President Donald Trump said the United States could reduce its military exercises with South Korea. The statement came just before the two allies were due to begin their annual drills.
Trump said the exercises cost too much. He also said they could send a hostile message to North Korea. He pointed to his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said the United States had agreed to join the drills many years ago. He said the exercises were costly and that the United States paid much of the bill.
Trump also brought up South Korea’s refusal to help the United States in its actions against Iran.
The US president said he had asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung if Seoul wanted to join efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. Trump said South Korea replied with a clear refusal.
The remarks came before the start of Ulchi Freedom Shield. The annual exercise was scheduled to begin Monday and continue for 10 days.
A regional source said the drills began as planned on Monday morning. However, it was not clear if the size or scope of the exercises would later be changed.
The joint drills are an important part of the US and South Korean defense alliance. They help both sides train for a possible attack by North Korea.
This year’s exercise was also expected to focus on modern threats. Troops were set to train for drone attacks, GPS disruption and cyber attacks.
At least 18,000 South Korean troops were expected to take part. US troops and military equipment were also due to support the exercise.
The United States and South Korea have been military allies for more than 70 years. Their mutual defense treaty is mainly aimed at protecting South Korea from North Korea.
North Korea has built a large military force and developed nuclear weapons and long range missiles. Its growing weapons program remains a major security concern for the United States and South Korea.
The United States has a large military presence in South Korea. Camp Humphreys is the largest US military base outside the United States. Thousands of American troops, families and South Korean workers are based there.
North Korea has long opposed joint military exercises with the United States and South Korea. Its foreign ministry recently called the planned drills a rehearsal for an aggressive war.
Pyongyang has often warned that the exercises are a direct threat. Washington and Seoul say the drills are defensive and help their forces remain ready.
Trump’s latest remarks could lead to questions about future training. A smaller exercise could reduce US costs. But it could also affect the readiness of troops from both countries.
Trump has often urged US allies to provide more support. He has also criticized the cost of American military commitments in other countries.
His comments about South Korea came as Iran remained a major issue for his administration. Trump has asked allies to support US efforts, but South Korea chose not to join the US campaign.
The decision puts Seoul in a delicate position. South Korea relies on its alliance with Washington for security. At the same time, it must manage risks on the Korean Peninsula.
For now, the latest military exercise is going ahead. The bigger question is whether Trump’s comments will lead to a long term reduction in future drills.
Any major change could affect the wider security balance in East Asia. It could also shape how North Korea views the US and South Korean alliance.
The issue reflects a wider debate over the role of US allies. Trump wants partners to share more of the burden. South Korea, meanwhile, must balance its support for Washington with its own defense needs and regional concerns.
