South Korea and the United States on Monday began the annual overseas Freedom Shield military exercise, the aim was to strengthen the readiness against the North Korean threat.
The two countries say the 11-day military programs, including computer simulation and field training involving 21,000 soldiers, are defensive in nature.
However, Pyongyang has practiced as “military conflicts” in a statement last week and vow to respond to any “provocative”.
A similar round between the US and South Korea was held in March.
North has often used search drills on the pretext of missile launch or other military performances.
In 2023, Pyongyang drilled a fake “strategic nuclear attack” as a reaction to American-south Korea military exercises.
Trump wants high payment for American troops in South Korea
The joint drill is a sensitive time for the new President of South Korea, Li J-Mung, ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on 25 August.
Trump has earlier demanded high payment for 28,500 US troops deployed in South Korea.
The Trump administration has indicated possible changes in the decades -old alliance as Washington focuses its strategic focus to China.
North Korean leader Kim Jong, as South Korean President, told Seoul about diplomacy and intensified his weapon program and deepened military relations with Russia, with soldiers to the Ukrainian front.
Lee wants to improve north-south relations
Meanwhile, Lee ordered his cabinet to prepare a partial step-by-step implementation of existing agreements with North Korea on Monday, to improve relations with North.
Lee said during a cabinet meeting, “What is needed now, courage to reduce constant stress, a firmly maintained of iron safety readiness,”. “South and North Korea are important for protecting the national interests of South Korea and expanding space to conduct diplomatic external conditions in front of the rapidly changing external conditions.”
Lee did not exist at all what agreements could be implemented with the answer. But last week, he wanted to restore the 2018 agreement to suspend some military activity with the border with North Korea.
Monday’s military exercises, including four-day civil defense programs in South Korea, collect thousands of government workers along with practice.
Scene edited by Sinico
