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

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for stronger self-defence capabilities, stating that annual civil-defence exercises alongside joint US-South Korea military drills are defensive and not intended to threaten North Korea. This statement follows US President Donald Trump's order to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un responded positively to Trump's outreach.

Lee emphasized that Seoul should proceed with the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the United States during his term, in line with the existing government plan. He reiterated that a strong alliance with the U.S. strengthens the foundation of security, and enhancing South Korea's independent defence increases its value and necessity as an ally. The U.S.-South Korea alliance and self-defence are mutually reinforcing, Lee said at a cabinet meeting.

Moreover, Lee called for accelerated progress in South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and the development of officers capable of integrated operations for future conflicts. He argued that distinctions between battlefields are becoming blurred, necessitating faster advancements in these areas.

At a National Security Council meeting, Lee affirmed that the civil-defence exercises held concurrently with major US-South Korea military drills are defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding South Korean lives and safety. He stressed that South Korea has no intention of using these exercises to attack North Korea or raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Instead, their purpose is to protect citizens' daily lives and prevent targeting any specific party as an enemy, according to a statement released by the presidential Blue House.