Pyongyang: North Korea has strongly condemned the United States after the commander of U.S. forces in South Korea likened South Korea to a "dagger in the heart of Asia" from China's perspective, revealing a true U.S. plan to use South Korea as a geopolitical tool to encircle China.
According to Thai News Agency, North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, published an analysis by foreign relations critic Kim Myong-chol, which condemned and branded the United States as "the world's worst peace destroyer and war empire." The analysis stated that this rhetoric demonstrates the US views the Korean Peninsula as merely the center of a bloc confrontation and attempts to ignite a new Cold War. North Korea warned that US efforts to strengthen its collective defense against Asia-Pacific nations would only encourage surrounding powers like China and Russia to cooperate more closely to counter and retaliate.
North Korea's stance comes after General Xavier Brunson, commander of US Forces Korea (USFK), stated during a podcast interview with the Strategic Institute (SSI) of the US Army War College that, viewed from China's east coast, Korea is like a dagger piercing the heart of Asia. He also compared Japan to a shield protecting against China's regional ambitions.
The Chinese Embassy in Seoul quickly condemned General Brunson's remarks, describing them as crossing the line, full of hatred and aggression towards China. The South Korean presidential office acknowledged the incident and stated it was trying to maintain communication with the United States. However, local media outlets such as News1 and JTBC reported that the South Korean government was deeply concerned and regretful about the American military commander's comments, as they created an awkward situation for South Korea, which is trying to pursue diplomatic efforts to balance its relationship with China.