Chinese Embassy in South Korea Warns U.S. Forces Korea Commander Over 'Dagger' Remark About South Korea: "He Has Crossed the Line"

The Chinese government has issued a warning, stating that United States Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Javier Brunson "has clearly crossed the line" after he likened South Korea to a "dagger" in a podcast appearance.

Javier Brunson, Commander of United States Forces Korea. Photo by United States Forces Korea

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in South Korea delivered this message on May 28 through a Q&A-style statement, saying, "We wish to sternly warn the Commander of United States Forces Korea."

The spokesperson criticized, "Were your hostile and aggressive remarks toward China approved by the White House, or are you attempting to challenge the consensus reached at the U.S.-China summit? Referring to neighboring countries as weapons, such as 'aircraft carriers' or 'daggers,' is this an act of belligerence or an attempt to use other countries as cannon fodder?"

The spokesperson also pointed out that some South Korean media have published commentaries criticizing the remarks, urging, "The Commander of United States Forces Korea should respect regional countries and make greater efforts to promote peace and stability in the region."

Previously, on May 22, Commander Brunson appeared on a podcast hosted by the United States Army War College. He said, "Looking at the East China Sea from China's perspective, South Korea would be seen as a 'dagger lodged in the heart of Asia,' while Japan would be perceived as a kind of shield and line of defense." He further explained that these countries serve as obstacles to China's ambitions to expand its influence beyond the South China Sea.

Commander Brunson had also likened South Korea to a "fixed aircraft carrier floating between Japan and mainland China" last year, emphasizing its role as a strategic hub for U.S. Indo-Pacific operations.

This recent statement from the Chinese Embassy in South Korea is interpreted as a message of caution regarding Commander Brunson's previous remarks about South Korea's geopolitical position and the strategic value of USFK.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.