North Korea slams U.S. over plans to expand forces' role in South Korea

Pyongyang has strongly condemned Washington's push for "strategic flexibility" of US forces in South Korea, warning it could spark regional conflict and accusing the U.S. of pursuing hegemony in the Asia-Pacific.

North Korea on Tuesday denounced the United States for seeking "strategic flexibility" in the deployment of its troops stationed in South Korea, calling it an “attempt of aggression” and warning it could trigger instability across Northeast Asia.

In a strongly worded commentary published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang accused the U.S. of preparing to broaden the role of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to counter China’s “growing assertiveness” in the region.

“The strategic intention of the U.S. is clear—to maintain its hegemonic grip on the Asia-Pacific under the pretext of regional threats,” KCNA said. The commentary slammed the move as “extremely provocative” and warned that such flexibility would “ignite various elements of conflict” and “bring about a huge chain explosion.”

Speculation has grown in recent weeks that Washington may seek to expand the USFK’s operational scope beyond the Korean Peninsula to include broader regional engagements, particularly as part of efforts to counterbalance China.

KCNA also issued a pointed warning to Seoul, stating that South Korea would serve as the primary forward base and its military could be drawn into war under what it called a “subordinated structure” of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

“The evermore reckless provocative acts of the enemies with the appearance of the present U.S. administration are giving us the justness and urgency for updating and building the most overwhelming and offensive deterrent,” the North added, signaling that it may ramp up its own military posture in response.

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