US troops in South Korea could be “critical” for containing China, and might potentially benefit Seoul’s outreach to the Arctic, according to the front runner for the coming presidential election who has signalled a possible change in his position on China.
During an exclusive interview with Time Magazine published on Thursday, the Democratic Party of Korea’s (DPK) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said US Forces Korea (USFK) could play a “critical role for the United States policy of containment against China”.

He also said Washington’s recent rapprochement with Moscow was “a means to exert pressure on China” and could benefit Seoul with the possible opening of Arctic shipping routes.

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Political divide widens along gender lines for young first-time voters in South Korea

Political divide widens along gender lines for young first-time voters in South Korea

“If so, it could offer strategic advantages, not only for the US and Russia but also for Korea,” he said, according to Time.

South Korea is set to hold a presidential election on Tuesday. Former president Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached in April, following political turmoil stemming from his abrupt declaration of martial law in December.

Lee and the progressive DPK lead South Korea’s presidential race with up to 50 per cent of public support according to the polls.

They have largely been regarded as more friendly in their diplomacy with China compared to Yoon and his conservative People Power Party (PPP), which emphasised the alliance with the US and strengthening South Korea’s outreach in addressing security challenges outside the Korean peninsula.

During the last presidential election campaign in 2022 when Lee competed with Yoon for the presidency, Lee was criticised for his description of the American military in Korea as “occupation forces”.