U.S. President Trump's demand for troop deployment in Middle Eastern waters has placed South Korea, Japan, the UK, and China, among other major nations, in a difficult position with varying concerns. 

South Korea is already operating the Cheonghae Unit, but faces a challenging decision regarding additional troop deployment due to the high risks in the Strait of Hormuz and domestic political burdens. 

Japan, constrained by its pacifist constitution and sensitive public opinion, must approach military deployments cautiously. This complex situation is further complicated by the upcoming U.S.-Japan summit and the need to consider relations with the United States. 

The UK is opting for a more flexible approach, exploring various means to ensure maritime security rather than immediately sending troops at the U.S.'s request. 

China shares an interest in the stability of the Strait, but accepting the U.S.'s request would significantly increase its strategic burden in the U.S.-China competition. Conversely, refusal would invite criticism for evading international responsibility. Therefore, China is likely to maintain strategic ambiguity, reiterating diplomatic statements. 

However, this issue is not merely a matter of diplomatic choice for us. Protecting our oil tankers and maritime industries, fulfilling our role as a middle power, upholding the trust of our blood-allied partners, and generating national interests based on alliances are interconnected issues. 

This is a critical strategic issue involving national survival, national interests, alliance trust, and military capability enhancement. We must review the Hormuz deployment not through emotional pro or con arguments or parliamentary approval, but from the perspective of our responsibilities as a nation, objective reality, and national interests. 

Participation in International Maritime Security Protects Our Ships, Maritime Industry, and Economy

Since 2020, the Republic of Korea has officially expanded the operational area of the Cheonghae Unit to conduct independent operations in the Strait of Hormuz region. This mission, under the sole command of the South Korean military, involves protecting Korean vessels. Troop deployment is not new to us; we have deployed forces when necessary for our national interests. 

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global energy transportation. A significant portion of South Korea's imported crude oil and gas passes through this narrow waterway. Instability here directly leads to instability in the South Korean economy. 

The safe passage of oil tankers is essential for industry to operate and for citizens' livelihoods to be maintained. Therefore, contributing to the security of this region is not about intervening in another country's war. Currently, seven oil tankers are trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, trembling in fear. The Hormuz deployment is about maritime security that protects our ships, our industry, and our economy. 

South Korea's Overseas Deployments: A Role as a Middle Power in the International Community

The Republic of Korea has a long history of overseas troop deployments. The participation in the Vietnam War from September 1964 to March 1973 was driven by the pragmatic reasons of contributing to the alliance and securing national interests. Subsequently, through participation in international peacekeeping operations in the Gulf War, Somalia, and Angola, South Korea established itself as a responsible middle power. 

In the 2000s, the Zaytun Division in Iraq and the Osino Unit in Afghanistan were responsible for reconstruction and security support, while the Cheonghae Unit has been engaged in anti-piracy and merchant vessel protection missions in the Gulf of Aden since 2009. 

Currently, the Republic of Korea continues to contribute to international security in various regions through units such as the Dongmyeong Unit in Lebanon, the Akh Unit in the UAE, the Hanbit Unit in South Sudan, and the Cheonghae Unit in the Gulf of Aden. We are already fulfilling our role as a responsible nation, and the Hormuz deployment should be considered an extension of our international peacekeeping activities.

Hormuz Deployment: Generating National Interests Based on Alliances

From an alliance perspective, the purpose of deployment becomes clear. Alliances are not convenient relationships to be invoked only when needed. The ROK-U.S. alliance is a blood alliance that has protected each other's lives and national interests through war and crisis. Standing with our allies is a path to restoring alliance trust and securing future security. 

International politics is pragmatic. To receive help in times of difficulty, contributing when others face hardship is a fundamental principle of alliance. Helping during difficult and necessary times defines a true alliance, and that trust ultimately benefits us. Standing with our allies is about restoring trust and protecting our future. 

Deployment in Military Terms is an Investment in Strengthening Our Military's Future Capabilities

Although the Strait of Hormuz is a dangerous region, experience in a high-difficulty operational environment significantly enhances our military's combat readiness. Joint operational experience leads to tangible benefits such as sharing intelligence, reconnaissance, and defense systems. This is also an investment in strengthening our military's future capabilities. What we gain is directly proportional to the risks we undertake.

There is no reason for the military leadership to hesitate in recommending deployment if they first assess the situation on the ground and determine that the gains outweigh the losses. What is needed now is not debate, but a decisive action from the Commander-in-Chief for the sake of national interests and future alliances. The sooner the decision is made, the less division there will be among the public. 

◆ Park Pil-kyu

Editor at Hankook Ilbo

40th graduating class, Korea Military Academy