# South Korean president urges military investment after Trump cuts joint drills

https://mins.news/en/item/25291

- Fox News, 2026-08-18 15:13 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.foxnews.com/world/south-korean-president-jumps-invest-military-trump-cuts-joint-exercises

> South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged the country to strengthen its independent military capabilities after Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction in U.S. participation in joint exercises. Lee called Ulchi Freedom Shield defensive, stressed readiness for a worst-case scenario and cited advancing South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program. His security adviser said he hoped Trump’s relationship with Kim Jong Un could produce meaningful dialogue.

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