The Hankyoreh editorial addresses a recent incident where U.S. Air Force F-16 jets conducted aerial exercises near China's air defense identification zone, prompting an emergency response from Chinese fighter jets. This development raises concerns in South Korea regarding the lack of communication from the U.S. about the motives behind these military maneuvers, particularly considering the sensitive geopolitical context of the area. The U.S. military's activities in the region appear to serve as a strategic counterbalance to China, potentially transforming South Korean bases into forward operating locations without the explicit consent of the South Korean government.

The editorial notes that such military exercises are not routine and underline a shift in U.S. military strategy within the region, as articulated by the U.S. Forces Korea commander, Javier Brunson. He previously emphasized the significance of the Korean Peninsula as a vital base for U.S. operations aimed at maintaining dominance in East Asia. The recent escalations not only exacerbate military tensions between the U.S. and China but also leave South Korea in an awkward position, forced to observe the standoff without active participation, which raises questions about its sovereignty and role in regional security dynamics.

In light of these developments, the editorial calls on the South Korean government to develop institutional safeguards that would prevent the U.S. military from using its bases as strategic launch points against China without prior governmental approval. This is seen as a necessary measure not only to protect national interests but also to promote a more balanced approach to regional security that considers the implications of U.S.-China tensions on the Korean Peninsula.