South Korea's Lee backs stronger self-defence, says drills not aimed at North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung advocated for enhanced self-defense capabilities during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, stating that annual civil-defense exercises conducted alongside joint US-South Korea military drills are defensive in nature and not intended to threaten North Korea. The president's remarks came after US President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to substantially reduce the frequency of joint military exercises with South Korea, citing a response from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Lee emphasized that Seoul should proceed with the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the US during his tenure, adhering to the government's existing plan. He highlighted that a robust alliance forms the foundation of security, and bolstering South Korea's own defense capabilities elevates its value and necessity as an ally.

Lee emphasized the mutual reinforcement of the US-South Korea alliance and independent defense, and called for accelerated progress in South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and the development of officers capable of integrated operations for future conflicts, as traditional battlefield distinctions become less pronounced.

Addressing concerns at a National Security Council meeting, Lee reaffirmed that the civil-defense exercises are defensive in character, aimed at safeguarding South Korean lives and safety, and expressed South Korea's intention not to use the exercises to attack North Korea or heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as per a statement from the presidential Blue House.