WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, arguing that the drills are costly and send what he considers a hostile signal to North Korea.
Trump pointed to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and said Pyongyang has behaved more respectfully since he became president. North Korea, however, recently carried out ballistic missile tests in violation of United Nations resolutions.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises begin today and are scheduled to last ten days. South Korea’s Defense Ministry says the exercises will continue as planned. Around 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea.
Trump also criticized South Korea for declining a U.S. request to participate in efforts concerning the denuclearization of Iran.