Donald Trump has announced a significant reduction in US participation in military exercises with South Korea. The US president justifies this decision by citing the cost of these maneuvers and his desire to preserve his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He also believes that Pyongyang has been "non-threatening and respectful" since his return to the White House.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were scheduled to begin Monday and last for eleven days. They traditionally allow South Korean and American forces to prepare a joint response in the event of an attack from the North. Pyongyang regularly presents them as a rehearsal for an invasion and had warned that it might strengthen its deterrent capabilities in response to their organization. North Korea also fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.
A new sign of openness towards Pyongyang
The day before, Donald Trump had posted a photograph of his 2019 meeting with Kim Jong-un, accompanied by a message stating that the two leaders got along "very well." The reduction in military exercises thus reflects his desire to return to a more personal diplomacy, a style already emphasized during his first term. This decision could, however, worry Seoul, which depends on the American military presence in the face of a nuclear-armed North Korea.
In another message, the US president welcomed the defense pact concluded on August 7 between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. He believes this agreement will allow Middle Eastern states to ensure their security more effectively. Some analysts, however, see it as a sign of these countries' desire to diversify their alliances, at a time when the reliability of American protection is being questioned more and more in the region.
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