Can Beijing take advantage of relocation of US troops in South Korea to improve ties with Seoul?

Long-term plan for military to vacate key installations now well under way, with 15 of 26 sites ready for handover, US Forces Korea says

Move could help ease tensions between Beijing and Seoul, but analysts say it is unlikely to represent any major shift in allegiance

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The US is relocating its troops and hardware out of 26 military bases in South Korea. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:00pm, 20 Sep 2019Updated: 3:45am, 21 Sep 2019

The relocation of US forces away from 26 military bases in South Korea, including facilities in the capital and close to the border with North Korea, could lead to an improvement in relations between Beijing and Seoul, analysts said.

Since the end of the Korean war in 1953, the United States has held “wartime operational control” over not only its own forces in the country – which number about 28,500 – but also South Korean troops. While there is no plan for US forces to leave the country, their departure from key locations could pave the way for further discussions on the return of wartime control to Seoul, a move that would be welcomed by Beijing.

The US has about 28,500 troops in South Korea. Photo: AFP

“If South Korea regains control, it would ease the confrontational atmosphere on the peninsula, which would be good for China,” said Yue Gang, a retired colonel from the People’s Liberation Army, China’s military.

The plan to relocate American troops was drawn up in the early 2000s but has suffered repeated setbacks. However, after coming under pressure from its host to speed up the process, the US said this week it was committed to returning the bases to Seoul “as expeditiously as possible”.

In a statement released on Wednesday, US Forces Korea (USFK) said 15 of the 26 installations had been vacated and closed, and were now available for transfer to the South Korean government.