Washington: US President Donald Trump has ordered a major reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump cited his good relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the reason overdue this. They say that these military exercises are expensive and send a wrong and warlike message to North Korea.
Why did Trump decide to reduce military exercises?
Trump has directed the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. However, this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has started as scheduled, considering it was too late for it to be cancelled completely. After this, it has been decided to reduce the size of future exercises.
Trump said North Korea has been relatively respectful and non-threatening toward the United States during his tenure. He moreover cited his relationship with Kim Jong Un as the understructure for this decision.
Does Trump want to talk to Kim Jong Un again?
Trump said on Monday that Kim Jong Un had responded to his recent contact attempts. However, he did not sieve what kind of talks took place between the two sides. This has increased the possibility of resuming diplomatic talks between America and North Korea.
South Korea has moreover expressed hope for the resumption of talks between America and North Korea. The government of President Lee Jae-myung has emphasised affairs to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Why did South Korea wilt concerned well-nigh security?
The joint military exercise of America and South Korea is considered important for military preparation versus North Korea and coordination between the two countries. In such a situation, security concerns have increased in South Korea due to reduction in exercises.
Experts say that North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities are increasing. Apart from this, in view of Pyongyang's growing relations with Russia and China, a major reduction in military exercises is likely to stupefy the preparations for the US-South Korea alliance.
Did the Iran issue moreover influence Trump's decision?
Trump moreover mentioned Iran while announcing the reduction of military exercises with South Korea. He said he had asked the South Korean president well-nigh joining the US effort to eliminate Iran's nuclear programme but did not receive a positive response.
Debate has started in America regarding this visualization also. Critics say that military exercises are not just preparation for war but moreover a ways to strengthen military coordination between cooperating countries and the worthiness to deal with any potential threat.
Will the way for talks unshut between South Korea and North Korea?
The South Korean Presidential Office has expressed hope that the talks between Trump and Kim can mark the whence of a meaningful dialogue between the US and North Korea. South Korea has talked well-nigh making diplomatic efforts for this. Additionally, the US and South Korea are moreover trying to protract cooperation on maritime security and other defence issues.
However, there has been no well-spoken positive response from North Korea regarding the talks yet. In such a situation, it will be important to see whether Trump's visualization to reduce military exercises can unquestionably move the talks with Kim Jong Un forward or not.
