That is true. So Korea also does not have the military capability to engage their forces globally. Like Japan, their military is more geared towards self defense. The only Asian country that really has forces capable of foreign engagement is China. Reading in between the lines Trump possibly is calling out China without mentioning them specifically. He knows what China has been up to with their two faced double dealing.

Trump knows these smaller Asian countries can't really engage militarily. He is making a broader point here. Also, it puts these nations on notice that there needs to be more collective involvement in securing these vital energy supply chains. It is a major wakeup call for those taking it all for granted. This war demonstrates how easily it all can be shut down. Don't take Trump literally, but take him seriously.