Strategic flexibility—the U.S. doctrine that deems forward-deployed forces, including those in South Korea, ready to respond to crises anywhere in the region—is knitting the Korean and Taiwan theaters together once again.
Significance. South Korea’s lack of discussion on a Taiwan conflict leaves its leadership and public unprepared. As a key U.S. ally and regional player, South Korea will face pressure to take a position.
If there’s one thing South Korea has been able to count on (or not shake off) for decades, it’s the United States. The alliance between the two countries weathered wars, economic crises, and the perpetual threat posed by North Korea.
Pressure is increasing on South Korea to conduct or participate in Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the Taiwan Strait, following precedents set by other U.S. allies and partners.
