South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday there have been no discussions with the United States about reducing U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, after President Donald Trump said Washington is considering cutting forces in Germany.
Asked about the issue at a regular briefing, ministry spokesperson Jeong Bitna said, "There have been no discussions at all between South Korea and the United States regarding a reduction of U.S. Forces Korea." She said the main mission of U.S. Forces Korea is to maintain a strong combined defense posture with South Korean forces to deter and respond to North Korean invasion and provocations.
Jeong said the allies will continue close consultations to ensure the stable stationing of U.S. forces in South Korea and to strengthen the combined defense posture.
Trump wrote on social media Truth Social on April 29 (local time) that the United States is looking at the possibility of reducing troops in Germany and that a decision would be made soon.
The remarks prompted speculation the move could be retaliation for Germany's lack of active cooperation in the Iran war.
Meanwhile, the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which took effect last December, includes provisions barring the use of funds to reduce U.S. Forces Korea below 28,500 troops.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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