Pentagon Strategy Shifts North Korea Deterrence to South Korea

The Pentagon released its National Defense Strategy on Friday, outlining a shift in the U.S.-South Korea alliance where Seoul would assume primary responsibility for deterring North Korean threats, supported by critical but more limited American forces. The document, which guides U.S. military policy, emphasizes South Korea's growing capabilities amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The strategy assesses that South Korea possesses the means and determination to lead deterrence efforts against Pyongyang. "With its powerful military, supported by high defense spending, a robust defense industry, and mandatory conscription, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support," the document states. It adds that Seoul "also has the will to do so, given that it faces a direct and clear threat from North Korea." North Korea's military, including its nuclear arsenal, represents a "direct military threat" to South Korea and a "clear and present" danger of nuclear attack on the U.S. homeland, according to the report.

South Korea maintains about 450,000 active troops and has steadily enhanced its defense...