PoliticsPresident Donald Trump said the 11-day exercises that began Monday are costly and send a “totally inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea, which he described as unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. The drills involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers and were intended to strengthen readiness against North Korean threats.
The Associated Press
PoliticsPresident Donald Trump says the United States will “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, pointing to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Indo-Pacific Affairs Analyst Victor Teo provides analysis.
PoliticsPresident Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with longtime Asian ally South Korea just hours before they were due to begin, citing the cost and Seoul’s refusal to join actions against Iran.
Reuters
WorldUS President Donald Trump urged Washington and Seoul to scale back their military drills just hours before they were due to start, calling North Korea “unthreatening and respectful.” South Korea said it hoped Trump’s relationship with Kim Jong Un could help bring Pyongyang back to negotiations. FRANCE 24 examines North Korea’s military capabilities, expanding nuclear arsenal and closer ties.
WorldUS President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in military exercises with South Korea as tensions remain high on the Korean peninsula, which is technically still at war. The annual drills are intended to guard against a full-scale invasion; this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield involves US forces and about 18,000 South Korean troops.
WorldPresident Donald Trump orders the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. The Taliban marks five years in power, while China prepares people for extreme-weather disasters with a typhoon simulator.
Reuters
PoliticsPresident Donald Trump says the US will “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea. He cites their high cost and an “inappropriate and hostile” signal, while pointing to South Korea’s recent refusal to join the US in the “denuclearisation” of Iran and his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
BBC News
WorldUS and South Korean forces began joint military exercises on Monday as scheduled, despite Donald Trump urging that they be reduced. Trump called the drills too expensive and hostile toward North Korea, while critics cautioned that cutting them could undermine South Korea’s security. They are due to run until August 28.
PoliticsUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to substantially reduce military exercises with South Korea, saying the joint drills send the “wrong signal” to North Korea. Citing his “very good relationship” with Kim Jong-un, he asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cut exercises due to begin on Monday. Former CIA officer Scott Uehlinger commented in an Al Jazeera interview.
WorldNorth Korea conducted its second ballistic missile test in under a week on Wednesday, according to neighboring countries. Japan condemned the launch. The test may have been intended as a protest against upcoming military drills involving South Korea and the United States.
The Associated Press