“The NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] has contradictory clauses concerning U.S. forces in Korea. For the third year in a row, Congress approved a clause inhibiting the reduction of U.S. forces out of concern that President Trump might do so over bilateral differences in Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations. However, the 5G clause could be read as requiring a reduction if Seoul does not prohibit the inclusion of Chinese 5G technology. Washington could request certification that no Chinese 5G technology is used in any communication systems linking Korean and U.S. military units nor will it be used in future sales of U.S. military equipment to Seoul. Doing so could reduce concerns that alliance command and control systems could be compromised. One of the conditions of OPCON [operational control] transition requires certification that Seoul can command combined U.S.-Korean military operations. Concerns over the integrity of bilateral military communications, as well as links with the United Nations sending states' military units, could become a factor in transition discussions.”
08 Dec 2020
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