A U.S. Air Force B-52H strategic bomber flies alongside South Korean Air Force F-15K and U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets during a joint aerial exercise over the Korean Peninsula in this July 13, 2023, photo. Courtesy of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff

A rare aerial standoff in the West Sea between U.S. and Chinese fighter jets has prompted warnings from analysts that Washington may be putting into action a broader shift to useU.S. Forces Korea (USFK)to counter China.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office for his second term,officials in Washingtonhave signaled that U.S. troops stationed in South Korea would assume a greater role in deterring China, while Seoul takes on more responsibility in countering North Korea’s threats. The latest incident appears to reflect that shift.

According to military sources Friday, several USFK F-16 fighter jets took off from Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday and flew over international waters in the West Sea.

The F-16s reportedly operated in an area between the air defense identification zones (ADIZ) of South Korea and China, prompting the Chinese military to dispatch its own fighter jets. No clashes occurred.

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said it could not confirm matters related to USFK operations or military activities, but added that "South Korean and U.S. forces maintain a strong combined defense posture."

Sources said USFK had notified the South Korean military in advance of the exercise itself but did not provide detailed information, including its purpose. In cases of U.S.-only drills that do not involve South Korean air assets, full operational plans and objectives are not always shared.

The South Korean military reportedly conveyed its concerns to the U.S. after becoming aware of the incident.

USFK declined to provide details about the incident.

Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, described the incident as "the first visible sign that USFK is pivoting its role to counter China."

Source: Korea Times News