Politico: Asian Allies Seek Self-Reliance Amid Anxiety Following Trump's Criticism of South Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to significantly scale back South Korea-U.S. joint military drills and his criticism of South Korea have sparked moves among America's Asian allies to seek self-reliance and cooperation amid rising anxiety, U.S. political outlet Politico reported on the 19th (local time).

Citing diplomats and other sources in the Asian region, Politico reported that as the Trump administration displays a dismissive attitude toward South Korea, U.S. allies in Asia are reconsidering how much they can depend on the U.S. for defense while also exploring cooperation to reduce their reliance on Washington.

"I think there's going to be a refocus on self-sufficiency," said an Asian diplomat.

"U.S. defense technology is still second to none, and it hasn't made economic or logical sense for countries already dependent on the United States to shift directions or diversify," the diplomat said. "However, over the long term, countries that have the capacity will likely invest more in self-reliance to reduce dependence on the American umbrella."

Politico reported that defense cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations is also expanding.

Japan and the Philippines signed an agreement last June to secure stable supply chains for joint military exercises, while India and Vietnam unveiled a plan for joint weapons production last May.

Ian Brzezinski, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense in the George W. Bush administration, assessed, "President Trump's latest move is sending shockwaves not only through South Korea but across the entire Indo-Pacific region. Everyone is wondering if their relationship with the United States is as shaky as South Korea's."

Politico noted that South Korea has also embarked on diversification, adding that in the long run, South Korea and Japan could pursue independent nuclear armament.

Jung Pak, who served as a senior North Korea policy official at the U.S. Department of State during the Joe Biden administration, pointed out, "President Lee Jae-myung has been talking about expanding ties with African nations, Gulf nations, and Japan, and this incident further highlights that South Korea needs to continue these efforts."

The redeployment of U.S. aircraft carriers stationed in the Pacific to the Middle East due to the war with Iran has also been a factor heightening anxiety among U.S. allies.

The depletion of U.S. weapons stockpiles exposed during the course of the war with Iran is further fueling unease in these countries.

Another Asian diplomat noted that it looks like a step back by the United States from the Asia-Pacific region, saying, "The core issue is not U.S. intentions, but whether the United States has the capability to maintain its promised level of (military) presence."

This presents a favorable opportunity for China.

Nicholas Burns, who served as the U.S. ambassador to China under the Biden administration, said, "China has long looked for opportunities to drive a wedge between South Korea and Japan, and President Trump's recent criticism of South Korea likely gives Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi an opportunity (through a visit to South Korea) to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington."

The New York Times (NYT) also cited current and former U.S. military officials to raise concerns that as allies question the Trump administration's commitment to maintaining partnerships and deterring China, the scaling back of joint South Korea-U.S. exercises is highly likely to weaken defense readiness in the region.

Curtis Scaparrotti, former commander of U.S. Forces Korea, pointed out regarding the reduction of live-fire drills in particular, "Using live ammunition in training and applying rigorous training standards are the most realistic ways to test readiness."

A U.S. Department of Defense official stated that the cost of South Korea-U.S. exercises this year is estimated at $6.9 million (9.6 billion KRW), and that cost savings from the reduction have not yet been finalized.

However, regarding troop movements and other aspects, most of the costs have already been incurred, the NYT reported, citing former military commanders.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.