General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoes South Korea still need the United States?
South Korea must feel like a bystander caught in a crossfire between two rival gangs. All they ever wanted was peace. And for 68 years, the United States has been the guarantor of that peace. We keep the peace by having 25,000 or so troops stationed in the demilitarized zone. The sole purpose of these troops is to die defending South Korea. Because they aren't enough to beat back a North Korean invasion, or more likely a massive artillery barage. If they die, the US would be forced into a war to defend South Korea.
But caught between two nuclear powers run by madmen, does South Korea still need or want US help? It has a powerful military of its own. It could probably beat back an invasion by itself, although with heavy civilian casualties. US help won't prevent massive casualties.
But with a nuclear equipped NK, they still might want a nuclear ally of their own. The logical choice is South Korea's biggest trading partner, China. China is already protecting SK. Last year, China told NK that they would not back a first strike against the US. This is probably a key reason NK has not attacked already. So maybe the smart move for SK is to replace American troops with Chinese. A Chinese rather than American presence will calm NK, and NK would never attack Chinese troops.
NK just said they want to have talks directly with SK. A peace treaty between the two with China as the guarantor would benefit all three countries. They will all feel safer Surely both sides have thought of this. Hell, I'd feel safer if we left the Korean Penninsula.
hack89
(39,171 posts)SK would have to develop a credible nuclear arsenal before they can forego an alliance with America.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)At least compared to an unreliable United States?
hack89
(39,171 posts)They intend to rebuild the great empires of the past. Recent history had also taught them the danger of being weak. They intend to dominate the region. They will not accept any country as an equal. An alliance with China is to become a vassal state.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)because they are better than the alternatives. The new Chinese empire will be like ours-more concerned about trade than physical domination.
hack89
(39,171 posts)which is what will happen if the US withdraws from the region.
As for physical domination, I assume you have not been paying attention to China's massive territorial grab of other countries territorial waters in violation of international law. They are the actions of an assertive and aggressive country.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)But like I said, it is preferable to the alternatives, which could include nuclear war.
hack89
(39,171 posts)their history tells them they have no reason to trust China. They are not going to abandon the US because of Trump.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)hack89
(39,171 posts)and perhaps will reduce tensions. Doesn't mean that SK is considering abandoning their strategic alliance with the US.
Look at it this way - SK knows that while Trump is in office things will be chaotic so they will do what is necessary to prevent war until he is out of office and there is a sane US president. But there is no reason for them to fundamentally change the balance of power, especially if they view Trump as an anomaly.
Motley13
(3,867 posts)the Asian countries will band together, the Arab countries will band together, the European counties will shun us, Canada, & Mexico will be the only ones in NATO,
We are in deep shit, NO LONGER THE LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD
And the effing moron has accomplished this in 1 year, cant say he didn't accomplish anything, just our destruction of US standing in the world.
Ferrets are Cool
(21,110 posts)they would be a lot better off if we would keep our fucking hands off THEIR countries.