Kathmandu— Former US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, arguing that the drills are costly, send an inappropriate signal, and undermine his previously “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The decision, announced Sunday via a post on Truth Social, comes as Washington and Seoul prepare to begin the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises involving approximately 23,000 troops combined. Trump also criticized South Korea’s refusal to participate in a US campaign against Iran.

Exercising Concerns

Trump characterized the military drills as “costly” and “inappropriate,” asserting that North Korea was “unthreatening and respectful” during his time in office. He directed Secretary Pete Hegseth to “substantially reduce” the exercises, acknowledging it was too late for a full cancellation. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were scheduled to run from August 21st through August 27th, with around 18,000 South Korean and 5,000 US troops expected to participate.

Past Diplomacy and Current Tensions

During his first term, Trump pursued improved relations with North Korea, holding three meetings with Kim Jong-un and reducing the scale of joint military exercises. He notably became the first sitting US president to enter North Korea in 2019 during a meeting at the Demilitarized Zone. However, diplomatic efforts stalled, leading former President Joe Biden to strengthen military cooperation with South Korea and Japan, increasing joint drills and strategic weapon deployments. Pyongyang views these exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has responded by expanding its nuclear arsenal.

International Reactions

North Korea recently denounced the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises as a “new level of threat” and vowed to respond with increased deterrence measures. Russia also voiced support for North Korea’s security concerns, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating last month that Moscow no longer supports calls for denuclearization, citing expanded US military activity as justification for Pyongyang's nuclear program. Trump also criticized South Korea for declining to join a US campaign against Iran.

Seoul’s Position

Trump highlighted South Korea’s decision not to participate in the United States’ efforts regarding the “Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” expressing his dissatisfaction with their refusal.

The reduction in military exercises is likely to raise concerns among allies and could further complicate already tense relations on the Korean Peninsula. It remains unclear how significantly the drills will be scaled back or what impact this decision will have on future diplomatic efforts.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.