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marylandblue

(12,344 posts)
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:08 PM Jan 2018

Does South Korea still need the United States?

South Korea must feel like a bystander caught in a crossfire between two rival gangs. All they ever wanted was peace. And for 68 years, the United States has been the guarantor of that peace. We keep the peace by having 25,000 or so troops stationed in the demilitarized zone. The sole purpose of these troops is to die defending South Korea. Because they aren't enough to beat back a North Korean invasion, or more likely a massive artillery barage. If they die, the US would be forced into a war to defend South Korea.

But caught between two nuclear powers run by madmen, does South Korea still need or want US help? It has a powerful military of its own. It could probably beat back an invasion by itself, although with heavy civilian casualties. US help won't prevent massive casualties.

But with a nuclear equipped NK, they still might want a nuclear ally of their own. The logical choice is South Korea's biggest trading partner, China. China is already protecting SK. Last year, China told NK that they would not back a first strike against the US. This is probably a key reason NK has not attacked already. So maybe the smart move for SK is to replace American troops with Chinese. A Chinese rather than American presence will calm NK, and NK would never attack Chinese troops.

NK just said they want to have talks directly with SK. A peace treaty between the two with China as the guarantor would benefit all three countries. They will all feel safer Surely both sides have thought of this. Hell, I'd feel safer if we left the Korean Penninsula.

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Does South Korea still need the United States? (Original Post) marylandblue Jan 2018 OP
China is the ultimate threat to SK hack89 Jan 2018 #1
Why are they are a threat to SK? marylandblue Jan 2018 #2
They don't forget their history hack89 Jan 2018 #3
And vassal states accept these arrangements marylandblue Jan 2018 #7
It will be a lot more complicated when Japan and SK build nuclear weapons hack89 Jan 2018 #8
These transitions are never easy marylandblue Jan 2018 #9
The point is that SK and Japan want the US in the region hack89 Jan 2018 #10
So why is NK offering to talk to SK without the US? marylandblue Jan 2018 #11
Because it is the smart thing for both of them to do. hack89 Jan 2018 #12
NOBODY is going to need us VERY soon, China is going to take our place Motley13 Jan 2018 #4
Like a lot of countries... Ferrets are Cool Jan 2018 #5
Interesting food for thought. old guy Jan 2018 #6

hack89

(39,171 posts)
1. China is the ultimate threat to SK
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:20 PM
Jan 2018

SK would have to develop a credible nuclear arsenal before they can forego an alliance with America.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
3. They don't forget their history
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:27 PM
Jan 2018

They intend to rebuild the great empires of the past. Recent history had also taught them the danger of being weak. They intend to dominate the region. They will not accept any country as an equal. An alliance with China is to become a vassal state.

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)
7. And vassal states accept these arrangements
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:44 PM
Jan 2018

because they are better than the alternatives. The new Chinese empire will be like ours-more concerned about trade than physical domination.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
8. It will be a lot more complicated when Japan and SK build nuclear weapons
Fri Jan 5, 2018, 07:58 AM
Jan 2018

which is what will happen if the US withdraws from the region.

As for physical domination, I assume you have not been paying attention to China's massive territorial grab of other countries territorial waters in violation of international law. They are the actions of an assertive and aggressive country.

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)
9. These transitions are never easy
Fri Jan 5, 2018, 09:36 AM
Jan 2018

But like I said, it is preferable to the alternatives, which could include nuclear war.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
10. The point is that SK and Japan want the US in the region
Fri Jan 5, 2018, 09:49 AM
Jan 2018

their history tells them they have no reason to trust China. They are not going to abandon the US because of Trump.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
12. Because it is the smart thing for both of them to do.
Fri Jan 5, 2018, 12:02 PM
Jan 2018

and perhaps will reduce tensions. Doesn't mean that SK is considering abandoning their strategic alliance with the US.

Look at it this way - SK knows that while Trump is in office things will be chaotic so they will do what is necessary to prevent war until he is out of office and there is a sane US president. But there is no reason for them to fundamentally change the balance of power, especially if they view Trump as an anomaly.

Motley13

(3,867 posts)
4. NOBODY is going to need us VERY soon, China is going to take our place
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:32 PM
Jan 2018

the Asian countries will band together, the Arab countries will band together, the European counties will shun us, Canada, & Mexico will be the only ones in NATO,

We are in deep shit, NO LONGER THE LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD

And the effing moron has accomplished this in 1 year, cant say he didn't accomplish anything, just our destruction of US standing in the world.

Ferrets are Cool

(21,063 posts)
5. Like a lot of countries...
Thu Jan 4, 2018, 08:35 PM
Jan 2018

they would be a lot better off if we would keep our fucking hands off THEIR countries.

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