Don’t Use U.S. Troops as Bargaining Chips
The Pentagon should rethink its footprint in Asia based on strategic considerations, not short-term politics.
U.S. and South Korean marines training together.
Photographer: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
President Donald Trump seems to think that his re-election hinges partly on demonstrating his toughness against China. He might have a more credible case if he stopped undermining allies who are critical to that fight.
South Korea is only the most recent example. The Pentagon has reportedly presented Trump with options to withdraw some of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed on the Korean peninsula. While Defense Secretary Mark Esper says no decision has been made, the move certainly looks like a threat. It comes as the U.S. prepares to shift thousands of troops out of Germany and as Trump moves to accelerate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, promising to get “our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars.”