01 / 10
Trump orders reduced US-South Korea exercises
Trump ordered a reduction in joint exercises with South Korea while the annual drill continued as scheduled.
What happened
President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce US participation in annual military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Seoul said Ulchi Freedom Shield would proceed as scheduled and was reviewing his comments. Trump said cancellation came too late.
Numbers
- 18,000 troopsSouth Korean personnel in the drill
- 11 daysPlanned duration of the annual exercise
- 28,500 troopsUS troops stationed in South Korea
Questions
- What is Ulchi Freedom Shield for?
- The annual exercise is designed to improve combined readiness against North Korean threats, and North Korea has regularly condemned the drills.
- Why did Trump mention Iran?
- Trump cited South Korea’s refusal to join US efforts to denuclearise Iran, while describing that issue as somewhat unrelated.
- How did Seoul respond?
- Seoul said it was reviewing Trump’s comments and would continue consultations on military cooperation, hoping Washington-Pyongyang relations could support talks.
- What is the earlier dispute?
- Trump has previously sought to limit the exercises and clashed with Seoul over sharing costs for US forces stationed there.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
The catch
Coverage does not specify which parts of the drill the Pentagon will reduce.