Seoul, Dec 29 (NationPress) The leader of American forces in South Korea stated on Monday that Seoul is not merely reacting to threats on the Korean Peninsula, as the U.S. has encouraged South Korea and other regional partners to play a role in ensuring maritime security within the Indo-Pacific.

General Xavier Brunson, head of US Forces Korea (USFK), expressed this viewpoint during a forum discussing the alliance with the United States, referencing the new U.S. National Security Strategy. This strategy highlights the necessity for Seoul and Tokyo to enhance their capabilities to defend the First Island Chain, a crucial perimeter for maintaining America's dominance against China in the Pacific, while notably omitting any mention of North Korea.

"The recently released U.S. National Security Strategy underscores this reality by highlighting the critical significance of not only this region but also Korea itself and the essential role that competent, like-minded allies play in maintaining stability and predictability in the Indo-Pacific," Brunson articulated during his address at the forum, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

"In this context, Korea is not merely reacting to threats on the peninsula. Korea occupies a pivotal position amid broader regional dynamics that influence the balance of power throughout Northeast Asia," he continued.

Regarding North Korea's military collaboration with Russia, particularly following the North's sending of troops to aid Moscow's efforts in Ukraine, Brunson remarked that Pyongyang has made a long-term strategic choice.

North Korea's strengthening military alliance with Russia, which includes the exchange of munitions for advanced technologies, has propelled the North's missile and nuclear initiatives "in perilous ways," Brunson noted.

"What we observe is a regime that has committed to a long-term strategic choice, rather than a temporary negotiation tactic," he stated.

On December 22, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced his intention to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula by pursuing dialogue with North Korea and other relevant nations, reiterating the administration's commitment to re-engage with Pyongyang.

Cho made these comments in a keynote address at an event organized by the South Korea-U.S. Parliamentarians Union, emphasizing it is time to "thoroughly contemplate what actions must be taken" to secure safety and peace on the peninsula.

"The two summits held between South Korea and the United States this year will lay the groundwork for these efforts," he added, highlighting the necessity of swiftly and effectively negotiating the agreements established in the joint fact sheet.

He further stated that South Korea must enhance deterrence while simultaneously seeking dialogue with North Korea and other pertinent nations.