After US Forces Korea (USFK) conducted military exercises close to China's air defense identification zone on February 18, South Korea's Minister of National Defense, Ahn Gyu-back, reached out to USFK Commander General Xavier T. Brunson to lodge an official complaint. This act raised concerns regarding the implications of US military activities in the region and their potential to provoke China without adequate consultation with the Korean government. The editorial argues that mere protests are insufficient in addressing these provocations, and a more proactive stance is necessary for South Korea's diplomatic integrity.

The article reflects on the historical agreement from January 2006, where South Korea consented to USFK’s “strategic flexibility” on the condition that the US would respect Korea’s stance against engaging in regional conflicts without the public's mandate. Consequently, the editorial emphasizes the importance of upholding this agreement and suggests that South Korea must develop comprehensive institutional frameworks to guide military relations with the US, particularly in relation to regional tensions involving China.

To ensure that the commitments to peace and restraint in military engagements are honored, the editorial advocates for the establishment of prior deliberation systems similar to those used in agreements with Japan. The need for such measures is highlighted by the urgent requirement to prevent actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions with China, ultimately fostering a more balanced and considerate approach to military collaboration between South Korea and the US.