China Slams US General's 'Dagger' Remark on South Korea

The commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Gen. Paul LaCamera, has drawn sharp criticism from China for describing South Korea as a "dagger pointed at China." The Chinese embassy in Seoul issued a strong rebuke, stating that LaCamera "crossed the line."

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Your remarks have clearly crossed the line.

LaCamera made the controversial remarks in a podcast produced by the U.S. Army War College's "China Ground Force Study Institute." He explained that from China's perspective on its eastern coast, South Korea appears like a "dagger" thrust into the heart of Asia, emphasizing the strategic importance of South Korea and the U.S. military presence there for U.S. efforts to contain China. He had previously referred to South Korea as a "fixed aircraft carrier" between China and Japan.

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From China's perspective on its eastern coast, South Korea looks like a dagger thrust into the heart of Asia.

The Chinese embassy spokesperson questioned the aggressive nature of these comparisons, asking if referring to the U.S. Forces Korea as an "aircraft carrier or dagger" constituted "warlike behavior" or an attempt to use other countries as tools. The spokesperson also pointed to recent agreements between Chinese and U.S. presidents on building a "constructive strategic stable relationship," questioning whether LaCamera's "hostile and aggressive remarks" were sanctioned by the U.S. government or intended to undermine the summit's outcomes.

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Is referring to the U.S. Forces Korea as an aircraft carrier or dagger warlike behavior, or an attempt to use other countries as tools?

The embassy also noted that some South Korean media outlets had criticized LaCamera's statements. The spokesperson concluded by expressing a hope that the U.S. Forces Korea commander would "respect regional countries and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability."

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Are your hostile and aggressive remarks toward China approved by the U.S. government, or are they intended to undermine the consensus reached at the U.S.-China presidential summit?