Tensions Rise Between US and South Korea Over Air Drills Near China

On February 18-19, 2026, the United States conducted air drills involving approximately 10 F-16 fighter jets over the Yellow Sea, which led to a midair stand-off with Chinese fighter jets. The exercises, executed by US Forces Korea (USFK) from Osan Air Base, were reportedly not communicated in detail to South Korean military officials, prompting a rare public dispute between the US and South Korea.

Global Times

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of timely notification about the drills. Following the incident, Ahn lodged a complaint with General Xavier Brunson, the commander of USFK. Reports indicate that while USFK had informed South Korea of the planned exercises, the specifics were not disclosed, leading to heightened military tensions in the region. Ahn's protest highlighted South Korea's apprehension about being drawn into potential conflicts due to US military activities.

BloombergGlobal TimesSouth China Morning PostThe Straits TimesJ. Beir Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea and the commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Force. .J-Beer Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea and commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Com. .

USFK acknowledged the oversight in communication, with Brunson expressing regret that South Korean officials were not adequately briefed before the drills. However, USFK later refuted claims that Brunson had formally apologized for the incident, emphasizing that the US military conducts regular training to maintain readiness. The US military stated, “Candid dialogue is essential to effective alliance coordination, and selective disclosure—whether accurate or not—does not advance our shared security objectives.”

J. Beir Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea and the commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Force. .

The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the implications for South Korea's sovereignty and security. Analysts suggest that the lack of coordination reflects deeper issues within the US-South Korea alliance, particularly as the US appears to pivot its focus from North Korea to countering China. South Korean military experts have voiced concerns that USFK's actions could entangle South Korea in broader regional conflicts, undermining its own security interests.

The Straits Times

There are discrepancies regarding the nature of the communication between USFK and South Korean officials. While some reports suggest that Brunson apologized for the lack of information, USFK has denied this, stating that they do not apologize for maintaining military readiness. This conflicting narrative raises questions about the transparency and effectiveness of the alliance's communication mechanisms.

Global Times

In light of the incident, both the US and South Korea plan to conduct regular Freedom Shield combined exercises in the upcoming month. However, there are discussions about potentially scaling down field exercises to ease tensions with North Korea, which has historically viewed such drills as rehearsals for invasion. The evolving dynamics of US-South Korea relations will be closely monitored, particularly as South Korea navigates its position between the US and China.

Bloomberg

• “Candid dialogue is essential to effective alliance coordination, and selective disclosure — whether accurate or not — does not advance our shared security objectives,” — US Forces Korea

Bloomberg

• “The US military's excessive actions fully expose that it has never truly treated South Korea as a sovereign state, and such moves by US Forces Korea heightened regional tensions, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, told Global Times on Monday.” — Song Zhongping, Chinese military expert

Global Times

• “Song added that South Korea's response reflects its real concerns about being drawn into regional military confrontation.” — Analysis from military experts

Global Times