US Commander in South Korea: ”South Korea is like an aircraft carrier in front of China”... ”US forces in South Korea are not just for repelling the North”

"The United States needs to continue to have ground troops stationed in South Korea to counter threats from China and Russia," said General Xavier Brunson, commander of the U.S. military in South Korea. "The U.S. military in South Korea will continue to deploy ground troops to defeat North Korea."
"We are not just focused on getting the ball rolling," he said, referring to operations within the region.
At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Land Forces Pacific Symposium (LANPAC),
"The U.S. military stationed in South Korea will play a major role in overcoming the tyranny of distance that makes war difficult," he said. "South Korea's geographic location is strategically important," Brunson said.
"South Korea is Beijing's closest ally, like a floating island between Japan and mainland China or a stationary aircraft carrier," he said.
"US troops in Korea are not just focused on defeating North Korea. We are focused on the larger Indian
"As a small part of our Pacific strategy, we are also focused on regional operations, activities and investments."