The USS Carl Vinson, a US aircraft carrier, has made a port call in South Korea amidst ongoing tensions with North Korea. This move is seen as a show of force and a demonstration of Washington’s commitment to its alliance with Seoul.
The USS Carl Vinson has arrived at the port of Busan, South Korea, as a show of force aimed at reassuring Washington‘s allies in the region. This move comes on the heels of North Korea’s recent test of strategic cruise missiles.
Show of Force and Reassurance
The US aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group have reached South Korea’s port of Busan. The South Korean military has stated that the USS Carl Vinson is in Busan as a demonstration of Washington’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to its alliance with Seoul, echoing a statement posted by the carrier group on social media.
The United States and South Korea have maintained a robust military alliance since the Korean War (1950-1953).
The two countries signed the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1953, committing to mutual defense in the event of an attack.
The treaty has been renewed several times, with the most recent agreement signed in 2016.
The alliance is built on shared values and strategic interests, including countering North Korean aggression and promoting regional stability.
Historical Context
This visit marks the second time the nuclear-powered vessel has visited Busan. The USS Carl Vinson last docked at the port in November 2023. Another US aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, was deployed to the harbor in June 2024 for joint military exercises.
North Korea’s Response
The latest visit comes just days after ‘North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un supervised a test of strategic cruise missiles.’ Kim has also ordered the North’s military to be fully ready to use its nuclear arsenal, according to state-controlled media. Shows of US military force around South Korea tend to provoke outrage in the North, with Pyongyang often staging rocket tests in response.
Kim Jong-un is the current Supreme Leader of North Korea.
Born on January 8, 1984, in Pyongyang, he is the grandson of North Korea's founding father Kim Il-sung and the son of former leader Kim Jong-il.
Kim Jong-un studied at a private school in Switzerland before returning to 'North Korea' to succeed his father in 2011.
He holds the titles of Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, and Member of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Impact on US-South Korea Alliance
The aircraft deployment is an important signal of US reassurance to South Korea. In recent months, President Donald Trump has made statements questioning their current military alliance, which has the US deploying around 28,500 soldiers stationed in the Asian country. Seoul depends on the US ‘nuclear umbrella’ for deterrence.
Financial Implications
In October last year, before the election, ‘Trump called for ramping up South Korea’s payments to the US for the American troops.’ He described South Korea as a ‘money machine’ and said they would be paying ‘$10 billion a year’ to Washington for protection. Seoul is currently paying around $1 billion (€960 million).
International Relations
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has stated he would reach out to ”Kim Jong Un, calling him a ‘smart guy’ and saying they ‘got along.” Also, Trump’s ongoing row with Ukraine has raised questions about the US’s commitment to its allies in Asia against China.
