South Korea hopes for talks between US and North Korea after Trump downsizes military drills

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea expressed optimism on Monday for possible diplomatic talks between the United States and North Korea, in the wake of President Donald Trump scaling back annual U.S.-South Korean military exercises. President Trump cited his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the reason behind the decision.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, a 11-day military drill, commenced on Monday as planned, and it is unclear which components have been reduced. North Korea remained silent on the announcement, having previously threatened severe repercussions to the U.S.-South Korean drills, which they perceive as a rehearsal for invasion.

Experts view Trump's action as a possible indication of his inclination to reestablish communication with Kim, although North Korean leader Kim, empowered by his expanding nuclear arsenal and strengthened military cooperation with Russia, is unlikely to resume negotiations unless assured of substantial concessions from the U.S.

Trump's directive to "substantially reduce" the drills stemmed from his belief that they were too costly and conveyed an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea, which he claimed had been unthreatening and respectful during his tenure in office. Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reduce the exercises, adding that he recently inquired with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung about joining the U.S. in the "denuclearization" of Iran, to which they responded negatively.

This move by Trump is a recent instance of an American president veering away from an ally for a leader previously regarded as an adversary. Trump and others within his administration have also criticized NATO allies for lacking support in his war against Iran, while simultaneously aiming to confront an aggressive Russia in the Baltic region.

The level of trust South Koreans have in the U.S. has waned due to the tariff war initiated by Trump's administration and his transactional approach to security. South Korea hopes for talks between the U.S. and North Korea, with Lee Jae Myung's administration expressing hope that the improved relationship between Trump and Kim would facilitate "meaningful dialogue" between the U.S. and North Korea, and initiate discussions to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.