U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce U.S. participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, a decision that could represent another attempt to improve relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Trump questioned the cost of the military drills and said they send what he considers an unnecessarily hostile message to North Korea. He also highlighted his relationship with Kim Jong-un and said that, in his view, the North Korean regime has remained respectful during his administration.
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The decision affects Ulchi Freedom Shield, one of the largest annual military exercises between Washington and Seoul. The training began on August 17 and is scheduled to continue through August 27, with approximately 18,000 South Korean troops participating. The exercises include preparations for threats involving drones, cyberattacks, and disruptions to GPS systems.
Trump also linked his decision to South Korea’s refusal to support U.S. efforts related to Iran, raising further questions about the future of the military alliance.
Why does Trump want to reduce these exercises?
The president argues that they are costly and unnecessarily provocative, while he seeks to keep open the possibility of improving relations with Kim Jong-un.
