# South Korea’s Lee calls for stronger self-defence as US weighs scaling back joint drills

https://mins.news/en/video/25184

- CNA, 2026-08-18 13:23 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nwMALsCukU

> South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has urged Seoul to strengthen its independent defence capabilities as US President Donald Trump pushes to reduce joint military exercises. Defence officials have reportedly met in Seoul to discuss cutting back the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield drill. Trump linked the move partly to South Korea’s refusal to support Washington’s war on Iran and pressed the ally to bear more of its defence costs.

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