographic ties.
The USFK commander highlighted the unique capabilities of each country: South Korea's central depth, Japan's technological and maritime strengths, and the Philippines' access to critical southern sea lanes. He stressed that South Korea's strategic position could mitigate the challenges posed by the geographic expanse of the Indo-Pacific region.
Brunson further stated that South Korea serves as a strategic pivot, with USFK headquarters in Camp Humphreys strategically located to address regional threats. He emphasized that forces on the Korean Peninsula are not distant assets but are positioned within a crucial perimeter, ready for any crisis or contingency.
The issue of strategic flexibility and the potential adjustment of the USFK's role has been a subject of discussion in the longstanding South Korea-U.S. alliance. This conversation is driven by China's increasing assertiveness and the growing military alignment between North Korea and Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during recent bilateral security talks, mentioned that regional contingencies could prompt a review of the USFK's deployment, particularly concerning the Taiwan Strait.
Brunson underscored that flexibility is essential for maintaining credible deterrence in a dynamic environment. He clarified that this does not shift the focus away from Korea but rather positions the Korean Peninsula as central to maintaining peace across the Indo-Pacific.
North Korea, however, has criticized the east-up map as a "map for invasion," claiming it reveals U.S. intentions to invade Asia, as reported by its state media in July.