South Korea cannot stop US forces from redeploying weapons to Middle East

South Korea cannot stop Washington from redeploying some weapons stationed in the country, President Lee Jae Myung said on Tuesday, after reports that US Patriot missile defence systems were being sent to the conflict in the Middle East.



Reports on shifting key US military assets have sparked concern in Asia about the potential gaps in regional defences if Washington diverts ships and missiles currently used to deter military flexing by China and North Korea to other theatres.



"It appears that there is controversy recently over US Forces in Korea shipping some weapons, such as artillery batteries and air-defence weapons, out of the country," Lee said in a cabinet meeting, noting that while Seoul had expressed opposition, it was not in a position to make demands.



Lee insisted the removal of some US weapons from the country "does not hinder deterrence strategy towards North Korea", noting South Korea's defence spending and conventional capabilities far exceeded those of North Korea.



South Korea hosts a ⁠major US military presence in combined defence against nuclear-armed North Korea, with about 28,500 troops and surface-to-air defence systems, including the Patriot missile interceptors.