Washington: The United States plans to take a more limited role in deterring North Korea, according to a new Pentagon strategy document that signals a shift in how Washington shares security responsibilities with its allies.
The change is outlined in the latest National Defense Strategy, which says the United States will rely more on South Korea to take the lead in defending itself against threats from Pyongyang. U.S. officials say South Korea now has stronger military capabilities and a growing defence budget, making it better placed to handle much of the deterrence role.
About 28,500 U.S. troops are currently stationed in South Korea. While the Pentagon has not announced an immediate reduction in troop numbers, the strategy suggests that Washington wants to focus its military resources on protecting the U.S. homeland and responding to broader global challenges, especially in the Indo Pacific region.
Officials say the shift does not mean abandoning South Korea. The United States will continue to support its ally through joint planning, intelligence sharing and advanced military systems. However, the main responsibility for responding to North Korean threats is expected to move increasingly to Seoul.
The policy reflects a wider push by the U.S. to encourage allies to take on more of their own defence as Washington concentrates on competition with major powers such as China.
A senior U.S. defence official is expected to visit South Korea and Japan in the coming days to discuss the new strategy and reassure allies that cooperation will continue despite the changes.
South Korean officials have said they remain committed to close coordination with the United States and view the American military presence as an important part of regional stability.
The move marks a significant shift in decades of U.S. policy, under which Washington played the leading role in deterring North Korea. It comes at a time when Pyongyang continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles, keeping tensions high on the Korean peninsula.