South Korean President Lee Jae Myung dismissed concerns that the reported relocation of some U.S. air defense assets from the country would undermine deterrence against North Korea, saying such a move would not seriously affect Seoul’s security.

“If asked whether that would seriously hinder our deterrence strategy against North Korea, I can say with certainty that it would not,” Lee said Tuesday while presiding over a routine Cabinet meeting.

Lee acknowledged the debate surrounding the possible removal of some air defense batteries from U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), saying Seoul expects the U.S. military’s presence to “contribute fully to stability and