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[Anchor] The commander of U.S. Forces Korea recently said that, from China’s perspective, South Korea resembles a “dagger” — a remark that has provoked a diplomatic stir. The government, including the Blue House (South Korea’s presidential office), has reportedly expressed concern. The U.S. Forces Korea commander has defended the comment, saying he was describing the operational environment facing the United States. This is Ji Seong-rim. [Reporter] U.S. Forces Korea commander Javier Brunson, speaking on a podcast hosted by the U.S. Army War College, said, “From China’s east coast, Korea — at the heart of Asia — stands out as a dagger.” He characterized Japan as a bulwark when China seeks to push beyond the South China Sea. Analysts interpret his remarks as underscoring the geopolitical importance of South Korea and Japan, and the strategic value of U.S. forces stationed there in Washington’s efforts to check China’s influence. The Chinese Embassy in Seoul issued a strong protest, saying Brunson had crossed a line. Critics within South Korea’s ruling party accused him of highlighting only the U.S. perspective while ignoring Seoul’s bilateral ties with Beijing and South Korea’s own strategic assessments. As the controversy grew, Seoul reportedly conveyed regret and concern to U.S. officials about Brunson’s remarks. Those messages were delivered through multiple diplomatic and security channels, including the National Security Office, the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A Blue House official declined to confirm details of consultations with Washington but said the government is aware of the comments and that officials at various levels are communicating with U.S. counterparts on related issues. Brunson later publicly clarified the “dagger” remark. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he said he was attempting to explain the operational environment the United States faces in response to a question from a Chinese academic, and that the comment was not intended as a hostile gesture toward China. This is Ji Seong-rim of Yonhap News TV. [Video editing: Park Sang-gyu] [Graphics: Nam Jin-hee] [News tips] Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Ji Seong-rim (yoonik@yna.co.kr)
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