Trump’s Korea drill curtailment rattles allies but won’t derail deterrence
TL;DR
Trump directed reductions to the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea, triggering concern over optics and alliance cohesion, but defense officials say the security architecture on the Korean peninsula remains largely intact and the drills will be modified rather than cancelled as Seoul worries about attracting investment and North Korea continues missile tests.
- Trump’s threats to Seoul may be worse than their bite politico.com
- Joint military drills with South Korea cut short at US request, Seoul says CNN
- Seoul, Washington to halve joint drills as Trump reportedly seeks summit with North Korea's Kim CNBC
- Facing Quagmire in Iran, Trump Turns to a Familiar Face: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un The New York Times
- Kelly, Tillis urge Trump to reverse reduction to joint military exercises with South Korea thehill.com
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