S. Korea stresses US alliance amid confusion over Trump drill cut
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the importance of the US-South Korea alliance following President Trump's surprise order to reduce joint military exercises. The move has caused concern in Seoul regarding the reliability of US security commitments against North Korea.
Why it matters
Shifts in US military policy toward key allies can significantly alter regional security dynamics and influence geopolitical stability in East Asia.
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea's president said Tuesday a solid alliance with the United States underpins national security, after U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt order to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises left many many South Koreans baffled and concerned.
Trump made the surprise announcement in a social media post just before U.S. and South Korean soldiers began Monday's annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which are largely designed to sharpen readiness against North Korean threats.
Trump cited what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.
Trump's move was apparently taken without consultations with South Korea and meant to reach out to Kim, deepening concerns about the reliability of the U.S.-South Korean alliance forged in the turmoil of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in