[사설] 트럼프의 훈련 축소, 한반도 정세·안보 영향 주시해야

President Donald Trump instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Haggess to "significantly reduce" the scale of the joint US-South Korea military exercises, known as "Join Shield" (UFS), set to begin on the morning of July 17. In South Korean time, this meant just one day after the announcement. Trump expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that considering his "good relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, it doesn't sit well with me" that the US participated in these exercises in the past.

He noted that the training was costly and largely borne by the US. Trump decided to significantly reduce the exercises, given the ongoing Iran conflict and his desire to restart talks between North and South Korea. Analysts interpret this move as an attempt to open a dialogue between North and South Korea, which the North Korean regime notoriously views with sensitivity.

Such reductions in joint exercises have been used in the past to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea. The presidential office also noted that the aim is to initiate discussions aimed at achieving peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. However, there is concern that in the process of improving relations between North and South Korea, there is a risk of "Korea-passing", where South Korea is excluded, and direct trade between the two countries takes place.

The government is advised to act as a "face-maker" and closely monitor developments. Since the failure of the 2019 Hanover summit, North Korean Vice Premier Kim Jong-un has continued to harden his nuclear and missile capabilities while strengthening relations with Russia and China. It is doubtful that Trump's gestures would elicit a response from Kim Jong-un.

The timing of Trump's announcement, made via social media alone, without prior consultation with South Korea, raises concerns about respect for the alliance and the credibility of the US-South Korea alliance in ensuring effective counter-North Korea policy. Trump even asked South Korean President about North Korea's willingness to work towards denuclearization, but was met with a refusal.