SEOUL: North Korea slammed on Wednesday remarks by the top American military official in South Korea comparing his host nation to “the dagger in the heart of Asia,” saying it reflected Washington’s strategy to contain China. General Xavier Brunson made the comments in an interview as speculation builds that Washington may seek to expand the US Forces Korea (USFK) role in countering China’s regional influence. About 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea to help guard against the nuclear-armed North.

Korea showed uneasiness about remarks by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander describing the country as a “dagger” in Asia — controversial wordin...

A top commander’s blunt remark spotlights a fundamental disagreement over the true purpose of the 28,500 US troops based in South Korea.

The Koreas have proven they are no longer simple proxies, but they remain trapped in a geography that punishes miscalculation.