Since its independence, the United States has rapidly risen to become one of the world's most powerful countries, leveraging its unique capital accumulation and spirit of innovation.
Especially after World War II, with its strategic position established in Europe and Asia, the US began actively developing global military alliances and establishing military bases and troops in many countries and regions to maintain its global leadership and national security interests.
The US military presence is viewed as part of maintaining world peace and stability but has also sparked widespread controversy internationally.
For example, despite Japan and South Korea experiencing rapid economic recovery and possessing significant military strength to some extent post-World War II, they still request continued US military presence due to geopolitical complexities and internal security threats.
In recent years, with China's rise and shifts in the geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region, the US has reinforced its military deployments in Japan and South Korea, aiming to maintain military balance in the region and counter China's expanding influence in Asia.
Reportedly, the US currently has approximately 80,000 troops stationed in Japan and South Korea.
These military bases serve not only to protect allied nations but also as crucial hubs for projecting US military power in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the global US military presence has also faced criticism. Incidents involving US soldiers in host countries, such as sexual assault cases, have tarnished the US image locally and heightened concerns about national sovereignty and security.
While the motivations and backgrounds for expanding US military presence in Asia vary, in Europe, US military deployment has also generated significant reactions.
As a key part of post-World War II reconstruction, the US aimed to strengthen containment against the Soviet Union and its allies by establishing military bases and troops in Europe while ensuring the security and stability of Western European allies.
However, there is one Western country that has consistently resisted US hegemony—France.
During World War II, France suffered severe war damage, particularly under Nazi Germany's occupation, and its military forces briefly surrendered.
Despite facing political and economic challenges post-war, the French government never fully relinquished national sovereignty and independence.
Under de Gaulle's leadership, the French government adopted a firm stance emphasizing national sovereignty and independence, choosing to withdraw from NATO and refusing US military presence within French territory.
This policy not only reflects the French government's steadfast defense of national interests but also demonstrates France's commitment to an independent foreign policy in global affairs.
Under de Gaulle, France not only promoted economic recovery and military strength domestically but also successfully developed nuclear weapons and acquired nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, giving France greater diplomatic influence and autonomy in international affairs.
With a military strength of around 700,000 personnel and as one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, France's influence in international affairs cannot be ignored, becoming a factor that the US must consider in its approach to European regional affairs.
While the US seeks to maintain its global leadership and national security interests through its global military presence, balancing sovereignty and regional security concerns remains a complex and sensitive issue.
The US military presence is often seen as a symbol of protection and security, yet it has prompted deep reflection and discussion in many countries and regions about national sovereignty and external intervention.
Overall, the US global military deployment policy has not only shaped the international security landscape but also influenced diplomatic relations among countries and regional stability.
In today's era of globalization and intensified geopolitical competition, balancing national interests with international cooperation has become a critical challenge and task for governments and decision-makers worldwide.
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