South Korea Responds Privately to USFK Commander’s Dagger Remarks
The criticism seems overblown, but this is typical Chinese behavior to intentionally overreact if they can cause tensions between the U.S. and an ally:
South Korea has delivered its position to the United States over the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander’s recent controversial remarks that likened South Korea to a “dagger” in Asia, according to presidential officials Saturday.
In a recent podcast interview hosted by the U.S. Army War College, Brunson described South Korea as “the dagger in the heart of Asia,” prompting criticism from the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, which said the remarks “crossed the line.”
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, the defense ministry and the foreign ministry have delivered the country’s position over the remarks through respective diplomatic and security channels, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Although a Cheong Wa Dae official declined to elaborate on the government’s position regarding Bruson’s remarks, security watchers say the message was likely that of regret.
“(We) are aware of Commander Brunson’s recent public remarks, and there are communications between South Korea and the United States on various pending issues at various levels,” the official said.
You can read more at the link, but I would guess the ROK government’s response was something like that they know this criticism is stupid from the Chinese, but that they would appreciate it if the USFK commander could be more careful with his comments to avoid more stupid criticism in the future.
