PREVIEW

Japan, South Korea Stress Security Cooperation After Trump Scales Back Defence Drills. Japan and South Korea have stressed the importance of maintaining close security cooperation with the United States after President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises. Trump announced on Sunday that he wanted to reduce what he described as “inappropriate and hostile” drills with South Korea, raising concerns among Washington’s Asian allies. Japan said on Tuesday that trilateral security cooperation between Tokyo, Seoul and Washington remained “critical” to regional stability. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed that the alliance with Washington remains fundamental, while insisting that Seoul would continue strengthening its own defence capabilities. Lee also said the joint exercises are defensive in nature and are not intended to threaten or attack North Korea, as Seoul sought to maintain the military partnership despite Trump's decision. The decision to scale back the exercises comes as Washington faces a broader challenge in Asia, where military cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo is seen as an important deterrent against North Korea. However, Trump has highlighted his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying their ties have helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The US president said Kim had responded positively to messages from him, although he provided no details about the contacts or whether they could lead to renewed talks.
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