South Korea reviewing Trump's comments on drills, hopes for US-North Korea talks
The Blue House said it would continue diplomatic consultations on US-Korea military cooperation related to the Strait of Hormuz, while discussing details on joint military drills with the United States.
US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the high cost and what he described as a hostile signal to North Korea. According to Trump, the exercises are "not only costly, but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea, with which he claims to have a "very good relationship".
The exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, began on Monday as scheduled, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating. The Blue House, South Korea's presidential office, said it remained in close coordination with Washington on the exercises.
Trump also linked the decision to Seoul's refusal to support US actions against Iran. The 11-day manoeuvres are designed to prepare for a possible attack by Pyongyang. North Korea has consistently voiced anger at the regular exercises, but has not responded publicly to Trump's statements.
Brief written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia, IOL, Daily Times, Arabian Post, Business Recorder — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
