President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, altering the scale of one of the key annual defense activities between the two countries.
CNN reported that Trump announced the decision Sunday, citing the cost of the exercises, South Korea’s lack of support for U.S. actions involving Iran, and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also argued that large-scale drills can send an unnecessarily hostile message toward North Korea.
The decision comes as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises get underway on the Korean Peninsula. The drills, involving thousands of South Korean military personnel, are designed to strengthen coordination and military readiness between Seoul and Washington.
South Korea’s military said the exercises began as scheduled Monday while officials reviewed Trump’s announcement and continued discussions with the United States.
Joint military drills have remained a central part of the U.S.-South Korea defense alliance. North Korea has repeatedly criticized them, while Washington and Seoul have described the training as defensive.