South Korea says it cannot stop US forces from redeploying weapons to the Middle East, raising concerns over regional defence gaps and potential North Korean miscalculation.
SEOUL: South Korea’s president stated the country cannot prevent the United States from redeploying some weapons stationed on the peninsula. President Lee Jae Myung made the remarks after reports that US Patriot missile defence systems were being sent to the Middle East.
“It appears that there is controversy recently over US Forces in Korea shipping some weapons, such as artillery batteries and air-defence weapons, out of the country,” Lee said in a cabinet meeting. He noted that while Seoul had expressed opposition, it was not in a position to make demands.
Lee insisted the removal of some US weapons “does not hinder deterrence strategy towards North Korea.” He cited South Korea’s superior defence spending and conventional capabilities.
Reports on shifting key US military assets have sparked concern in Asia about potential gaps in regional defences. The weapons are currently used to deter military flexing by China and North Korea.
South Korean media reported some missile batteries had been shipped from Osan Air Base. They were likely to be redeployed to US military bases in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Reuters photographs at the Osan Air Base showed multiple mobile launchers on the tarmac. Experts confirmed they appeared to be Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors.
US Forces Korea declined to comment on the relocation, citing operational security. South Korean authorities have not confirmed the media reports.
Military analysts warned North Korea could misinterpret the weapon relocation. “There is a risk that North Korea could miscalculate the relocation of some of these weapons as a pretext for low-level provocations to test the allies’ defence posture,” said Professor Choi Gi-il.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently called South Korea its “most hostile enemy.” He oversaw a missile test from a naval destroyer last week.
The US is also moving naval assets from Japan to support operations. Two US guided-missile destroyers homeported in Yokosuka are currently deployed in the Arabian Sea.
The head of Japan’s main opposition party raised concerns about the deployment in parliament. “Japan has not permitted the stationing of US forces so they can sortie from those bases to fire missiles towards the Middle East,” Junya Ogawa said.
He added the vessels should be ensuring Japan’s security and maintaining peace in East Asia. Japan’s government has not commented on the deployment.
US and Israeli forces have been striking strategic targets inside Iran for more than a week. Analysts warn a prolonged conflict drawing Washington’s focus away from Asia could threaten regional stability.
