The South Korean Defense Ministry reaffirmed on Monday the crucial role of US troops stationed in the country, following a media report suggesting that the US is prioritizing the defense of its own territory and deterring Chinese threats.

During a press briefing, ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-kyoo was quoted by Yonhap News Agency as stating that the role of US forces in South Korea "remains unchanged", emphasizing their significant contribution to maintaining stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

When asked whether there had been any shifts in the priorities of the approximately 28,500 US troops deployed in South Korea, Choi clarified, "There has been no change," adding that the military maintains a "firm and consistent joint defensive posture" under all circumstances, based on the Seoul-Washington alliance.

The statement comes after The Washington Post reported last Saturday (US time) that the US Defense Department would accept "increased risks" in certain regions while pushing allies to boost their defense spending to counter threats from Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

The report cited a nine-page classified internal memo, circulated across the Pentagon in mid-March and signed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which has fueled speculation in South Korea about a potential shift in the role of US forces—including a possible troop reduction.

Concerns are growing that Washington may demand Seoul to shoulder a larger share of the costs for stationing US troops or reconsider their mission, as US President Donald Trump adopts a transactional approach to alliances.