(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Aug. 19)

A recent series of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump has highlighted the tensions in the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Trump recently reduced joint military exercises with South Korea as part of ongoing talks with North Korea. During a phone call with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump expressed frustration, saying, "The United States protects [South] Korea with U.S. Forces Korea, but [South] Korea does not support the United States."

This viewpoint raises concerns about Washington's tendency to view alliances based on costs and transactions rather than shared values and security interests. South Korea has been labeled as the "slowest negotiator" by Politico, which attributes Trump's decision to cut military exercises partly to dissatisfaction with the pace of South Korea's investment commitments in the United States.

While it is uncertain if these investment commitments directly led to the exercise reduction, it is clear that such actions are misguided. However, South Korea should not take the reduced exercises as a sign to quietly welcome a change in military relations. Both Seoul and Washington are praising the same development, but their underlying concerns differ, potentially undermining security on the Korean Peninsula.

President Lee has called for accelerating the transfer of wartime operational control and the nuclear-powered submarine program, but has not provided details on why the submarine project has fallen behind schedule or how obstacles can be overcome. South Korea must not allow Washington to see it as an ally that only receives help.

By demonstrating its contributions, Seoul can strengthen its position on security issues requiring essential U.S. cooperation, including the Opcon transfer and acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

Although the Lee administration's aim to initiate dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea is important, trust between Seoul and Washington must remain strong. Failing to do so could leave South Korea without maneuvering room, potentially resulting in direct dealings between Washington and Pyongyang. In order to fulfill its role as the "pacemaker" for peace on the Korean Peninsula, a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance is essential. Rebuilding trust should be the primary focus.