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South Korea, Japan, US to Hold Joint Military Drills in Early September
South Korea announced Friday it will conduct trilateral military exercises with Japan and the United States from 9 to 11 September to test readiness against North Korean missile and nuclear threats.
South Korea confirmed on Friday that it will carry out joint military drills with Japan and the United States between 9 and 11 September to assess defensive preparedness in response to missile and nuclear threats emanating from North Korea, according to Reuters.
Defensive “Freedom Edge” Exercises in International Waters
The annual “Freedom Edge” drills — described by Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff as defensive in nature — will take place in international waters south and east of South Korea’s Jeju Island, the military said in a statement issued from Seoul.
Shift in US–South Korea Exercise Policy Under Trump
These trilateral maneuvers follow a reduction by U.S. President Donald Trump in the scope of major bilateral exercises with South Korea. The United States subsequently canceled scheduled Marine Corps joint training set for next month.
Trump cited several reasons for the changes, including Seoul’s refusal to assist in the war against Iran. He also stated that this month’s “Ulchi Freedom Shield” exercise sent the wrong message to North Korea.
Trump Seeks New Summit with Kim Jong Un
Trump is pursuing a new summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following their previous meetings in 2018 and 2019.
North Sea Route Competition
Separately, South Korea is competing with China over the Northern Sea Route — the shortest maritime path to Europe.
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