Seoul hopes for US-N Korea talks after Trump downsizes drills

South Korea yesterday expressed hopes for resumption of diplomacy between the US and North Korea to ease animosities on the Korean Peninsula, as US President Donald Trump’s order to cut military exercises with Seoul caused concerns it might hurt the allies’ readiness against North Korean threats.

Trump cited his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the decision, a likely bid to re-engage with Kim, who views US-South Korean military exercises as invasion rehearsals.

However, experts say Kim, emboldened by his advancing nuclear arsenal and expanding military cooperation with Russia, is not likely return to talks unless he is assured of serious US concessions.

US military vehicles gather to cross a river at a training field in Yeoncheon, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, yesterday.

Photo: AP

The 11-day, summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began yesterday morning as scheduled and it was not known which parts of the training were being downsized.

Trump’s announcement baffled many in South Korea, a key US ally in Asia where national security is a top priority due to threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Trump said in a social media post that the exercises are not only costly, but “send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile” to North Korea, which he said “has been unthreatening and respectful” during his time in the White House.

Members of the Korean Peace Solidarity for Sovereignty and Reunification shout slogans outside the US embassy in Seoul yesterday.

Photo: EPA

Trump instructed US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “substantially reduce” the exercises.

He added that he recently asked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung if Seoul would join the US in the “denuclearization” of Iran, “and they said, ‘No thanks!’”

Trump’s move is the latest example of the US president appearing to turn against an ally in favor of a leader cast by previous administrations as an adversary.

Trump and others in his administration have also railed against NATO allies over a perceived lack of support for his war against Iran, even as they seek to confront an increasingly aggressive Russia in the Baltic region.

The trust many South Koreans have in the US has eroded following a tariff war instigated by Trump’s administration and his transactional approach to security.

The office of South Korea’s president later yesterday said that the government hopes “friendly relationship” between Trump and Kim would lead to “meaningful dialogue” between the US and North Korea, and start discussions on promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea will make necessary diplomatic efforts for that, it added.

South Korea and the US are closely discussing practical and military contributions that can be made to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, it said.