Does South Korea still need the United States? [View all]

[marylandblue]

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.