Trump says US-South Korea military drills to be scaled back
US President Donald Trump said annual military drills with South Korea send an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, according to his post on Truth Social. The exercises, which are scheduled to begin this week, are seen as costly and hostile to North Korea, despite the latter's unthreatening and respectful approach towards the United States.
Trump claims that South Korea has declined to assist the U.S. in actions against Iran, and he maintains a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff informed Reuters that the drills commenced on Monday as planned. The U.S. government is closely monitoring Trump's social media message, hoping that his amicable relationship with Kim Jong Un will facilitate meaningful dialogue between the two nations, paving the way for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The joint military exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, are set to continue until August 27, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers. North Korea has been supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine by providing troops. When asked about Kim Jong Un's lack of response to Trump's overtures, Trump mentioned that he has, without providing further details.
Trump and Kim Jong Un have previously held summits in 2018 and 2019, but negotiations broke down over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons arsenal. Recently, North Korea reportedly fired ballistic missiles towards the sea and threatened stern measures against the U.S. and South Korea, labeling the summertime drills as a war rehearsal.
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