Seoul: The US and South Korea have reduced the duration of their joint military exercises. South Korea and the United States have shortened their annual joint military exercise, codenamed "Ulchi Freedom Shield," to five days from its original 11-day duration, and also reduced the scale of the field training. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's order to significantly reduce the level of U.S. military participation.
According to Thai News Agency, the militaries and defense ministries of both South Korea and the United States have stated that the military exercises, which began on August 17, will conclude on August 21, instead of the originally scheduled August 27. The second phase of the exercises, which focused on counter-attacks, has been canceled, and some parts have been modified to include computer simulations. They emphasized that the primary objective of personnel readiness remains the same.
The US leader's order to reduce military exercises came citing his good relationship with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. However, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told the House of Representatives that neither South Korea nor the US was informed in advance about President Trump's order.
South Korea's Foreign Minister further stated that the US President's decision was likely aimed at sending a signal to North Korea and pressuring the South Korean government on several outstanding issues, including accelerating the US$350 billion investment plan in the US under the trade agreement, as well as pressuring South Korea to support the US stance in the Iran-Iran conflict.
South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Dong-yong assessed that reducing the scale of military exercises, a matter that has consistently angered North Korea, could be a step toward another round of talks between President Trump and Kim. Reports indicate that the US side is urgently coordinating efforts to facilitate a meeting this fall.
Meanwhile, North Korean state media responded to the routine military exercises, criticizing the United States and South Korea for creating tension in the region and affirming its right to self-defense. However, there was no mention of President Trump or any order to reduce the scale of the exercises, which analysts see as leaving room for diplomatic opportunities.
This move also comes at the same time that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit South Korea to discuss regional security issues and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.