The Donald Trump administration started with a powerful image of the U.S. president publicly signing 100 executive orders and pardoning supporters. New secretaries of state and defense have been confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and a new national security adviser is in place. The Korean Peninsula is focused on every word that is coming from the new U.S. leadership. Although, South Koreans are focusing on possible pressures that will lead to an increase in cost-sharing and a possible deal between the U.S. and North Korea regarding nuclear weapons that would exclude South Koreans. This is an oversimplified view.

The Trump administration is stating that it must adopt a focused, realistic defense strategy centered on denying adversaries the ability to achieve regional hegemony, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and maintaining a balance of power favorable to American interests and allies. Its focus is on China as the primary threat because of its economic power, military capabilities and regional ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Denial and not dominance is the goal. To succeed, the U.S. must strengthen and rely on alliances, ensuring that allies take on greater responsibility for their defense. This includes providing support but expecting allies to contribute more actively to regional stability. If the ally is not willing to do its part, then it is no longer an ally but a liability.

The Trump administration is advocating for a stronger South Korea that is more capable and willing to do its part. If South Korea spends 10 times the amount of money on defense and still lacks the resolve to defend itself, then it is not going to be seen as a reliable ally that can do its part in the defense of freedom and democracy. South Korea must look at itself and ask: Are we doing........

© The Korea Times