Janice R. Andrews
The USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier, has arrived at the port of Busan, South Korea, in a significant show of force following North Korea’s recent missile tests. The deployment underscores Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its alliance with Seoul, according to South Korean military officials.
The carrier, accompanied by its strike group, docked on Sunday, just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of strategic cruise missiles. State media reported that Kim has also ordered the North’s military to be fully prepared to use its nuclear arsenal, escalating tensions in the region.
This marks the USS Carl Vinson’s second visit to Busan in less than a year, with its previous docking in November 2023. Another US carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, was deployed to South Korea in June 2024 for joint military exercises. Such displays of military strength often provoke strong reactions from Pyongyang, which has historically responded with missile or rocket tests.
The deployment also serves as a reassurance to South Korea amid uncertainties surrounding the US-South Korea military alliance. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the financial terms of the alliance, demanding Seoul increase its contributions to cover the costs of US troops stationed in the country. Currently, South Korea pays around $1 billion annually, but Trump has pushed for a tenfold increase, calling the country a “money machine.”
Since taking office, Trump has expressed a willingness to engage with Kim Jong Un, even praising the North Korean leader as a “smart guy.” However, his administration’s focus on other geopolitical issues, such as the trade war with China and tensions with Ukraine, has raised concerns about the US’s commitment to its Asian allies.
Seoul-based international relations expert Dan Pinkston noted that South Korea is attempting to “stay out of the spotlight” amid these uncertainties. “They seem to be hoping that Trump is too focused on his trade wars,” Pinkston said, adding that South Korea knows its turn for scrutiny will come eventually.
As the USS Carl Vinson’s presence sends a strong message to Pyongyang, the region remains on edge, with the potential for further provocations from North Korea and ongoing questions about the future of US-South Korea relations.
