Trump Orders Reduction of US-South Korea Military Drills
World
US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. The decision came shortly before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills began, with about 18,000 South Korean troops taking part.
Trump cited the cost of the exercises, Seoul’s position on Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The US president said the drills send what he considers an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to Pyongyang. He instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce their scale.
Ulchi Freedom Shield began on August 17 and is scheduled to last 11 days. The exercise is designed to strengthen the allies’ readiness to respond to potential threats from North Korea. Pyongyang has traditionally described US-South Korean military drills as preparations for military action.
Trump’s decision is another indication of his interest in reviving diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang. After his 2018 summit with Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Trump suspended some joint exercises, describing them as “provocative” and costly.
South Korea, meanwhile, has expressed interest in maintaining close coordination with Washington and hopes the move could contribute to renewed dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
Ulchi Freedom Shield began on August 17 and is scheduled to last 11 days. The exercise is designed to strengthen the allies’ readiness to respond to potential threats from North Korea. Pyongyang has traditionally described US-South Korean military drills as preparations for military action.
Trump’s decision is another indication of his interest in reviving diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang. After his 2018 summit with Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Trump suspended some joint exercises, describing them as “provocative” and costly.
South Korea, meanwhile, has expressed interest in maintaining close coordination with Washington and hopes the move could contribute to renewed dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
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