Kim Jun-hyung, the floor leader of the Patriotic Innovation Party, criticized the government's consideration of expanding the operational area and changing the mission of the Cheonghae Unit, calling it a 'trick.'
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim stated, "Expanding the operational area of the Cheonghae Unit is deployment, not a clever move. The principle of non-intervention in war should not be circumvented by expanding the mission of the Cheonghae Unit."
He expressed concerns that even without direct combat involvement, there is a risk of military engagement, noting, "If our warships are attacked or information collected by maritime patrol aircraft is used in military operations, the adversary may perceive this as hostile military action."
Kim further warned, "Who can guarantee that once the operational scope is widened, it won't become the starting point for future military demands?" He cautioned against potential additional military requests, such as entering the Strait of Hormuz. He added, "Deploying the Cheonghae Unit will not resolve the current crisis in U.S.-South Korea relations," asserting that the issue lies in the U.S. repeatedly making unilateral demands and pressures without respecting the sovereignty and national interests of its allies.
Kim praised President Lee Jae-myung for publicly rejecting U.S. deployment requests in September, stating, "It is commendable that he is the first president to openly refuse U.S. deployment among past presidents," and emphasized, "I oppose any form of deployment that circumvents the principle of non-intervention in war."
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim stated, "Expanding the operational area of the Cheonghae Unit is deployment, not a clever move. The principle of non-intervention in war should not be circumvented by expanding the mission of the Cheonghae Unit."
He expressed concerns that even without direct combat involvement, there is a risk of military engagement, noting, "If our warships are attacked or information collected by maritime patrol aircraft is used in military operations, the adversary may perceive this as hostile military action."
Kim further warned, "Who can guarantee that once the operational scope is widened, it won't become the starting point for future military demands?" He cautioned against potential additional military requests, such as entering the Strait of Hormuz. He added, "Deploying the Cheonghae Unit will not resolve the current crisis in U.S.-South Korea relations," asserting that the issue lies in the U.S. repeatedly making unilateral demands and pressures without respecting the sovereignty and national interests of its allies.
Kim praised President Lee Jae-myung for publicly rejecting U.S. deployment requests in September, stating, "It is commendable that he is the first president to openly refuse U.S. deployment among past presidents," and emphasized, "I oppose any form of deployment that circumvents the principle of non-intervention in war."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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