Trump announces to end S. Korea-US joint military exercises, sparks concerns
- 6 years ago
President Trump announced after the summit with Kim Jong-un that he would end the 'wargames', the joint-military exercises, held by South Korea and the United States.
His comments sparked concerns among media outlets and experts.
Choi Si-young reports.
"We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see that the future negotiation is not going along like it should. But we will be saving a tremendous amount of money, plus I think it's very provocative."
In the press conference after the summit with Kim Jong-un, U.S. President Donald Trump said he will end the regular joint-military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
The drills consist of field training exercises and computerized command and control war simulations against a threat from North Korea.
Trump called the exercises "provocative" and "inappropriate" in light of improving relations with North Korea.
He added halting the drills will save money.
Some major U.S. newspapers expressed concerns about Trump's decision.
The New York Times called it a concession to North Korea and a gamble on Kim Jong-un's promise to scrap the North's nuclear weapons programs.
The Washington Post said Trump's move had significant political benefits for Chairman Kim.
And the Wall Street Journal said that in the past the U.S. had consistently rejected North Korea's demand to halt joint drills.
Some experts share similar views.
Former U.S. ambassador to South Korea Alexander Vershbow said ending the drills is a concession with nothing in return from North Korea.
The former ambassador added that regular exercises between the two allies is a must.
Victor Cha, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that the move could hurt the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
South Korea's defense ministry said it needs to understand the exact intention of President Trump's comments before commenting further.
Choi Si-young, Arirang News.
His comments sparked concerns among media outlets and experts.
Choi Si-young reports.
"We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see that the future negotiation is not going along like it should. But we will be saving a tremendous amount of money, plus I think it's very provocative."
In the press conference after the summit with Kim Jong-un, U.S. President Donald Trump said he will end the regular joint-military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
The drills consist of field training exercises and computerized command and control war simulations against a threat from North Korea.
Trump called the exercises "provocative" and "inappropriate" in light of improving relations with North Korea.
He added halting the drills will save money.
Some major U.S. newspapers expressed concerns about Trump's decision.
The New York Times called it a concession to North Korea and a gamble on Kim Jong-un's promise to scrap the North's nuclear weapons programs.
The Washington Post said Trump's move had significant political benefits for Chairman Kim.
And the Wall Street Journal said that in the past the U.S. had consistently rejected North Korea's demand to halt joint drills.
Some experts share similar views.
Former U.S. ambassador to South Korea Alexander Vershbow said ending the drills is a concession with nothing in return from North Korea.
The former ambassador added that regular exercises between the two allies is a must.
Victor Cha, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that the move could hurt the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
South Korea's defense ministry said it needs to understand the exact intention of President Trump's comments before commenting further.
Choi Si-young, Arirang News.