A U.S. general’s pitch to bring an advanced military task force to Korea has highlighted Washington’s view of the peninsula as more than a standalone front against North Korea, while raising the specter of another standoff with China.

During an event in Washington this month, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said he considers a Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) “absolutely attractive” for the Korean Peninsula, suggesting he is more interested in augmenting the U.S. military presence than withdrawing troops.

The MDTF is a forward-deployed force equipped with long-range missiles, its own air defenses, and cyber and electronic warfare