South Korea president stresses US alliance as many baffled by Trump order to cut exercises

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president said Tuesday a solid alliance with the U.S. strengthens the foundation of national security, as many South Koreans were baffled and concerned about…

apnews.com ·1h ago

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed on Tuesday the importance of a strong alliance with the United States, amid confusion over President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to reduce joint military exercises. The order came just before the start of annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, designed to improve readiness against North Korean threats.

Trump claimed that his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to participate in the U.S.-led war against Iran influenced his decision. Critics argue that this move demonstrates the frailty of the U.S.-South Korean alliance, which has already suffered due to Trump's tariff war and the immigration raids against South Korean workers in the U.S. state of Georgia.

South Korean media, such as the Hankook Ilbo, have expressed concern over the apparent shift in U.S. priorities, which they say treat North Korea with more respect than its ally, South Korea.

Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.