US military to stay in South Korea, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis promises

The United States will maintain its "present" military presence in South Korea as part of a "foolproof" commitment to the country's security, Defense Minister Matt Mattis said Thursday. moo in Seoul, defending President Donald Trump's decision to end the "war games," while reassuring the East Asian ally of Washington's continued dedication to responding to any threat.

The commitment to the Republic of Korea remains uncontrollable and the United States will continue to use the full range of diplomatic and military capabilities to fulfill this commitment, "said the Secretary of State. He also added that this commitment includes "the maintenance of current levels of American force on the Korean peninsula." Currently, the United States has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis (left) shakes hands with South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo on June 28 in Seoul, South Korea. defended President Dona's decision ld Trump to end the "war games". his presence in South Korea.
Chung Sung-Jun / Pool via REUTERS

Mattis comments come after Trump's decision, after the historic Singapore summit of June 12 with the northern leader -Korean Kim Jong Un, To cancel the war games with South Korea, critics have called a useless concession to Pyongyang. Before the summit, The New York Times reported in early May that Trump had asked the Pentagon to consider cutting American troops on the Korean peninsula. National Security Advisor John Bolton quickly denied this information.

Advocating the cancellation of joint military exercises with South Korea, Mr. Mattis said this decision would create "a greater opportunity for our diplomats to negotiate. Peninsula, "Reuters reported.The secretary also insisted that US and South Korean forces" remain united, vigilant and ready to defend themselves against any challenge. "

Trump's decision to cancel The war games surprised the military leaders.After the announcement of the president on June 11, the spokeswoman for US forces in Korea, Lt. Col. Jennifer Lovett, said that the military leaders "do not have the military." had received no updated instructions on the execution or cessation of training exercises. "" Indefinitely suspended "as the President had promised

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Jermaine Ralliford via Getty Images 194 59022]

Many have criticized the decision, including Senator GOP John McCain, of Arizona.

Legislature issued a statement in mid-June, saying the decision is an "error". McCain adds, "We must not burden ourselves with providing so-called" good faith "concessions as the price of ongoing dialogue."

For its part, Seoul has publicly supported the movement. "We consider the ongoing denuclearization negotiations with North Korea to be crucial, as long as these negotiations continue, the decision of the South Korean and US governments will be maintained," said a spokeswoman for the South Korean government. . President Moon Jae-in has been a strong supporter of dialogue and the diplomatic path to peace with his country's neighbor. At the Singapore summit, Kim, North Korea, promised to engage fully in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. However, experts and satellite images have raised questions as to whether Pyongyang will actually honor the promise.