North Korea stated on Wednesday that the US decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea does not alter their provocative nature, dampening hopes for renewed diplomacy between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.
The influential sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, made these remarks on Wednesday evening. They marked Pyongyang’s first response to Trump’s move to sharply cut the annual US‑South Korea drills. In a statement released by state media, Kim Yo Jong said, “We believe this is not worth commenting on, and we have no interest in it.” She added, “The provocative and aggressive character of the exercises will remain unchanged, even though their duration and scale have been reduced.”
Her comments came hours after South Korean and US military officials confirmed a substantial scaling back of the joint exercises. This followed Trump’s order, apparently aimed at reviving dialogue with Kim Jong Un.
Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the allies’ summer drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, just before they were to begin on Monday. The exercises had been planned for 11 days. Trump cited what he described as good relations with Kim and South Korea’s refusal to back him on Iran.
South Korean officials said Trump’s unexpected announcement was made without prior notice, confusing many in the country and raising concerns about joint defence readiness.
South Korea’s military reported on Wednesday that the allies had agreed to adjust the exercises’ duration and scope at the US’s request. The current drills will conclude on Friday instead of August 27, as originally scheduled, and some joint field training will be reduced.
The Pentagon said it “continues exercises that enhance tactical capabilities,” though several activities have been cancelled or converted to simulations. The statement added, “These adjustments preserve the core readiness and training objectives. US training goals will not be degraded.”
Source: AP
