(News Focus) S Korea-anti-piracy unit

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's plan to deploy mine-clearing assets and expand the scope of operations for its anti-piracy unit signals a step forward in its commitment to restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing disruptions from the U.S.-Iran conflict, experts here said Thursday.

It remains to be seen, however, how the move will be received in Washington, as the United States had previously expressed displeasure over Seoul's reluctance to join military efforts to keep the vital waterway open against Iranian threats, they noted. The decision could also weigh on South Korea's bilateral relations with Tehran.

Following a vice-ministerial meeting, Seoul announced plans to expand the Cheonghae Unit, operating in the Gulf of Aden, by deploying an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles -- platforms known to be used in mine-sweeping missions.

The expansion also calls for doubling the unit's operational area to encompass waters south of Oman in the Arabian Sea, with the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to be deployed for monitoring missions.

Seoul officials emphasize that the enhancement of the Cheonghae Unit is strictly aimed at protecting its citizens and vessels in the region, stressing that the unit's operations will remain restricted to the open waters south of Oman.

That said, the addition of an EOD team, along with uncrewed mine-sweeping systems, suggests the deployment is part of preparations for its potential participation in post-war joint operations to restore the Strait of Hormuz.

"It is not our primary focus," a defense ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity during a background briefing Tuesday, when asked whether the reinforcement was intended to prepare for mine-clearing operations in the strait.

"But we did not rule out the possibility and that has been reflected in the operational plans," he said.

Notably, the motion to extend the deployment, which requires parliamentary approval, introduces a new mandate to "support efforts to restore freedom of navigation along international shipping routes," a clause seen as providing the legal basis for future post-war operations South Korea may join.

"As a member of the international community, we must prepare for when a 'permissive environment' is established," the official said. "We have promised to join upon request under those conditions. ... We cannot enter (the strait) unprepared."

The "permissive environment" is a condition that countries participating in the international initiative, led by Britain and France, say needs to be met for them to launch any combined mission to restore freedom of navigation in the region.

The condition is defined as either a complete cessation of conflict or a formal bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran to initiate such operations, a position Seoul has fully endorsed.

Experts say the inclusion of mine-countermeasure assets ultimately signals to Washington that Seoul is taking steps in alignment with U.S.-led efforts to restore regional security.

"The South Korean government has framed the revised deployment plan as an expansion of existing anti-piracy operations," said Shin Beom-chul, a former vice defense minister and a senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute.

Facing limited international support for the war, Washington will likely view Seoul's decision as "good news," which could boost the bilateral alliance, Shin noted.

"The expanded deployment could, at least, offer Seoul leverage in its efforts to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington, though whether it will help resolve friction over pending economic and other issues, such as the one surrounding Coupang, remains a question mark," he added, referring to persistent U.S. concerns over South Korean regulatory pressure on the e-commerce giant.

Seoul has consistently conveyed to Washington its willingness to contribute to stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, and consulted closely with its ally regarding the reinforcement of the Cheonghae Unit, according to diplomatic sources.

Yet it remains unclear how the Donald Trump administration will view the unit's expanded deployment. Since the expansion does not immediately place South Korean forces in the strait, the move may fall short of Washington's expectations, experts said.

"I don't think it will gain tangible bargaining leverage with the U.S. unless (we) actually begin operating (in the strait)," said Cha Doo-hyeogn, a vice president and senior research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

How Tehran will react to the unit's reinforcement also draws attention. Iran has fiercely warned against Seoul joining any U.S.-led initiatives against it in the strait.

South Korea has reportedly continued to assure Iran that it will not be drawn into the conflict under any circumstances.

"We will continue to explain our position clearly (to Iran) through various diplomatic channels so as to ensure that Iran does not unfairly criticize South Korea or treat it as a hostile target," a Seoul official said.

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