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USFK Commander Declares Korea Central to Indo‑Pacific Security, Promotes Strategic Triangle

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Brunson Stresses Korea’s Centrality to Regional Deterrence Speaking at the closed‑door Honolulu Defense Forum on Jan 12‑13, 2026, Gen. Xavier Brunson framed the Korean Peninsula as “key terrain” for U.S. security in the Indo‑Pacific and noted a growing recognition of its centrality among allies [1]. He warned that myths of isolation could limit power projection and complicate deterrence strategies [1]. The remarks positioned Korea as a linchpin linking land‑based and maritime capabilities across the region [1].

Strategic Triangle and First Island Chain Emphasized Brunson promoted a “strategic triangle” linking South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, arguing that the three partners together enhance depth, technology, and sea‑lane access [1]. He advocated using an east‑up map to place the eastern arc at the top, reinforcing the First Island Chain—from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines—as the primary security perimeter [1]. The triangle concept aims to coordinate defense postures and deter aggression along this critical maritime corridor [1].

Sideline Talks Highlight Allied Coordination On the forum’s sidelines, Brunson met with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner to discuss joint security issues [1]. He described the combined U.S.–South Korea defense posture as “incredible,” citing everyday collaboration as a force multiplier [1]. The meetings underscored a push for deeper trilateral cooperation to address emerging threats in the region [1].

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Timeline

Dec 15, 2025 – Gen. Xavier Brunson tells an audience at the National Defense University that “the Korean Peninsula is the hinge between the Asian continent and Pacific maritime approaches,” positioning it as the first chapter of U.S. Indo‑Pacific strategy and urging deeper alliance modernization to counter North Korea’s growing ties with Russia[5].

Dec 29, 2025 – Speaking at a Seoul forum, Brunson declares Korea “not simply reacting to threats on the peninsula” but a proactive partner under the new U.S. National Security Strategy, emphasizing the need to defend the First Island Chain and warning that “North Korea’s deepening military partnership with Russia advances its missile and nuclear programs in dangerous ways”[3].

Dec 29, 2025 – Brunson reiterates that Korea sits at the crossroads of regional dynamics, cites the NSS call for Seoul and Tokyo to protect the First Island Chain, and stresses that North Korea’s alignment with Russia is a long‑term strategic decision, not a temporary bargaining tactic[4].

Jan 1, 2026 – At the ROK‑U.S. Combined Policy Forum, Brunson frames Korea as the “central axis of regional stability,” warning that U.S. forces at Osan could be seen by Beijing as an “adjacent force capable of producing immediate effects” and noting proposals to create a Northeast Asia Combatant Command headquartered in Seoul, which critics fear could entrench the peninsula as a hub for great‑power competition[2].

Jan 12‑13, 2026 – During the Honolulu Defense Forum, Brunson meets Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippines Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, promotes a strategic triangle of South Korea, Japan and the Philippines, and advocates using an east‑up map to highlight Korea’s depth, Japan’s technology and the Philippines’ sea‑lane access as key to regional deterrence[1].

Jan 16, 2026 – In a closed‑door session of the Honolulu Defense Forum, Brunson declares Korea “central to Indo‑Pacific security,” warns against “myths that limit strategic flexibility,” praises the “incredible” combined defense posture with Seoul, and urges allies to safeguard the First Island Chain stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines as the backbone of U.S. regional deterrence[1].

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